Introduction:
Conditional Access uses Microsoft Intune compliance standards to limit which devices and apps can access your email and workplace resources. When they're integrated, you can gate access to keep your company data secure — and provide an experience that lets users do their best job from any device and from any location.
Conditional Access is a feature of Microsoft Entra that requires a Microsoft Entra ID P1 or P2 license. Conditional Access combines signals to create judgements and enforce organisational regulations using Microsoft Entra ID. Intune adds to this with further signals such as mobile device compliance and mobile app management data for Conditional Access choices. To understand it, join the Microsoft Intune Training. In this blog, we will learn conditional access, its types, and steps to configure conditional access in Microsoft Intune.
What is Conditional Access?
Conditional Access is one of the Microsoft Entra technologies. You are able to navigate to the same Conditional Access node in Microsoft Entra ID that you can with Microsoft Intune. Because they are the same node, you may configure policies without switching between Entra ID and Intune. Use Monitoring Tools
Microsoft Intune provides a security model called Intune Conditional Access that enables you to manage access to programs and data based on certain criteria. It guarantees that only compliant devices and users meeting pre-defined security standards are given access to company resources like cloud services and apps.
Businesses prefer only certified professionals, as this task needs expert skills. By obtaining Microsoft Intune Certification, you can get a high-paying job in big companies.
Types of Conditional Access Policies:
When working with Conditional Access and Microsoft Intune, there are generally three main types of policies:
Device-Based Conditional Access: Only devices enrolled and maintained by Intune, and identified as “Compliant” (active encryption, latest OS and antivirus) can access enterprise resources like Exchange Online or SharePoint.
App-Based Conditional Access (MAM): Allows access to corporate data only from specified permitted apps that are protected by Intune App Protection Policies. This works wonderfully for personal devices (BYOD) where full device enrollment is not an option.
Risk and Location-Based Access: Dynamically prompt for MFA or prohibit sign-ins depending on real-time signals such as impossible travel, strange IP addresses, or risky user behavior.
Setting Conditional Access with MS Intune:
1. Create a Device Compliance Policy in Intune:
Before you create a Conditional Access policy, it is good to understand what makes a device compliant. Sign in to the Microsoft Intune admin center, and select Devices > Compliance policies. Set a rule that calls for the fewest OS versions.
2. Open Conditional Access in Microsoft Entra ID:
To create a new policy, navigate to the Microsoft Entra admin center (or Intune site) and click on Protection > Conditional Access.
3. Recognize Users and Cloud Apps:
Under Assignments> Users, select the exact user groups this policy applies to (always exclude your emergency “break-glass” administrative accounts).
Target resources: Select Cloud apps and choose the apps you wish to protect
4. Set Controls for Access (Grant):
Click on Grant under controls for access. Select Grant access, and then select Require device to be marked as compliant. This connects the policy to your state of being in compliance with Intune.
5. Policy Testing and Activation:
Switch the “Enable policy” toggle to “Report-only.” This way, you can check the sign-in logs and make sure that actual users aren’t accidentally blocked. After checking, turn the status of the policy on.
The Bottom Line:
One of the greatest methods to make sure your business has Zero Trust security is to set up Conditional Access using MS Intune. With it, you can build a robust adaptive security system that responds to emerging threats. Simple compliance criteria and report-only mode testing led to a smooth deployment. Conditional Access enables you to secure your critical data and empower your staff to work securely together from anywhere.