🚀 Microsoft Intune’s Hidden Gem: How Endpoint Privilege Management Transforms Security

What is Microsoft Intune?

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service under the Microsoft Endpoint Manager suite that allows organizations to manage devices, apps, and user access securely. It helps enforce compliance, protect corporate data, and streamline IT administration.

Why Businesses Use Intune

Because modern workforces operate from anywhere, businesses need flexible and secure device management. Intune enables that by managing mobile and desktop endpoints, enforcing security baselines, and integrating with Microsoft’s broader security ecosystem.

Want to learn more? Browse our other articles on Microsoft Intune.

🔐 What Is Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM)?

Endpoint Privilege Management allows organizations to control and elevate user permissions only when necessary. The goal? Reduce permanent admin rights across devices, minimizing security risks. It is similar to Privileged Identity Management, but it is specifically for Microsoft Intune.

Common Challenges with Endpoint Privileges

• Excessive admin rights on devices
• Lack of visibility into elevated actions
• Compliance issues during audits
• Risk of malware exploiting elevated permissions

📈 The Evolution of Endpoint Security

• From Local Admins to Zero Trust
  Traditionally, many users operated with local admin rights. This was a nightmare for security. Now, under the Zero Trust model, access is limited by design—trust is never assumed.
• The Role of EPM in Modern IT
  EPM plays a key role in enforcing least-privilege access, enabling just-in-time elevation, and monitoring privileged activity in real time.

🌟 Key Features of Endpoint Privilege Management in Intune

• Just-in-Time Access
  Grant elevation only when a user needs it—like a temporary admin badge that expires after the job is done.
• Standard User Elevation
  Users operate as standard users by default. Admin privileges can be elevated for specific apps or tasks based on predefined policies.
• Audit Logging
  Every elevated action is logged—giving IT full visibility and meeting compliance needs.
• Policy-Based Control
  IT teams can define granular policies targeting devices, users, or app types to control privilege escalation.

Minimized Risk of Lateral Movement

By removing always-on admin rights, attackers can’t easily move across your network.

Enhanced Compliance and Auditing

Track every elevation and ensure actions align with corporate policies and industry standards.

Better User Productivity

Users don’t need to wait for IT approval for routine tasks—resulting in fewer helpdesk tickets.

⚙️ Setting Up EPM in Microsoft Intune

Prerequisites Before Setup

• Devices must be enrolled in Intune
• Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) joined or hybrid devices
• Supported Windows OS (Windows 10/11 Enterprise or Education)

Licensing Requirements

You’ll need:

• Microsoft Intune Suite license or
• Add-on EPM license for Microsoft 365 users

How to Configure Endpoint Privilege Management in Intune

• Login to the Intune Admin Portal
• Sign in with Intune Administrator access.
• Navigate to Endpoint Security
• Go to Endpoint Security > Endpoint Privilege Management.

• Go to the Policies Tab
• Click on the Policies tab at the top and select Create Policy.
• Create a New Elevation Policy
• Platform: Windows
• Profile Type: Elevation Settings Policy

• Enter a Policy Name and Description, then click Next.
• Configure Settings
• In the Configuration Settings, enable Endpoint Privilege Management.
• Set the Default elevation response to Require support approval (as shown below).

• Assign Devices > Go to the Assignments tab.
• Assign the policy to all Intune-enrolled devices.
• Review and Create > Review the policy configuration and click Create.

👨‍💻 End-User Experience: Elevating Privileges

• The end user downloads software or an application from the internet.
• Right-click the downloaded app and select Run with elevated access.

• A request window will appear where the user must provide a justification for the installation.
• Enter the justification and click Send.

Admin Approval Process

• The Intune Administrator reviews the request by navigating to:
  Endpoint Privilege Management > Elevation Requests.

• Open the request, select Approve or Deny, provide a reason, and click Yes.

Once approved, inform the user that they can now install the app using Run with elevated access. This allows the user to install the application without needing to manually enter admin credentials.

🛠️ Creating and Managing Elevation Rules

Rule Templates and Conditions

Set conditions like:

• App name
• Publisher
• File hash
• Path-based rules

Best Practices for Rule Creation

• Start with audit mode to see how users interact
• Avoid wildcard paths
• Target specific groups or departments

📌 Use Cases and Scenarios

Admin Rights for Software Installation

Allow standard users to elevate privileges to install approved apps without full admin rights.

Temporary Access for Troubleshooting

Helpdesk can grant elevation for troubleshooting without assigning admin roles permanently.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
✔️ Native to Microsoft ecosystem
✔️ Real-time auditing
✔️ Simplified management

Cons:
❌ Limited support for non-Windows platforms
❌ Still evolving with fewer customization options than third-party tools

🚀 Real-World Implementation Tips

Rollout Strategy

• Start with pilot groups
• Expand gradually

User Communication and Training

Make sure users understand the process—confusion can lead to frustration or workarounds.

Monitoring and Review

Track usage, update rules, and regularly review audit logs.

🔧 Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

Policy Not Applying

• Ensure device is Intune and Entra ID enrolled
• Check for sync issues
• Review group targeting

Logging and Diagnostics

Use Microsoft Endpoint Manager reports and Event Viewer to diagnose problems quickly.

🛡️ Security and Compliance Considerations

Alignment with Zero Trust Framework

EPM fits perfectly into Microsoft’s Zero Trust strategy—granting access only when necessary, never by default.

Reporting and Audits

Generate detailed reports on elevated actions for compliance or forensic analysis.

🎯 Conclusion

Endpoint Privilege Management in Microsoft Intune is a game changer for modern IT security. It helps enforce least-privilege access, reduces risk, boosts user productivity, and supports compliance. If your business relies on Microsoft tools, EPM is a no-brainer for tightening control without creating roadblocks for users.

❓FAQs

1. What is Endpoint Privilege Management in Intune?
It’s a feature that lets organizations control and elevate user privileges only when needed, reducing permanent admin access.

2. Is EPM included in Microsoft Intune by default?
No, you need the Microsoft Intune Suite license or an EPM add-on license.

3. Can users elevate their own permissions?
Yes, based on policies set by IT, users can request or auto-elevate privileges temporarily.

4. Does EPM work on macOS or Linux?
Currently, EPM is designed for Windows 10/11 Enterprise and Education editions.5. How do I monitor elevated actions?
Use the audit logs and reporting features within the Intune Admin Center for full visibility.

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