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183: Local account management

Overview​

Managing local accounts on macOS devices using Microsoft Intune can streamline administrative tasks and enhance security. Here's a detailed overview:

Steps to Deploy Local Account Management​

  1. Access Intune Admin Center:

    • Navigate to the Microsoft Intune admin center.

  2. Create a Configuration Profile:

    • Go to Devices > Configuration profiles > Create profile.
    • Select macOS for the platform and Templates for the profile type.

  3. Configure Account Settings:

    • Choose the Account configuration template.
    • Define the settings for creating or managing local accounts, such as account type (standard or administrator), account name, and password³.

  4. Assign the Profile:

    • Assign the profile to the appropriate user or device groups.
    • Review and save the profile.

  5. Monitor Deployment:

    • Use the Intune admin center to monitor the deployment status and ensure the policies are applied correctly.

Benefits​

  • Centralized Management: Manage local accounts across all macOS devices from a single console.
  • Enhanced Security: Ensure consistent account policies and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
  • Streamlined Administration: Simplifies the process of creating and managing local accounts.
  • Compliance: Helps ensure devices comply with organizational policies.

Drawbacks​

  • Initial Setup Complexity: Configuring account settings can be time-consuming and may require a deep understanding of macOS and Intune.
  • Compatibility Issues: Some settings may not be supported on older macOS versions.
  • Learning Curve: IT staff may need training to effectively manage local accounts.

Possible Impact on End Users​

  • Improved Security: Users benefit from enhanced security measures, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
  • Seamless Experience: Properly configured settings can lead to a smoother user experience with fewer disruptions.
  • Learning Curve: Users may need initial guidance on new policies and procedures.

Tying to Zero Trust​

Managing local accounts on macOS devices aligns with Zero Trust principles by:

  • Continuous Verification: Ensures that devices and users are continuously verified before granting access.
  • Conditional Access: Enforces policies that require devices to meet security standards.
  • Least Privilege Access: Limits access to resources based on user roles and compliance status.

Reference​