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133: MDM based policies for VPN

Overview​

Deploying VPN profiles to Windows devices using Microsoft Intune is a strategic way to ensure secure remote access to your organization's network. Here's a detailed overview:

Benefits​

  1. Enhanced Security: VPN profiles ensure that data transmitted between devices and the network is encrypted, protecting sensitive information.
  2. Centralized Management: Intune allows you to manage and deploy VPN settings from a single console, simplifying administration.
  3. Consistency: Ensures all devices have the same VPN settings, reducing configuration errors and ensuring compliance.
  4. User Convenience: Users can connect to the VPN without manually configuring settings, improving their experience.

Drawbacks​

  1. Initial Setup Complexity: Configuring VPN profiles, especially with advanced security settings, can be complex and time-consuming.
  2. Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance is required to update VPN settings or troubleshoot connectivity issues.
  3. Compatibility Issues: Some older devices or specific network configurations might not fully support all VPN settings.

Impact on End Users​

  • Seamless Connectivity: Users experience seamless and secure connectivity to the corporate network without manual configuration.
  • Reduced Downtime: Properly configured VPN profiles reduce the risk of connectivity issues, minimizing downtime.
  • User Training: Minimal training might be required to inform users about the new VPN setup.

Tying to Zero Trust​

Zero Trust is a security model that assumes no implicit trust and continuously verifies every request. Deploying VPN profiles through Intune aligns with Zero Trust principles by:

  • Ensuring Secure Access: VPN profiles enforce secure connections, ensuring only authorized devices can access the network.
  • Continuous Verification: Regularly updated VPN settings help maintain secure access, aligning with the continuous verification aspect of Zero Trust.
  • Reducing Attack Surface: By managing VPN settings centrally, you reduce the risk of misconfigurations that could be exploited.

Would you like more details on any specific aspect of this process?

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 7/30/2024 (1) Add VPN settings to devices in Microsoft Intune | Microsoft Learn. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/intune/configuration/vpn-settings-configure. (2) Windows 10/11 VPN settings in Microsoft Intune. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/intune/configuration/vpn-settings-windows-10. (3) Deploying VPN Policies using Microsoft Intune: Deploying VPN Policy. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/shows/windows-10-networking/deploying-vpn-policies-using-microsoft-intune-deploying-vpn-policy. (4) Troubleshoot VPN profile issues - Intune | Microsoft Learn. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/mem/intune/device-configuration/troubleshoot-vpn-profiles. (5) Create an Intune profile for Azure VPN clients - Azure VPN Gateway. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/vpn-gateway/vpn-profile-intune.

Reference​