Intune Zero Trust Implementation: Complete Guide - CyberSystem Blog

Zero Trust is a security model that assumes no implicit trust and verifies every request as if it originates from an untrusted network. Microsoft Intune plays a crucial role in implementing Zero Trust by managing device compliance, app protection, and integrating with Conditional Access to enforce secure access policies.

Understanding Zero Trust with Intune

Zero Trust with Microsoft Intune involves implementing multiple layers of protection to verify explicitly, use least privilege access, and assume breach. Intune provides device management, compliance policies, and app protection capabilities that are essential components of a Zero Trust architecture.

Zero Trust Principles

Verify Explicitly: Always authenticate and authorize based on all available data points
Use Least Privilege Access: Limit user access with Just-In-Time and Just-Enough-Access
Assume Breach: Minimize blast radius and segment access

For an overview, see Manage devices with Intune Overview.

Implementing Zero Trust Layers

Step 1: Implement App Protection Policies

App protection policies provide the foundation for Zero Trust by protecting data at the application level, even without device enrollment.

Configuration:

Create app protection policies for iOS/iPadOS and Android
Configure data protection settings
Set access requirements (PIN, biometric)
Integrate with Conditional Access

Recommended Level: Start with Level 2 - Enterprise Enhanced Data Protection.

For guidance, see Step 1. Implement app protection policies.

Step 2: Enroll Devices to Intune

Enroll devices to enable full device management capabilities:

Windows Enrollment Options:

Microsoft Entra join with automatic enrollment
Windows Autopilot
Group Policy enrollment
Co-management with Configuration Manager

Mobile Device Enrollment:

iOS/iPadOS: Apple Business Manager / User enrollment
Android: Android Enterprise enrollment
macOS: User-initiated enrollment

For details, see Step 2. Enroll devices into management with Intune.

Step 3: Configure Compliance Policies

Define device compliance requirements:

Key Settings:

Require device encryption
Require password/PIN
Require minimum OS version
Require threat protection

Integration: Coordinate with Conditional Access to require compliant devices.

For guidance, see Step 3. Set up compliance policies for devices with Intune.

Step 4: Require Compliant Devices

Integrate compliance with Conditional Access:

Create Conditional Access policy in Microsoft Entra ID
Require device to be marked as compliant
Test in report-only mode first
Enable after validation

For details, see Step 4. Require healthy and compliant devices with Intune.

Step 5: Deploy Configuration Profiles

Deploy device configuration profiles to harden devices:

Security Settings:

Windows security baselines
Endpoint protection settings
Firewall configuration
BitLocker encryption

For guidance, see Step 5. Deploy device profiles in Microsoft Intune.

Step 6: Monitor Device Risk

Integrate with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint:

Connect Intune to Defender for Endpoint
Monitor device risk levels
Use risk signals in Conditional Access
Block high-risk devices

For details, see Step 6. Monitor device risk and compliance for security baselines.

Zero Trust Policy Levels

Starting Point Policies

Use When:

Beginning Zero Trust implementation
Don't require device enrollment
Need quick protection

Includes:

App protection policies (Level 2)
Conditional Access requiring approved apps
MFA requirements

Enterprise Policies (Recommended)

Use When:

Devices are enrolled
Full device management needed
Enhanced security required

Includes:

Device compliance policies
Conditional Access requiring compliant devices
Security baselines
Configuration profiles

Specialized Policies

Use When:

High-security requirements
Specialized scenarios
Advanced threat protection needed

Includes:

Advanced compliance settings
Mobile Threat Defense integration
Enhanced monitoring

For policy details, see Zero Trust identity and device access configurations.

Prerequisites

Before implementing Zero Trust with Intune:

Licensing: Microsoft 365 E3 or E5
Microsoft Entra ID: P1 or P2 for Conditional Access
Intune Subscription: Active Intune license
User Registration: Register users for MFA and SSPR
Network Locations: Configure named locations in Microsoft Entra ID

For detailed prerequisites, see Prerequisite work for implementing Zero Trust identity and device access policies.

Best Practices

1. Start with Starting Point

Begin with app protection policies
Don't require device enrollment initially
Enable MFA
Require approved apps

2. Gradual Rollout

Start with pilot groups
Monitor impact
Adjust policies
Expand gradually

3. Coordinate Teams

Work with identity team
Align Intune and Conditional Access policies
Ensure user groups match
Document policy relationships

4. Monitor and Adjust

Review policy impact regularly
Monitor device compliance
Track access patterns
Adjust based on findings

5. Test Before Enforcement

Use report-only mode
Review policy impact
Validate expected behavior
Enable after testing

Additional Resources

Conclusion

Implementing Zero Trust with Intune requires a layered approach combining app protection, device compliance, and Conditional Access. By following these steps:

✅ Start with app protection policies
✅ Enroll devices for full management
✅ Configure compliance policies
✅ Integrate with Conditional Access
✅ Monitor and adjust continuously

You can establish a comprehensive Zero Trust architecture that protects your organization's resources while maintaining user productivity.

Remember: Zero Trust is a journey, not a destination. Start with the starting point policies and gradually enhance your security posture as you enroll devices and implement additional controls.