Microsoft Intune helps businesses manage devices by providing a single, cloud-based platform to enrol, configure, secure, update and monitor endpoints across Windows, macOS, IOS/iPadOS, Android and Linux. Intune is one of the strongest tools you can use to meet Cyber Essentials and other UK accreditations because it directly enforces the technical controls those schemes require.

Intune supports Secure configuration:

Cyber Essentials requires devices to be securely configured. Intune enforces this through;

• Setting security baselines e.g. Disable macros, Enforce secure password policies.
• Device configuration profiles. With these you can enforce: BitLocker encryption, Minimum password length, Require PIN/Biometrics, Disable USB storage.

Intune supports Firewalls:

Cyber Essentials requires firewalls to be enabled and configured. Intune provides this by:

• Windows Firewall policy enforcement
• Application control (App locker / Smart app control)
• Network protection via Defender for Endpoint

Intune supports User Access Control:

Cyber Essentials requires strong authentication. With Intune and Entra ID you can enforce:

• MFA for all users
• Conditional Access (Blocking non-complaint devices)
• Local admin restrictions

Intune supports Security update management:

Cyber Essentials requires timely OS and application patching. Intune enforces this by:

• Pushing out windows updates automatically via update rings.
• Third party/ bespoke apps can also be patched and enforced.
• Compliance policies requiring minimum patch levels

Intune Supports Malware protection:

Cyber Essentials requires anti-malware on all devices. Intune enforces malware protection through the use of Defender for Endpoint. Which provides real-time protection, tamper protection. If Defender detects malware, the device will become non-compliant and Conditional access will block access

For secure configuration, Intune ensures that both iOS and Android devices follow a hardened baseline, iPhones and iPads can be required to use a proper passcode, biometric unlock, automated updates and encrypted storage. Jailbroken devices are blocked automatically via a compliance policy.

Android devices receive similar treatment. Intune enforces PIN or biometric unlock, encryption, Play Protect (Android’s built in malware defense), automatic updates and prevention of sideloading apps from an unknown source. In both ecosystems, Intune removes the variability that usually makes mobile devices a compliance risk. Instead of hoping users have configured their devices securely, Intune will guarantee it.