Intune Deployment for Identity Security & Endpoint Management

Microsoft Intune and Entra ID Modernization for Secure Device Management

Strengthening Security and Device Management Within Budget Constraints

This Virginia county government agency sought to improve identity management, endpoint security, and remote administration capabilities while operating within a carefully defined budget. The agency needed to modernize its Microsoft environment by strengthening identity protection, improving device management, and reducing manual IT processes. However, budget limitations required the project to focus on essential security and management capabilities while deferring advanced features such as Privileged Identity Management (PIM), passwordless authentication, Windows Autopilot deployment, and advanced risk-based Conditional Access policies.

The agency also needed to establish seamless synchronization between its on-premises Active Directory environment and Microsoft Entra ID while improving management of their 135 existing devices. Additionally, administrators required secure access to critical remote support and VPN applications while maintaining compliance with modern cybersecurity best practices.

To address these challenges, the agency partnered with Data Networks to implement an Intune deployment that modernized identity management, strengthened endpoint security, and streamlined IT administration.

Implementing Secure Identity and Access Management

Data Networks began the engagement by configuring bi-directional synchronization between Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID. This integration created a unified identity platform that improved user lifecycle management, reduced administrative complexity, and ensured consistent identity records across cloud and on-premises environments.

As part of the Intune deployment, Data Networks implemented Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Conditional Access policies for administrative users. These controls strengthened account security by requiring additional identity verification and enforcing access restrictions designed to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

The project also included the deployment of Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) capabilities for Microsoft Entra ID Premium P1 users. This functionality empowered users to securely reset passwords without IT intervention, reducing support requests and improving productivity.

To simplify application access while maintaining strong security controls, Data Networks configured a centralized Single Sign-On (SSO) portal for key administrative applications, including Splashtop and SonicWall Remote Access VPN. This streamlined the authentication experience while improving visibility and governance of application access.

Enhancing Endpoint Management Through Intune Deployment

The core of the project focused on modernizing endpoint management through Microsoft Intune. Data Networks developed and deployed policies that enabled the agency’s existing Windows devices to be automatically enrolled into Intune, creating a centralized platform for device management without requiring costly manual enrollment efforts.

The Intune deployment also included automated application delivery and management. Splashtop and SonicWall Remote Access VPN were deployed through Intune, enabling IT administrators to centrally manage software installation, updates, and configuration settings. This automation significantly reduced manual administrative effort while improving consistency across managed devices.

In addition, Data Networks applied foundational security and management policies to enrolled devices, improving endpoint visibility, strengthening device control, and establishing a framework for future security enhancements.

Following implementation, Data Networks performed comprehensive testing and validation of device enrollment, identity synchronization, Conditional Access policies, MFA enforcement, application deployment, and SSO functionality. Detailed documentation covering Intune configurations, Active Directory synchronization, Entra ID settings, and security policies was delivered to support ongoing administration.

The project concluded with structured knowledge transfer sessions focused on Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Entra ID, and Conditional Access management. These sessions equipped the county government’s IT staff with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage the new environment.

The completed Intune deployment delivered a secure, scalable, and centrally managed platform for identity and endpoint management. By leveraging Microsoft Intune and Entra ID, the county government agency improved security, simplified administration, automated key processes, and established a strong foundation for future digital workplace initiatives.

Tags: SLG, local government, data center, datacenter