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179: Certificates / Wi-Fi / VPN

Overview​

Deploying certificates, Wi-Fi, and VPN settings for macOS devices in Microsoft Intune involves several steps. Here's a comprehensive overview:

Steps to Deploy Certificates, Wi-Fi, and VPN​

  1. Certificates:

    • Create Certificate Profiles: In the Intune admin center, navigate to Devices > Configuration profiles and create a profile for PKCS or SCEP certificates.
    • Deploy Certificates: Assign the certificate profiles to the relevant device groups to ensure secure authentication for Wi-Fi and VPN connections.

  2. Wi-Fi:

    • Create Wi-Fi Profiles: Go to Devices > Configuration profiles and create a new profile for Wi-Fi settings.
    • Configure Basic Settings: Set the SSID, security type (e.g., WPA/WPA2), and other basic settings.
    • Configure Enterprise Settings: For enterprise networks, configure EAP settings and associate the Wi-Fi profile with the certificate profile created earlier.
    • Deploy Wi-Fi Profiles: Assign the Wi-Fi profiles to the relevant device groups.

  3. VPN:

    • Create VPN Profiles: In the Intune admin center, navigate to Devices > Configuration profiles and create a new profile for VPN settings.
    • Configure VPN Settings: Set the VPN server address, authentication method (e.g., certificates), and connection type (e.g., Cisco AnyConnect, SonicWall).
    • Deploy VPN Profiles: Assign the VPN profiles to the relevant device groups.

Benefits​

  • Enhanced Security: Certificates provide strong authentication, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
  • Seamless Connectivity: Automates Wi-Fi and VPN connections, improving user experience and productivity.
  • Centralized Management: Simplifies the deployment and management of network settings across all macOS devices from a single console.

Drawbacks​

  • Complex Setup: Initial configuration can be complex and time-consuming.
  • Resource Intensive: May require significant system resources, potentially impacting device performance.
  • User Experience: Users might experience interruptions during the deployment and configuration process.

Impact on End Users​

  • Performance: Users might notice a slight decrease in performance due to the additional security processes running in the background.
  • Seamless Access: Users will benefit from seamless access to corporate resources without needing to enter credentials repeatedly.
  • Notifications: Users will receive notifications related to network connections and security events.

Tying to Zero Trust​

Deploying certificates, Wi-Fi, and VPN settings aligns with the Zero Trust security model by ensuring that:

  • Continuous Verification: Every access request is continuously verified, regardless of where the request originates.
  • Least Privilege Access: Users and devices are granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their tasks.
  • Assume Breach: The system is designed with the assumption that a breach has already occurred, ensuring robust detection and response mechanisms.

Reference​