Intune AI Agent: Instant Threat Defense, Invisible Protection
From Microsoft Learn - Vulnerability Remediation Agent In today’s threat landscape, security teams require more than traditional tools—they need automation that can adapt in real time. Microsoft Intune’s integration with Security Copilot agents addresses this need. This blog introduces the Vulnerability Remediation Agent, an AI-based solution for managing endpoint security. By leveraging Microsoft’s threat intelligence alongside large language models (LLMs), these agents provide insights, automate policy enforcement, and simplify remediation workflows. Whether responding to compromised devices, updating compliance policies, or applying Zero Trust principles, Intune’s Security Copilot agents offer a centralized approach to endpoint protection. This article outlines the functionality of these agents, their features, and implementation strategies, enabling organizations to address threats and enhance their overall security posture. Why Intune Needs AI Agents Vulnerability Remediation Agent in Microsoft Intune are AI-driven tools developed to support security teams in endpoint management and protection. These agents utilize large language models (LLMs) and Microsoft's threat intelligence to deliver insights, automate tasks, and assist with decision-making. With factors such as hybrid work, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), and changing threat vectors, managing endpoint security has become more complex. Security Copilot agents in Intune address these challenges by: Automating threat detection and response Offering contextual device risk insights Recommending and applying policy modifications Reducing remediation time for compromised devices These agents function within the Security Copilot framework, using Microsoft’s threat intelligence and AI models to provide real-time guidance. From Microsoft Learn - Vulnerability Remediation Agent Key Capabilities of Vulnerability Remediation Agent in Microsoft Intune Microsoft Intune’s Vulnerability Remediation Agent uses AI to scan devices for vulnerabilities, assess their risk, and provide clear remediation steps. It automates or recommends policy changes to guide IT teams from detection through resolution, focusing on the most critical issues. The Compromise Recovery Agent automatically identifies compromised devices using Defender and other signals, then runs recovery actions like isolation, password resets, and policy enforcement to streamline response. Device Compliance Optimization Agent reviews compliance policies and telemetry, highlights gaps, and suggests improvements. It enables gradual policy rollout via report-only mode for safer deployments. Security Posture Insights present dashboards with device risks, policy effectiveness, and remediation history, helping security teams prioritize responses. Security Copilot agents integrate into the Intune admin center, letting administrators use natural language queries to receive recommendations and make changes directly in one platform. Copilot-Driven Recommendations deliver bespoke guidance for strengthening endpoint security, complete with projected impact analyses prior to execution. Collectively, these agents offer several core capabilities: Real-time threat detection and response Automated policy recommendations Endpoint configuration optimization Integration with Microsoft Defender and other security solutions Context-aware insights informed by organizational data Step-by-step vulnerability remediation guidance leveraging Intune’s native tools From Microsoft Learn - Agent suggestions How It Works Vulnerability Remediation Agent in Microsoft Intune operates through an ongoing improvement process: Scan & Evaluate: Review device telemetry and policy coverage. Recommend: Suggest policy adjustments or remediation actions. Remediate: Implement fixes in report-only mode or enforce immediately. Observe & Iterate: Track outcomes and adjust policies accordingly. Utilizing AI Agent in endpoint management allows security teams to: Shorten response time to threats Enhance policy compliance Reduce manual configuration errors Increase visibility into endpoint status and security Learn More Microsoft Vulnerability Remediation Agent in Microsoft Intune From Microsoft Learn - Vulnerability Remediation Agent Setup Use Cases Rapid Response to Compromised Devices: Endpoints identified as infected are automatically isolated and remediated. Policy Optimization: Overlapping compliance policies are consolidated to minimize complexity. Zero Trust Enforcement: Only devices that meet compliance and security standards are permitted access to corporate resources. Operational Efficiency: Manual troubleshooting is reduced, and visibility into operations is improved. Requirements This list outlines the requirements, licensing conditions, user roles, permissions, and a comparison of advantages and disadvantages for deploying Vulnerability Remediation Agent in Microsoft Intune. Licensing: Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Security Copilot Secure Compute Units (SCU) may apply). Roles: Intune Admin, Security Admin, or Global Admin. Permissions: Role-based access controls ensure secure execution. Pros and Cons Pros Cons Notes Automated threat detection and remediation Requires SCUs and proper licensing Plan SCU usage Simplifies compliance policy management Limited customization of agent suggestions Use report-only mode for testing Improves visibility into device risk Initial setup may require training Leverage dashboards and logs Supports Zero Trust principles Preview features may evolve Monitor Microsoft Learn for updates Getting Started with Intune’s AI-Powered Security Agents Step 1: Access the Intune Admin Center Go to the https://intune.microsoft.com. Navigate to Endpoint Security > Security Copilot Agents. Step 2: Enable the Vulnerability Remediation Agent Locate the Vulnerability Remediation Agent tile on the home page. Click Start Agent to begin setup. Follow the guided steps to configure scanning, policy recommendations, and remediation workflows. Step 3: Review Licensing and Permissions Ensure your organization has the required Microsoft Intune licensing and Security Copilot Secure Compute Units (SCUs). Assign appropriate role-based access controls (e.g., Intune Admin, Security Admin, Global Admin) to manage agent capabilities securely. Step 4: Configure Agent Settings Define scanning intervals and telemetry sources. Enable report-only mode for safe testing of policy changes before enforcement. Set up dashboards and logs to monitor agent activity and remediation outcomes. Step 5: Integrate with Microsoft Defender Link Intune with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to enhance threat detection and response. Use Defender signals to support Compromise Recovery Agent actions like isolation and password resets. Step 6: Use Natural Language Queries In the Intune Admin Center, use Security Copilot to ask questions like: o “Which devices are at risk?” o “What policy changes are recommended?” o “Show remediation history for compromised endpoints.” Step 7: Monitor and Optimize Track device compliance and risk posture using Security Posture Insights. Use the Device Compliance Optimization Agent to identify gaps and suggest improvements. Adjust policies based on observed outcomes and agent recommendations. About the Author Hi! Jacques “Jack” here, Lead Technical Trainer. I help learners and customers adopt Microsoft Intune, Defender, and Security Copilot. This blog post reflects the practical guidance I share in workshops to accelerate secure endpoint management. From my perspective as a trainer, what truly sets Intune apart is how seamlessly it leverages AI-driven agents to automate responses, detect advanced threats, and provide actionable insights in real time. This empowers organizations to proactively defend their environments, reduce manual workloads, and build a culture of security resilience through intelligent automation. With these capabilities, Intune and Security Copilot together not only elevate protection but also simplify the learning curve for IT professionals managing complex digital landscapes. #MicrosoftLearn #SkilledByMTTLearn more about Microsoft Security Communities.
In the last five years, Microsoft has increased the emphasis on community programs – specifically within the security, compliance, and management space. These communities fall into two categories: Public and Private (or NDA only). In this blog, we will share a breakdown of each community and how to join.Introducing the Secure Future Initiative Tech Tips show!
Introducing the Secure Future Initiative: Tech Tips show! This show provides bite-sized technical tips from Microsoft security experts about how you can implement recommendations from one of the six engineering pillars of Microsoft's Secure Future Initiative in your own environment to uplift your security posture. Hosted by Sarah Young, Principal Security Advocate (_@sarahyo) and Michael Howard, Senior Director Microsoft Red Team (@michael_howard), the series interviews a range of Microsoft security experts giving you practical advice about how to implement SFI controls in your organization's environment. The first episode about phishing resistant creds is live on YouTube and MS Learn. Upcoming episodes include: Using managed identities Using secure vaults to store secrets Applying ingress and egress control Scanning for creds in code and push protection Enabling audit logs for cloud and develop threat detections Keep up to date with the latest Secure Future Initiative news at aka.ms/sfiMicrosoft Security in Action: Deploying and Maximizing Advanced Identity Protection
As cyber threats grow in sophistication, identity remains the first line of defense. With credentials being a primary target for attackers, organizations must implement advanced identity protection to prevent unauthorized access, reduce the risk of breaches, and maintain regulatory compliance. This blog outlines a phased deployment approach to implement Microsoft’s identity solutions, helping ensure a strong Zero Trust foundation by enhancing security without compromising user experience. Phase 1: Deploy advanced identity protection Step 1: Build your hybrid identity foundation with synchronized identity Establishing a synchronized identity is foundational for seamless user experiences across on-premises and cloud environments. Microsoft Entra Connect synchronizes Active Directory identities with Microsoft Entra ID, enabling unified governance while enabling users to securely access resources across hybrid environments. To deploy, install Microsoft Entra Connect, configure synchronization settings to sync only necessary accounts, and monitor health through built-in tools to detect and resolve sync issues. A well-implemented hybrid identity enables consistent authentication, centralized management, and a frictionless user experience across all environments. Step 2: Enforce strong authentication with MFA and Conditional Access Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is the foundation of identity security. By requiring an additional verification step, MFA significantly reduces the risk of account compromise—even if credentials are stolen. Start by enforcing MFA for all users, prioritizing high-risk accounts such as administrators, finance teams, and executives. Microsoft recommends deploying passwordless authentication methods, such as Windows Hello, FIDO2 security keys, and Microsoft Authenticator, to further reduce phishing risks. Next, to balance security with usability, use Conditional Access policies to apply adaptive authentication requirements based on conditions such as user behavior, device health, and risk levels. For example, block sign-ins from non-compliant or unmanaged devices while allowing access from corporate-managed endpoints. Step 3: Automate threat detection with Identity Protection Implementing AI-driven risk detection is crucial to identifying compromised accounts before attackers can exploit them. Start by enabling Identity Protection to analyze user behavior and detect anomalies such as impossible travel logins, leaked credentials, and atypical access patterns. To reduce security risk, evolve your Conditional Access policies with risk signals that trigger automatic remediation actions. For low-risk sign-ins, require additional authentication (such as MFA), while high-risk sign-ins should be blocked entirely. By integrating Identity Protection with Conditional Access, security teams can enforce real-time access decisions based on risk intelligence, strengthening identity security across the enterprise. Step 4: Secure privileged accounts with Privileged Identity Management (PIM) Privileged accounts are prime targets for attackers, making Privileged Identity Management (PIM) essential for securing administrative access. PIM allows organizations to apply the principle of least privilege by granting Just-in-Time (JIT) access, meaning users only receive elevated permissions when needed—and only for a limited time. Start by identifying all privileged roles and moving them to PIM-managed access policies. Configure approval workflows for high-risk roles like Global Admin or Security Admin, requiring justification and multi-factor authentication before privilege escalation. Next, to maintain control, enable privileged access auditing, which logs all administrative activities and generates alerts for unusual role assignments or excessive privilege usage. Regular access reviews further enable only authorized users to retain elevated permissions. Step 5: Implement self-service and identity governance tools Start by deploying Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR). SSPR enables users to recover their accounts securely without help desk intervention. Also integrate SSPR with MFA, so that only authorized users regain access. Next, organizations should implement automated Access Reviews on all users, not just privileged accounts, to periodically validate role assignments and remove unnecessary permissions. This helps mitigate privilege creep, where users accumulate excessive permissions over time. Phase 2: Optimize identity security and automate response With core identity protection mechanisms deployed, the next step is to enhance security operations with automation, continuous monitoring, and policy refinement. Step1: Enhance visibility with centralized monitoring Start by Integrating Microsoft Entra logs with Microsoft Sentinel to gain real-time visibility into identity-based threats. By analyzing failed login attempts, suspicious sign-ins, and privilege escalations, security teams can detect and mitigate identity-based attacks before they escalate. Step 2: Apply advanced Conditional Access scenarios To further tighten access control, implement session-based Conditional Access policies. For example, allow read-only access to SharePoint Online from unmanaged devices and block data downloads entirely. By refining policies based on user roles, locations, and device health, organizations can strengthen security while ensuring seamless collaboration. Phase 3: Enable secure collaboration across teams Identity security is not just about protection—it also enables secure collaboration across employees, partners, and customers. Step 1: Secure external collaboration Collaboration with partners, vendors, and contractors requires secure, managed access without the complexity of managing external accounts. Microsoft Entra External Identities allows organizations to provide seamless authentication for external users while enforcing security policies like MFA and Conditional Access. By enabling lifecycle management policies, organizations can automate external user access reviews and expirations, ensuring least-privilege access at all times. Step 2: Automate identity governance with entitlement management To streamline access requests and approvals, Microsoft Entra Entitlement Management lets organizations create pre-configured access packages for both internal and external users. External guests can request access to pre-approved tools and resources without IT intervention. Automated access reviews and expiration policies enable users retain access only as long as needed. This reduces administrative overheads while enhancing security and compliance. Strengthening identity security for the future Deploying advanced identity protection in a structured, phased approach allows organizations to proactively defend against identity-based threats while maintaining secure, seamless access. Ready to take the next step? Explore these Microsoft identity security deployment resources: Microsoft Entra Identity Protection Documentation Conditional Access Deployment Guide Privileged Identity Management Configuration Guide The Microsoft Security in Action blog series is an evolving collection of posts that explores practical deployment strategies, real-world implementations, and best practices to help organizations secure their digital estate with Microsoft Security solutions. Stay tuned for our next blog on deploying and maximizing your investments in Microsoft Threat Protection solutions.NIST CSF 2.0 - Protect (PR) - Applications for Microsoft 365 (Part 1)
This blog and series will look to apply the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 and, specifically, the Protect (PR) Function to Microsoft 365. Though the discussion will endeavor to focus primarily on Microsoft 365, topics may venture into Microsoft Azure topics periodically by the nature of each solution. Part 1 or any subsequent blogs in the series will not be an exhaustive review of all possible applications of NIST CSF 2.0, nor exhaustive of the technologies mentioned and their abilities to manage cybersecurity risks. Other applicable Functions or Categories found in NIST CSF 2.0 will be evoked throughout in the true spirit of the framework. PR as a function is intended to cover “safeguards to manage the organization’s cybersecurity risks” and contains five Categories. The prior CSF publication included six categories, but two were significantly edited and renamed. Let’s first dive into Identity Management, Authentication, and Access Control (PR.AA).Automating and Streamlining Vulnerability Management for Your Clients
Learn how to enhance vulnerability management for your windows clients using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Intune, and Azure AD. Harness the potential of automation to simplify processes and minimize expenses. *Discover how automation transforms security by removing manual tasks, minimizing human error, and conserving time and resources. *Observe how Microsoft's tools deliver a complete vulnerability management solution for both on-site and remote devices. *Follow our detailed guide on setup, enrollment, strategic updates deployment, and monitoring progress through the Microsoft 365 Defender portal. Take charge of your vulnerability management and protect your organization. Don't miss our blog post, and keep an eye out for the upcoming entry on servers!Hardening Windows Clients with Microsoft Intune and Defender for Endpoint
Explore an approach at hardening clients in your organization by using Microsoft Intune and Defender for Endpoint to apply and mitigate some of the most common security misconfigurations. This blog unveils a centralized approach to automating asset management, deploying security baselines consistently, and minimizing the impact on end users. Learn valuable insights on planning, testing, and monitoring security policies, while discovering the power of attack surface reduction rules. Dive into this comprehensive guide and elevate your organization's security posture with streamlined solutions and proactive measures. Don't miss the chance to turn a major pain point into a significant win for your team!
