The Hidden Microsoft Intune Features That Most Admins Miss
Unlock The Enterprise-Level Security Hidden In Your Microsoft Subscription
Microsoft Intune offers powerful security capabilities that remain undiscovered by most IT administrators overwhelmed by its complex interface. The platform actually contains enterprise-grade protections that many organizations are already paying for but not utilizing. These advanced features provide zero-trust architecture enforcement without requiring additional security tools. Configuring these capabilities correctly can eliminate multiple security gaps while simultaneously reducing overall tool sprawl. Our managed IT security services can help you unlock these hidden Intune capabilities.
Beyond Basic Mobile Device Management
Most administrators think of Intune as just another mobile device management solution when it’s actually a comprehensive endpoint security platform. The system extends far beyond simple app distribution and device enrollment into advanced compliance enforcement across your entire fleet. Modern Intune implementations can enforce USB restrictions, detect jailbroken devices, and even isolate compromised endpoints before they spread threats. Implementing our unified security platform alongside Intune creates multiple layers of protection that dramatically reduce your attack surface.Automated Compliance Enforcement Without User Friction
Many organizations struggle with balancing security requirements against user experience, but Intune’s conditional access policies solve this fundamental tension. These policies automatically evaluate device health, location, risk level and user behavior before granting resource access. The system can require additional authentication steps only when suspicious activity is detected rather than burdening users constantly. This adaptive approach maintains security while eliminating unnecessary friction that drives users to find workarounds. Properly configured conditional access creates security that adapts to real-world threats instead of constantly interrupting productive work.Application Protection Beyond Traditional Containers
Intune’s application protection policies provide data protection even on unmanaged personal devices without requiring full device enrollment. The technology creates secure containers around individual applications that prevent data leakage without taking control of the entire device. These protections can prevent copying between work and personal applications while still allowing normal productivity. Application-level protection respects user privacy while maintaining organizational security boundaries. Our secure BYOD solutions leverage these capabilities to protect corporate data without invading personal privacy.Simplified Security Baseline Deployment
Many administrators miss Intune’s security baseline templates that instantly align endpoint configurations with security frameworks like NIST and CIS. These pre-configured policies eliminate hundreds of manual settings adjustments normally required to harden devices properly. The templates continuously update as new security recommendations emerge without requiring constant administrator research. Security baselines can be deployed across thousands of devices simultaneously with consistent enforcement. Our compliance automation platform extends these baselines with continuous monitoring and remediation.Cloud-Native Threat Detection And Response
Few organizations realize that Intune seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to provide advanced threat detection capabilities. This integration enables real-time identification of malware, suspicious behavior, and active attacks across your device fleet. The system can automatically isolate compromised devices to prevent lateral movement while security teams investigate. Threat intelligence from Microsoft’s global sensor network continuously improves detection without requiring manual signature updates. This cloud-native approach delivers enterprise security operations center capabilities to organizations of all sizes.Custom Compliance Policies For Unique Requirements
While standard templates cover most scenarios, Intune’s custom compliance policies allow organizations to address unique security requirements specific to their environment. These policies can check registry values, installed applications, encryption status, and even custom script outputs to validate device compliance. The platform can enforce remediation actions ranging from alerts to complete access restriction based on compliance results. Custom policies ensure that specialized security requirements aren’t overlooked in your security architecture. This flexibility adapts to your specific risk profile rather than forcing generic solutions.Automated Device Provisioning Without IT Involvement
Microsoft Autopilot within Intune eliminates the traditional imaging process by automatically configuring devices to your security specifications without IT handling. The technology transforms the out-of-box experience into a zero-touch enrollment flow that applies your security policies before the device ever connects to corporate resources. Users receive a fully configured, secured device without waiting for IT provisioning queues. This approach maintains security standards while dramatically reducing deployment costs. Our zero-touch provisioning services leverage these capabilities to eliminate deployment backlogs.Granular Application Control Without Performance Impacts
Intune’s Win32 app management capabilities extend far beyond basic app installation to provide sophisticated application control. The platform can deploy applications with custom installation requirements, validate successful installation, and remove unauthorized software automatically. Administrators can create dependency chains to ensure applications install in the correct order with their required components. This approach maintains strict software control without the performance impacts of traditional application whitelisting. Our application management solution extends these controls with vulnerability scanning and patch automation.Integration With Existing Security Investments
Organizations with established security tools often miss Intune’s extensive integration capabilities with third-party security solutions. The platform offers API connections to hundreds of security products to create a unified security ecosystem rather than isolated tools. These integrations allow security information to flow between systems for more comprehensive protection and simplified management. Security teams gain consolidated visibility across multiple protection layers without switching between interfaces. This unified approach eliminates security gaps that typically exist between disconnected security tools.The Ultimate Microsoft Intune Implementation Checklist
Ready to unlock Intune’s full potential? Start with these critical steps that most organizations miss:
- Implement security baselines aligned with your compliance requirements
- Configure conditional access policies based on device risk and location
- Enable application protection policies for BYOD scenarios
- Integrate with Microsoft Defender for advanced threat protection
- Deploy automated provisioning through Windows Autopilot
- Implement device encryption requirements with enforcement
- Configure USB and peripheral restrictions based on risk profile
- Establish application control policies to prevent unauthorized software
- Enable automated remediation workflows for non-compliant devices
- Implement continuous compliance monitoring with alerts
Let our Microsoft-certified security team configure these advanced features for you. Schedule Your Intune Assessment →
Microsoft Intune
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microsoft Intune and how does it differ from traditional MDM?
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management solution that goes beyond traditional MDM by integrating device management, application control, and security policies in a single platform. Unlike legacy solutions, Intune manages Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices without on-premises infrastructure. Our managed IT services leverage Intune's advanced capabilities for comprehensive endpoint security.
How much does Microsoft Intune cost and what licensing is required?
Microsoft Intune is available standalone ($8/user/month) or included in Microsoft 365 E3/E5, Business Premium, and Enterprise Mobility + Security subscriptions. Most organizations with existing Microsoft 365 business or enterprise plans already have Intune licenses. Our licensing optimization services help you maximize existing investments without unnecessary costs.
What are conditional access policies in Intune and how do they work?
Conditional access policies evaluate multiple factors (device compliance, user identity, location, risk signals) before granting resource access. These policies enforce zero-trust principles by requiring appropriate authentication based on context rather than assuming network trust. Our zero trust implementation builds on conditional access for comprehensive security.
Can Intune manage both company-owned and personal devices effectively?
Yes, Intune offers comprehensive management for corporate devices while providing application-level protection for personal devices (BYOD) without controlling the entire device. This flexibility protects corporate data without compromising personal privacy. Our BYOD security services implement the right balance between security and user experience.
What is the difference between Intune and Microsoft Endpoint Manager?
Microsoft Endpoint Manager is the unified management platform that includes Intune (cloud-based), Configuration Manager (on-premises), and co-management capabilities. When accessing the admin center, you're technically using Endpoint Manager, while Intune refers specifically to the cloud component. Our endpoint management solutions leverage both platforms for optimal management.
How does Intune handle application deployment and management?
Intune deploys applications through direct assignment, Company Portal availability, or required installations across various app types (Microsoft Store, Win32, mobile apps). The platform offers sophisticated deployment options with custom installation requirements and configuration policies. Our application management services streamline deployment while ensuring security compliance.
What security features does Intune provide for mobile devices?
Intune secures mobile devices through encryption enforcement, passcode requirements, jailbreak detection, and application-level protections. The platform creates separate work profiles on Android and leverages native iOS security capabilities while preventing data movement between managed and personal apps. Our mobile security solutions build on these features with additional threat protection.
What are the most common challenges when implementing Intune?
Common Intune implementation challenges include policy conflicts, limited testing environments, user communication issues, and legacy management migration complexities. Successful implementations require phased approaches with proper testing environments. Our Intune specialists overcome these challenges with proven methodology and experience.
What certifications and compliance standards does Intune support?
Microsoft Intune maintains numerous compliance certifications including FedRAMP High, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. The platform provides security baselines aligned with NIST, CIS, and industry-specific frameworks with customizable policies for regulatory requirements. Our compliance services ensure Intune configurations meet your specific regulatory requirements.
