The Ultimate Guide to Securing Your Devices with Microsoft Entra ID, Azure, Intune, and Active Directory
Why Securing Your Devices Matters
Cyber threats are getting more advanced every day. A single compromised device—whether it’s a company laptop or an employee’s personal phone—can open the door to ransomware, data breaches, and unauthorized access.
This guide walks you through how to secure your business devices using:
- Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) – Identity & access management
- Microsoft Intune – Endpoint security and compliance
- Azure & Active Directory (AD) – Integration for hybrid environments
- Best practices to lock down devices and prevent security gaps
If your business is using Microsoft 365 Business Premium or an Enterprise plan, you already have access to these tools. Let’s make sure they’re set up properly to protect your data.
Step 1: Identity & Access Control with Microsoft Entra ID
Before securing devices, you need to control who can access your systems. This is where Microsoft Entra ID comes in.
1.1 – Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is the easiest way to block unauthorized access—even if passwords get stolen.
- Go to: https://entra.microsoft.com/
- Navigate to Protection → Conditional Access
- Click New Policy → Create MFA Requirement
- Apply to All Users (except break-glass admin accounts)
- Require MFA for logins outside trusted locations
Pro Tip: Avoid SMS-based MFA and use push notifications with Microsoft Authenticator instead.
1.2 – Enforce Conditional Access Policies
Conditional Access makes sure that only secure, trusted devices can access company data.
- Go to: https://entra.microsoft.com/
- Navigate to Conditional Access → New Policy
- Apply to All Users
- Configure policies:
- Block logins from unknown locations
- Require compliant devices for access
- Disable legacy authentication (older protocols are easy to hack)
Step 2: Enroll & Secure Devices with Microsoft Intune
Once your users are protected, it’s time to secure the devices they use. Microsoft Intune ensures that only secure, managed devices can access your business data.
2.1 – Enable Auto Enrollment for Devices
- Go to: https://intune.microsoft.com/
- Navigate to Devices → Enrollment → Windows Enrollment
- Enable Auto Enrollment for Microsoft Entra ID joined devices
This ensures that when employees log into a company account, their devices automatically get enrolled in Intune.
2.2 – Create Compliance Policies for Windows, Mac, iOS, & Android
Now, we’ll make sure that only secure, compliant devices can access your data.
- Go to: https://intune.microsoft.com/Click Devices → Compliance Policies → Create Policy
- Select Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android
- Set the following security rules:
- Require device encryption (BitLocker for Windows, FileVault for Mac)
- Enforce strong passwords/PINs
- Block jailbroken/rooted devices
- Require automatic OS updates
Pro Tip: Devices out of compliance will be blocked from accessing Microsoft 365.
2.3 – Configure Endpoint Protection Policies
To prevent malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access, configure endpoint security settings in Intune.
- Go to: https://intune.microsoft.com/
- Navigate to Endpoint Security → Antivirus
- Enable Microsoft Defender Antivirus and set it to:
- Block real-time threats
- Automatically remove malware
- Run weekly full scans
Go to: Endpoint Security → Disk Encryption
Require BitLocker encryption for Windows devices
2.4 – Enable Remote Wipe for Lost or Stolen Devices
If a device is lost or stolen, wipe company data immediately.
Go to: https://intune.microsoft.com/
Navigate to Devices → Select the lost device
Click Wipe
Pro Tip: Use Selective Wipe for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) setups. This removes only business data, not personal files.
Step 3: Integrate with On-Premises Active Directory (If Needed)
If you use Active Directory (AD) on-prem, you can sync it with Microsoft Entra ID for a hybrid setup.
3.1 – Install & Configure Azure AD Connect
- Download Azure AD Connect: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=47594
- Install it on a domain controller or dedicated server
- Open the setup wizard & select Hybrid AD Join
- Sync users & groups from Active Directory to Entra ID
Now, employees can log into both on-prem and cloud apps with the same credentials.
Step 4: Secure Admin Accounts & Monitor for Threats
- Enable Privileged Identity Management (PIM) → Requires MFA for admin actions
- Monitor Audit Logs in Microsoft Entra Admin Center
- Block access to admin accounts from unknown locations
- Use Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to detect and respond to advanced threats.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters
A stolen password, lost laptop, or weak device security is all it takes for hackers to breach your network.
When configured properly, Microsoft Entra ID, Intune, and Active Directory create a Zero Trust security model—only verified users, on secured devices, from trusted locations, can access company data.
What We Covered:
- Step 1: Lock down access with Entra ID & MFA
- Step 2: Enforce security policies on all devices with Intune
- Step 3: Sync on-prem AD with Entra ID (if applicable)
- Step 4: Protect admin accounts & monitor threats
Need Help Securing Your Devices?
Setting up Microsoft Entra ID, Intune, and Active Directory security policies takes time, expertise, and real-world cybersecurity experience.
Get a free consultation with Nerds Support today!
Schedule Now: https://calendly.com/nerdssupport/scott-meeting?month=2025-02
Don’t wait for a security breach—lock down your devices now.
