12 Microsoft 365 Security Features and Best Practice Guidance – 7: Securing Endpoints with Intune

What is it?

Microsoft Intune (also historically referred to as Windows Intune) is a cloud-based endpoint management solution that enables you to manage and secure your users’ devices, whether they’re Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android.

It allows organisations to enforce security policies, ensure devices are compliant, roll out applications, and keep endpoints protected from threats through integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.

With hybrid and remote working now the norm, securing endpoints through Intune ensures your data is protected no matter where your users are.

Why is this important?

• Centralised control of endpoint configuration and compliance

• Enforces security standards such as encryption, antivirus and OS patching

• Supports zero trust principles by verifying devices before access is granted

• Reduces risk of data leaks or breaches from unmanaged or non-compliant devices

• Works seamlessly with conditional access and Defender for Endpoint

A strong endpoint security posture is critical for protecting your users, your data and your reputation. Intune gives you the tools to achieve that without complex infrastructure.

What are the plans available?

• Intune Plan 1: Included with Microsoft 365 E3, E5, F1 and F3; Enterprise Mobility + Security E3 and E5; and Microsoft 365 Business Premium plans- including versions of these suites that do not include Microsoft Teams.

• Intune Plan 2: An add-on to Microsoft Intune Plan 1 that provides advanced endpoint management capabilities. Intune Plan 2 is also included as part of the Microsoft Intune Suite.

• Intune Suite: An add-on to Microsoft Intune Plan 1 that brings together mission-critical, advanced endpoint management and security solutions.

Depending on your licensing, you may also have access to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, which tightly integrates with Intune for advanced threat protection.

Real world scenario

A professional services client of ours had a mobile workforce with a mix of personal and company devices accessing sensitive client data. There was no consistent patching policy, and devices were often left without updates or antivirus protection.

Through our Endpoint Management Service, HybrIT:

• Enrolled all devices into Intune (Windows, macOS, Android and iOS)

• Deployed baseline security policies including encryption, antivirus, and password enforcement

• Rolled out Defender for Endpoint for real-time threat detection

• Created compliance policies and conditional access rules to block non-compliant devices

• Set up automated patch management and monitoring

The result? Full visibility of the device estate, consistent security policies across all endpoints, and far fewer security incidents related to outdated or vulnerable devices.

Best practice tips

• Standardise device builds – use Windows Autopilot and configuration profiles

• Use compliance policies – only allow access from secure, healthy devices

• Enable Defender for Endpoint – get real-time threat protection and insights

• Automate updates – ensure operating systems and apps stay patched

• Protect personal devices – use app protection and data wipe controls

• Segment access with conditional access – restrict risky users or devices

• Monitor with reports – stay on top of compliance, threats and user activity

Intune Feature Availability

Here’s a useful table showing key Intune features and which device types they’re available for, helping you understand how each capability applies across desktops, laptops and mobile devices.

✅ Yes – fully supported⚠️ Limited – available with restrictions or only in specific apps❌ No – not applicable or not supported

How HybrIT can help configure this

At HybrIT, we’ve got extensive experience deploying and managing Intune environments across a wide range of organisations, from small businesses with as few as 25 users, right through to large UK super colleges managing over 15,000 devices.

No matter the size or complexity of your estate, our team of consultants are industry experts in Microsoft 365 security and endpoint management. We understand the real-world challenges of managing devices across multiple locations, departments, and user types, and we tailor our approach to suit your environment.

We can help you get the most out of Intune by:

• Auditing your current device landscape and identifying risks

• Setting up device enrolment processes and compliance policies that fit your organisation’s needs

• Deploying security baselines and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for full protection

• Creating robust app protection policies for BYOD and hybrid working scenarios

• Automating software and OS patching to close common security gaps

• Providing clear documentation and training to your IT team and end users

• Continually monitoring your estate and making proactive recommendations as your needs evolve

Jumpstart Packages

We offer Intune Jumpstart packages designed to get you up and running quickly with essential security and management features enabled straight out of the box. These packages include a curated set of best practice configurations such as device enrolment, compliance policies, security baselines, app deployment, and integration with Microsoft Defender. It’s an ideal starting point for organisations looking to secure their devices fast without the complexity and our consultants can tailor it further to suit your specific environment as needed.

Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to optimise and secure an existing setup, we’ll work alongside you to strengthen your endpoint security in line with Microsoft best practices.

Our team would love to talk to you about how we can help protect your devices, data and users and give you complete confidence in your security posture.

📞 Call us on 03330 156 702

📧 Email hello@hybrit.co.uk