In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, businesses rely on secure, efficient, and centralised systems to manage their devices and users. Microsoft Intune, part of Microsoft’s Endpoint Manager suite, is designed to meet these needs — yet, for many organisations, its full potential remains untapped.
The reasons are varied. Often, it comes down to a lack of awareness of the platform’s extensive capabilities. In some cases, even an experienced Managed Service Provider might implement the basics but overlook features that significantly enhance security and productivity. This is where having a knowledgeable, detail-focused MSP in London can make all the difference.
In this article, we explore how Microsoft Intune and Conditional Access work together to support centralised management and robust data protection. We also highlight why businesses working with the right Managed Service Provider can unlock real value, security, and efficiency.
What is Microsoft Intune?
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service that allows organisations to manage endpoints such as Windows PCs, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets from a central console. It provides capabilities for:
- Device compliance and configuration
- App deployment and management
- Endpoint protection
- Remote wipe and device retirement
- Integration with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) and Microsoft 365
Whether your staff are in the office, working remotely, or constantly on the move, Intune makes it possible to apply consistent, secure policies to devices regardless of their location.
The Importance of Centralised Device Management
Without a unified system like Intune, managing devices can quickly become chaotic. Unpatched laptops, unauthorised apps, or lost phones containing sensitive data can pose serious security risks. Centralised management through Intune helps address this by:
- Standardising security baselines: Ensuring all devices follow the same protection policies.
- Reducing manual tasks: Automating updates, software installations, and compliance enforcement.
- Improving user experience: Allowing staff to work efficiently without unnecessary barriers, while staying protected.
These benefits are particularly valuable for businesses embracing hybrid or remote working models, where devices may connect from multiple locations and networks.
Introducing Conditional Access
While Intune focuses on managing devices, Conditional Access strengthens your security posture by controlling how and when users access company resources.
Conditional Access policies use a combination of signals — such as user identity, device compliance, location, and risk levels — to determine access permissions. For example:
- Block access from unmanaged devices
- Require multi-factor authentication when connecting from unknown locations
- Prevent access to sensitive data on jailbroken phones
- Allow access only during business hours
It’s a smart, adaptive way to enforce policies without burdening users unnecessarily. Conditional Access ensures the right people have access to the right data — and only under the right conditions.
Why Many Businesses Aren’t Using Intune to Its Full Potential
Despite being a powerful tool, Intune is often underutilised. Common scenarios include:
- Devices enrolled but not fully compliant
- Conditional Access policies overly broad or ineffective
- Security baselines not aligned with business needs
- Lack of reporting and monitoring on device health and risk
This isn’t always the fault of the business itself. In many cases, the issue lies with the Managed Service Provider. While numerous MSPs offer Intune as part of their support portfolio, not all invest the time to understand its evolving features or tailor it properly for each client.
This is where selecting a meticulous MSP in London — one who prioritises ongoing training, real-world testing, and tailored deployment — becomes a strategic advantage.
Getting the Most from Intune and Conditional Access
To unlock the full benefits of Microsoft Intune and Conditional Access, a strategic approach is essential. Here are some key steps:
1. Assess and Plan
Every organisation is different. A thorough assessment of your current environment, risks, and goals will help shape a tailored deployment plan. A good MSP will engage with your team to understand these factors in detail.
2. Configure Intune Policies Properly
This includes setting compliance rules, deploying security baselines, configuring Wi-Fi and VPN profiles, and defining app protection policies. Attention to detail at this stage ensures devices behave securely and predictably.
3. Implement Contextual Conditional Access
Rather than blanket policies, consider conditional access rules that respond to real-world behaviour. For example, you could allow access from corporate devices only if the device is compliant and the login originates from within the UK.
4. Regular Reviews and Updates
Cyber threats evolve, and so should your policies. A diligent Managed Service Provider will proactively review logs, audit policy performance, and recommend updates as your organisation grows or changes.
5. Training and User Engagement
A smooth deployment includes guiding users, explaining how and why policies are in place, and ensuring they know how to stay compliant. User buy-in is crucial to the success of any management platform.
A Better Way to Work — Securely
When set up thoughtfully, Microsoft Intune combined with Conditional Access can provide an elegant balance between security and usability. It allows organisations to trust their devices and users, even in distributed and hybrid working scenarios.
Yet, the difference between “enabled” and “optimised” is often invisible until there’s an incident — a breach, data leak, or unexpected compliance failure. This is why choosing the right MSP matters.
