Streamlining Microsoft Intune Configuration with OpenIntuneBaseline

If you're an IT professional responsible for managing devices with Microsoft Intune, you know how time-consuming and complex it can be to configure all the necessary settings and policies. From device compliance rules to app protection policies, and security baselines, the number of configurations can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, there's a fantastic open-source project called OpenIntuneBaseline that aims to simplify this process.

OpenIntuneBaseline is a GitHub repository created by SkipToTheEndpoint, a community-driven effort to provide a comprehensive baseline configuration for Intune. This baseline includes a collection of recommended settings, policies, and best practices for securing and managing devices in an enterprise environment. It covers a wide range of areas, including device compliance, app protection, security baselines, and more.

One of the key benefits of OpenIntuneBaseline is its modularity. The repository is organized into different folders, each containing JSON files that represent specific configurations or policies. For example, the "Device Compliance" folder includes policies for enforcing password requirements, device encryption, and other security measures. This modular approach makes it easy to pick and choose the settings that are relevant to your organization, rather than having to adopt an all-or-nothing approach.

Let's take a closer look at an example policy from the "Device Compliance" folder: the "Windows 10 Compliance Policy.json" file. This policy defines a set of rules for Windows 10 devices to be considered compliant within your organization. Some of the key settings included in this policy are:

1. Password Requirements: Enforces a strong password policy, such as minimum password length, complexity requirements, and password expiration.
2. Device Encryption: Requires devices to have BitLocker or device encryption enabled to protect data in case of loss or theft.
3. Software Updates: Ensures that devices are kept up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates from Microsoft.
4. Firewall Settings: Configures the Windows Firewall to block unauthorized connections and protect against network-based attacks.
5. Antivirus Protection: Mandates the use of an approved antivirus solution and enforces regular scans and updates.

By implementing this compliance policy, you can ensure that all Windows 10 devices in your organization meet a consistent set of security standards, reducing the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.

The project is actively maintained and updated by the community, ensuring that it stays current with the latest Intune features and best practices. Contributors from around the world collaborate to refine the configurations, add new policies, and share their experiences and insights.

Getting started with OpenIntuneBaseline is straightforward. You can clone or download the repository from the following link: https://github.com/SkipToTheEndpoint/OpenIntuneBaseline. The repository includes detailed documentation and examples to help you understand and implement the configurations.

Whether you're new to Intune or an experienced administrator looking to streamline your processes, OpenIntuneBaseline is a valuable resource that can save you countless hours of configuration time. By leveraging the collective knowledge and expertise of the community, you can ensure that your Intune environment is secure, efficient, and aligned with industry best practices.