ENDPOINT MANAGER: A Guide to Endpoint Management

ENDPOINT MANAGER
Image Credit: Xcitium

Endpoint Manager (EM) allows you to manage, monitor, and secure network-connected devices. Admins must first register users in EM before enrolling devices/endpoints for those users. Android, iOS, Mac OS, Windows, and Linux are all supported operating systems. After adding a device, administrators can apply profiles that specify the device’s network access permissions, security settings, and other characteristics. Each license is valid for one device per user. Additional permits are required for each device added by a user. The first objective of endpoint security is to ensure that only authorized devices and users can connect to the network. Typically, this requires configuring username and password authentication on permitted devices so authorized network members can log in and execute tasks.

Endpoint Manager

Endpoint manager is an IT and cybersecurity process that consists of two major tasks: analyzing, allocating, and managing all endpoint access permissions; and implementing security rules and technologies to lower the risk of an attack or prevent such incidents. The endpoint manager is often managed by a multidisciplinary team of network administrators and information security (infosec) professionals. Endpoint management that is comprehensive and effective:

1. Ensures that only authenticated and approved devices can connect to the network by deploying cybersecurity technologies and enforcing related security policies across all approved devices via a lightweight software program or agent.

2. Creates a consolidated dashboard or console for the infosec team to monitor and control all devices. 

Simply put, endpoint management is the process of granting end-user devices network access through the use of tools, policies, and procedures. Endpoint management is crucial in protecting settings from attackers. Unified endpoint management (UEM) solutions are frequently used by businesses to control many device types. These range from desktops and laptops to phones and tablets, from a single interface.

What Is the Role of the Endpoint Manager?

Any device that connects to the corporate network from within or outside the firewall is considered an endpoint. Endpoint devices include the following: laptops, tablets, and mobile devices, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, POS (point-of-sale) systems, switches, and digital printers. IT administrators can utilize the endpoint manager dashboard to implement a UEM strategy in which end users can be onboarded via any hardware platform and rules can be implemented governing which applications and data they can access. On mobile platforms, UEM employs MDM APIs to offer identity management, wireless LAN management, operational analytics, and asset management. UEM allows IT to remotely provision, control, and secure everything from smartphones to tablets, laptops, desktops, and now Internet of Things (IoT) devices from a single interface, at least in principle.

Endpoint Manager Microsoft

The Endpoint Manager, Microsoft’s unified endpoint management service, is intended to simplify the time and effort required to manage desktop and mobile work environments. Endpoint Manager from Microsoft integrates Intune and System Center Configuration Manager to reduce the time and effort required by IT administrators to manage desktop and mobile work environments. With that IT aim in mind, Microsoft developed its Intune cloud service in 2011 to address organizations’ rising enterprise mobility management (EMM) needs. In 2019, Microsoft decided to integrate its Intune unified endpoint management (UEM) technology with its Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr), allowing customers to access both through a single interface.

According to Microsoft, more than 200 million devices are currently handled across the two cloud services. Endpoint Manager contains the Device Management Admin Center (DMAC), Windows Autopilot, and Desktop Analytics, in addition to a single management interface for ConfigMgr and Intune. IT administrators can use the program to plan, deploy, manage, and protect endpoints — desktops, mobile devices, and applications—across a business using on-premises and cloud management capabilities, as well as co-management alternatives. 

Simply put, Endpoint Manager is intended to make it easier to manage a wide range of devices in a way that secures corporate data while allowing employees to work on both corporate and personal devices. It combines mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM) features. And, while obviously linked to the Windows environment and other Microsoft products, it is not limited to them. Endpoint Manager has previously been used to manage Cloud PCs as part of Microsoft’s Windows 365 initiative, which was announced in mid-2021.

Endpoint Manager Admin Center

Microsoft’s Endpoint Manager Admin Center is the company’s proprietary endpoint management solution. It assists IT teams in ensuring security by logging, tracking, recording, and monitoring all IoT devices linked to a network. Microsoft Endpoint Manager supports the cloud via Microsoft Intune. It makes the cloud-based mobile device and application management possible. In the United States, the expected total pay for an endpoint manager is $79,175 per year, with an average salary of $72,219 per year. The extra salary is anticipated to be $6,956 per year. Additional compensation may include a monetary incentive, a commission, tips, and profit sharing.

Most of you are already familiar with the notion of role-based access control (RBAC) when it comes to administering Microsoft Exchange or Configuration Manager. Intune, or Microsoft Endpoint Manager, also allows you to restrict access depending on a person’s function in the organization. Depending on your organizational structure, you may need to create custom roles with a limited range of permissions or use other fundamental roles. In this instance, you might wish to give this group of employees the built-in role of “Application Manager” so that they can manage everything related to apps and release management. Unfortunately, this is not always the case; but, if it is, you are good to go. If the built-in roles do not fit the demands of your company, you are free to create your own.

In the Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin Center, what should you do?

  • An Overview of the Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin Center
  • Enroll your devices and configure them.
  • Upload and share your apps.
  • Safeguard your company’s data.
  • Cloud-enabled computers enrolled with Configuration Manager.
  • Your deployments should be monitored and troubleshot.

Azure Endpoint Manager

Microsoft Azure, sometimes known as “Azure,” is a cloud computing platform run by Microsoft. It allows users to access, manage, and develop applications and services through globally distributed data centers. Microsoft Azure offers a variety of services. These services include software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS). Furthermore, it supports a wide range of programming languages, tools, and frameworks, as well as Microsoft-specific and third-party applications and systems. Azure was unveiled at Microsoft’s Professional Developers Conference (PDC) in October 2008. This was under the internal project codename “Project Red Dog”. Also, it was formally released in February 2010 as Windows Azure before being renamed Microsoft Azure on March 25, 2014.

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is a global identity management platform that uses user credentials and strong authentication standards to protect your company’s data. Meanwhile, Microsoft Intune offers cloud-based mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM). In Azure AD, auto-enrollment to Intune is enabled. Users log in using a local user account and manually join the device to Azure AD. They then check into the device with their Azure AD credentials.

By adopting the Azure AD Join/Hybrid endpoint management solution, you may keep your on-premises AD footprint while still benefiting from Azure Active Directory. Microsoft Intune is an endpoint management system that is hosted in the cloud.  It maintains user access and streamlines app and device management across all of your devices, including mobile devices, desktop PCs, and virtual endpoints.

Microsoft Endpoint Manager Licensing

Microsoft Endpoint Manager licensing comes in a variety of flavors. Each license, including Intune, Microsoft 365, and Configuration Manager, should be evaluated by organizations. Microsoft Intune is offered for a variety of client demands and organization sizes. Most Microsoft Intune licenses also include the right to use Microsoft Configuration Manager for as long as the subscription is ongoing. To administer Intune, an admin must have a license granted to them (unless you accept unlicensed admins). Customers who have an active Microsoft Intune subscription do not need to purchase System Center Configuration Manager licenses. The Client Management License for System Center ConfigMgr is included with the following online subscriptions:

Intune user subscription license (USL)

EM+S E3

EM+S E5

Microsoft 365 E3

Microsoft 365 E5

The Microsoft 365 F1

Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM) will be available as a monthly or yearly user subscription. This means an organization must subscribe to a User Subscription License (USL) for each user for whom the organization wants to manage his or her devices (all). Customers that are currently licensed for System Center Configuration Manager and have active Software Assurance on their licenses are eligible for an Intune subscription license for co-management. The E3 plan costs $8.80 per month per user, whereas the E5 plan costs $14.80 per month per user. Microsoft 365 Business. All EMS functions, as well as Endpoint Analytics, are included in the Microsoft 365 E3, E5, and F3 subscriptions. The E5 plan also contains an endpoint defender.

If you have decided to utilize Microsoft Endpoint Manager in your organization, you must first grasp the pricing and Microsoft Endpoint Manager license policy. Endpoint Manager is available with a variety of subscription plans, and you should carefully consider each one before making your decision.

What Does an Endpoint Manager Do?

Endpoint Manager allows you to deploy, manage, and secure your organization’s people, devices, and endpoints. Microsoft Endpoint Manager focuses on enhancing endpoint device management, but determining which plans are right for you might be difficult. The most notable advantage is that Microsoft has combined Intune and Configuration Manager to allow users to utilize both products simultaneously.

What Is Endpoint Security Manager?

Endpoint security management is a policy-based approach to network security in which endpoint devices must meet certain criteria before being permitted access to network resources.

Is Endpoint Manager the Same as SCCM?

SCCM was an application meant for managing Windows and Mac OS desktops, Linux/Unix servers, and mobile devices running Windows/iOS/Android. This was before it was rebranded as Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager.

What Is the Need for Endpoint Management?

Endpoint management is a centralized platform for managing and monitoring endpoints. This allows IT staff to easily maintain device inventory, enforce security regulations, and resolve issues, lowering the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.

What Are Endpoint Management Products?

Endpoint management software products aid users in keeping track of endpoints in a system and ensuring that their software is secure and up to date. Endpoint management products often include asset management, patch management, and compliance evaluation.

What Are the Benefits of Endpoint Monitoring?

Endpoint monitoring enables enterprises to gain a better understanding of what is going on in their network. It assists in answering questions such as what kind of devices are present in the network, how many of them are active when they are used, what percentage of bandwidth each device consumes, and more.

What Are the 3 Main Steps of Endpoint Security?

Three Steps to Improve Endpoint Security

  • Step 1: Take a defensive posture. I believe that recognizing what is in scope is the first step in developing a good security posture.
  • Step 2: Investigate and Correct. Following that, you must precisely and quickly investigate and address security incidents.
  • Step 3: Determine Your Score

Conclusion

Endpoint Manager can use Intune and Autopilot to swiftly deploy settings and applications to new and existing devices. This is a Zero-Touch deployment. This is a useful function for onboarding new remote staff. Your organization delivers a PC to their residence. But what about the company policies that must be followed in order for the gadget to be compliant? There’s no need to be concerned. Endpoint Manager handles everything after the device is registered in your cloud.

However, if wanted, you can do this before shipping the gadget. Endpoint Manager, in conjunction with Intune and Autopilot, guarantees that the new employee’s device is compliant. Your IT personnel will not have to bother with customizing settings, setting up the device, and other tasks. Instead, everything is managed via the cloud, and the new employee may go to work right away.

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References

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