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181: Remote actions

Overview​

Managing macOS devices remotely using Microsoft Intune involves several steps and offers various benefits and drawbacks. Here's a detailed overview:

Steps to Deploy Remote Actions​

  1. Prerequisites:

    • Ensure you have the necessary licenses for Microsoft Intune.
    • Verify that macOS devices are enrolled in Intune and connected to the internet.

  2. Access the Intune Admin Center:

    • Sign in to the Intune admin center.
    • Navigate to Devices > All devices and select the macOS device you want to manage.

  3. Available Remote Actions:

    • Restart: Remotely restart the device.
    • Wipe: Erase all data on the device and reset it to factory settings.
    • Lock: Lock the device to prevent unauthorized access.
    • Reset Password: Reset the user's password.
    • Sync: Force the device to check in with Intune to receive the latest policies and configurations.
    • Collect Diagnostics: Gather diagnostic logs for troubleshooting.
    • Remote Help: Start a remote assistance session to help users with issues.

Benefits​

  • Enhanced Control: Provides IT administrators with the ability to manage and troubleshoot devices remotely, reducing downtime.
  • Improved Security: Allows for quick responses to security incidents, such as wiping a lost or stolen device.
  • Efficiency: Streamlines device management processes, saving time and resources.

Drawbacks​

  • Complex Setup: Initial configuration and setup can be complex and time-consuming.
  • Dependency on Internet: Remote actions require the device to be connected to the internet.
  • User Disruption: Some actions, like restarting or wiping a device, can disrupt the user's work.

Impact on End Users​

  • Performance: Users might notice a slight decrease in performance during remote actions.
  • Notifications: Users will receive notifications related to remote actions, such as password resets or device locks.
  • Assistance: Remote help sessions can provide timely support, improving user satisfaction.

Tying to Zero Trust​

Deploying remote actions for macOS devices aligns with the Zero Trust security model by ensuring that:

  • Continuous Verification: Every access request and action 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​