Ensuring that devices comply with organizational policies and meet minimum OS version requirements can be a complex challenge for IT administrators. With an ever-evolving technology landscape, maintaining compliance policies in Microsoft Intune often requires constant attention and meticulous management. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. By automating the compliance process, organizations can streamline their operations, reduce manual errors, and enhance security.
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The challenge of manual compliance management
Managing compliance policies effectively is critical to the security and functionality of an organization’s device fleet. However, the traditional approach of manually updating compliance policies can lead to significant challenges.
Initially, it may seem straightforward to update the minimum OS versions on compliance policies; yet, as time progresses, these updates can easily be overlooked. What starts as a monthly review can quickly turn into a sporadic task, leaving devices vulnerable due to outdated software. This inconsistency can have serious ramifications, including security vulnerabilities and non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
The importance of automation
To address these challenges, automating compliance policy updates is essential for several reasons:
- Security: Automating updates ensures all devices run the latest OS versions, mitigating vulnerabilities.
- Compliance: Organizations can meet regulatory and internal standards more effectively.
- Efficiency: Automation reduces the manual workload and minimizes human errors associated with regular updates.
A seamless solution using automation tools
Fortunately, there is an efficient way to automate compliance policy updates in Intune by leveraging tools such as Graph API, PowerShell, Azure, and Azure Automation Runbooks. By utilizing resources like the WindowsOSBuild GitHub repository, IT teams can create scripts that automatically pull the latest OS build information, ensuring devices remain compliant without continuous manual oversight.
Key advantages of automation:
- Consistency: Automated processes eliminate the need for manual updates, ensuring compliance policies are consistently applied.
- Accuracy: Automated scripts pull the most current OS version data, reducing the risk of errors that can occur with manual updates.
- Resource Savings: Organizations can save valuable time and resources, allowing IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine tasks.
Getting started with automation
To set up an automated compliance policy update solution, organizations must meet several prerequisites:
- Azure Subscription: Verify that a valid Azure subscription is in place.
- Administrative Rights: Users should possess contributor or owner permissions within Azure.
- Intune Licensing: Ensure that the required Intune licenses are acquired.
- Windows Update Rings: Begin with a single update ring for demonstration purposes, though it’s advisable to use multiple rings in a production setting.
Creating compliance policies in Intune
- 1. Log in to the Microsoft Intune Admin Center: Access the admin center with appropriate credentials.
- 2. Navigate to Devices: Under the Devices section, select Windows, then go to Windows Update Rings.
- 3. Create an Update Ring: Click on “+ Create profile” and enter the necessary details such as name and update settings.
- 4. Assign the Update Ring: Assign the update ring to relevant user or device groups.
- 5. Review and Save: Confirm the settings and save the new configuration.
Automation with Azure Runbooks
Once your compliance policies are set up, the next step is to create Azure Runbooks that utilize the WindowsOSBuild module to automate the update process. This involves:
- Creating an Automation Account: Set up a new automation account in Azure.
- Importing Required Modules: Import the WindowsOSBuild module into your Automation Account.
- Writing PowerShell Scripts: Develop scripts that automate the creation and updating of compliance policies based on the latest OS versions.
Conclusion
Automating device compliance policies in Microsoft Intune is a strategic move that can significantly enhance the security and efficiency of device management within your organization. By adopting this automated approach, organizations not only maintain compliance but also save valuable time and resources. As a trusted partner in digital transformation, AVASOFT is here to help organizations streamline their device compliance processes and ensure their technology landscape remains secure and up to date.
