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184: Native update management

Overview​

Managing native updates for macOS devices using Microsoft Intune involves several steps to ensure devices are up-to-date, secure, and compliant. Here's a detailed overview:

Steps to Deploy Native Update Management​

  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. Configure Update Policies:

    • Sign in to the Intune admin center.
    • Navigate to Devices > Update policies for macOS > Create profile.
    • On the Basics tab, specify a name and description for the policy.
    • On the Update policy settings tab, configure the following options:
      • Critical, Firmware, Configuration file, and All other updates: Choose actions like download and install, download only, install immediately, notify only, or install later.
      • Max User Deferrals: Specify the maximum number of times a user can postpone an update.

  3. Assign Update Policies:

    • Assign the update policies to the relevant device groups to ensure they are applied across all targeted macOS devices.

  4. Monitor Update Status:

    • Use the Intune admin center to monitor the update status of devices.
    • Check for any issues and troubleshoot as needed².

Benefits​

  • Enhanced Security: Ensures devices are up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
  • Centralized Management: Simplifies the management of software updates across all macOS devices from a single console.
  • Compliance: Helps ensure devices comply with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.

Drawbacks​

  • Complex Setup: Initial configuration and setup can be complex and time-consuming.
  • Dependency on Internet: Updates require devices to be connected to the internet.
  • User Experience: Users might experience interruptions during the update process.

Impact on End Users​

  • Performance: Users might notice a slight decrease in performance during updates.
  • Notifications: Users will receive notifications related to software updates.
  • Seamless Updates: Users benefit from automated updates, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Tying to Zero Trust​

Deploying native update management 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​