A comprehensive understanding of Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM) is crucial, including its key capabilities and how to review and respond to issues identified within this central management hub.
Part I: Overview of Microsoft Endpoint Manager
As an amalgamation of System Center Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) and Intune, Microsoft Endpoint Manager offers diverse features aimed at effective endpoint management. One of its inherent strengths is in dealing with varying device types, including PCs, Macs, iPhones, Androids, and more. Additionally, MEM is capable of securing both corporate and personally owned devices while ensuring that they comply with the company’s security policies.
Part II: Identifying and Responding to Issues in Microsoft Endpoint Manager
When encountering issues in MEM, the first step is identifying the error. Errors could arise from software, network, or device-related issues. Therefore, it is important that a proficient user can differentiate between these errors. For instance, software errors may show up as the inability to enforce policy or grant app access, while network errors might prevent the device from connecting to the MEM service.
Once the error type is identified, the next step is to isolate the area of failure. MEM has logging capabilities built in, so substantial insights can be obtained from examining these logs. An example of this could be using the error information obtained from the log to guide troubleshooting efforts.
Consider a scenario where a user can’t access the company app on a managed Android device. You could follow these steps to resolve the issue:
- Check the MEM admin center for device status.
- If the device is non-compliant, review the compliance policies assigned to the user.
- In the MEM console, choose “Devices” > “All devices” to locate the device detail page.
- On the “Device configuration” tab, you can check for any errors in applying the compliance policy.
- Update the policy or device settings accordingly and verify whether the issue is resolved.
Part III: Managing Device Compliance
Device compliance policies enable the system to evaluate the security and health of a device. By checking the compliance details page in MEM, it is possible to gain insights into the reasons for a device’s non-compliance, identifying areas where security policies are lacking. Should there be an issue with a compliance policy, you may use the MEM admin center to modify it.
Part IV: Intune App Protection Policies
Intune App Protection Policies (APP) offer another layer of protection by restricting access to corporate data within the device. Once an APP is set up, MEM uses the compliance status to determine whether a device can access dedicated corporate apps. If a device is determined as non-compliant, MEM may block access to operative data. IT administrators can remediate this by adjusting the access settings in the MEM admin center.
Part V: Windows Defender Antivirus
MEM is also integrated with Windows Defender Antivirus, a critical feature for maintaining device security. Issues related to Defender Antivirus may translate into overall device security risks. To mitigate this, administrators must ensure the correct configuration and deployment of threat protection settings in MEM to maintain secure endpoints.
By fully understanding MEM, IT professionals will be more than ready to review, respond, and remediate various issues that may arise on the platform – a crucial skill for the MS-101 exam. With the right combination of knowledge, hands-on experience, and understanding of best troubleshooting practices, successfully passing this exam and becoming a certified professional in Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security is within reach.
Practice Test
True or False: Microsoft Endpoint Manager can be used to manage and secure devices that access Microsoft 365 services.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Microsoft Endpoint Manager is a comprehensive, integrated endpoint management and security solution that helps manage and secure devices accessing Microsoft 365 services.
Which of these can be used to locate issues identified in Microsoft Endpoint Manager?
- a) Microsoft 365 Compliance Center
- b) Microsoft 365Defender
- c) Microsoft Threat Protection
- d) Microsoft Intune
Answer: d) Microsoft Intune
Explanation: Microsoft Intune, a part of Microsoft Endpoint Manager, offers management capabilities that include issue identification and resolution.
True or False: The Microsoft Endpoint Manager is not capable of handling macOS devices.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Microsoft Endpoint Manager can manage a variety of devices and operating systems, including Windows, iOS/iPadOS, macOS, and Android.
Which of the following is not a tool within Microsoft Endpoint Manager?
- a) Microsoft Intune
- b) Configuration Manager
- c) Active Directory
- d) Desktop Analytics
Answer: c) Active Directory
Explanation: Active Directory is a Microsoft technology used to manage computers and other devices on a network. It is not a part of the Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
In Microsoft Endpoint Manager, which policy is responsible for setting password requirements on devices?
- a) Compliance policy
- b) Conditional Access policy
- c) Device configuration policy
- d) Security baseline policy
Answer: a) Compliance policy
Explanation: Compliance policies are responsible for setting the password requirements, device encryption, and other security settings on devices.
True or False: Microsoft Endpoint Manager is only capable of managing devices connected to a company’s On-premise infrastructure.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Microsoft Endpoint Manager can manage devices connected regardless of whether they’re on-premises or remote.
Which of these is not an alert category in Microsoft Endpoint Manager?
- a) User Risk
- b) Sign-in Risk
- c) Threat Intelligence Risk
- d) Device Risk
Answer: c) Threat Intelligence Risk
Explanation: Microsoft Endpoint Manager has alert categories including User Risk, Sign-in Risk, and Device Risk, but not Threat Intelligence Risk.
True or False: Microsoft Endpoint Manager enables mobile application management.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Microsoft Endpoint Manager includes Microsoft Intune, which provides a set of capabilities for mobile application management.
What feature of Microsoft Endpoint Manager assists in the distribution of software applications across multiple devices?
- a) App protection policies
- b) Device compliance policies
- c) Azure AD
- d) App deployment
Answer: d) App deployment
Explanation: The App deployment feature of Microsoft Endpoint Manager assists organizations in distributing software applications to various devices in a controlled manner.
True or False: Microsoft Endpoint Manager does not utilize any artificial intelligence to help secure and manage endpoints.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Microsoft Endpoint Manager integrates with Microsoft 365 security solutions which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help secure and manage endpoints.
Interview Questions
What is Microsoft Endpoint Manager?
Microsoft Endpoint Manager is a unified, integrated management platform that provides seamless management of endpoints, end users, and everything in between. It combines the functionality of Microsoft Intune and Configuration Manager, along with cloud-powered capabilities.
What issues might be identified with Microsoft Endpoint Manager?
Issues can include configuration errors, security risks such as unpatched vulnerabilities, issues with application deployment, compliance issues, and problems with device enrollment.
How can Microsoft Endpoint Manager be used to find and fix configuration errors?
The built-in device compliance policies in Microsoft Endpoint Manager can identify configuration errors on devices. If a device is found to be non-compliant, administrators can take remedial actions such as messaging the user, locking the device, or even wiping it.
What steps can be taken in Microsoft Endpoint Manager to mitigate security risks?
Microsoft Endpoint Manager includes security baselines that define configurations for devices and users to ensure they meet certain security requirements. It also includes threat and vulnerability management which provides real-time threat analytics. Updates and patches can be rolled out using the software updates feature.
What should you do if Microsoft Endpoint Manager identifies compliance issues?
If compliance issues are found, Microsoft Endpoint Manager can automatically apply actions depending on the severity of the issue. For instance, it could remove a device from the network until the issue is resolved or send notifications to users asking them to rectify the issue.
How does Microsoft Endpoint Manager handle application deployment issues?
Endpoint Manager provides comprehensive application management, allowing admins to deploy and manage apps across a wide range of devices. If deployment issues occur, it offers detailed error reporting to identify and resolve the problem.
How can end user troubles in enrolling their devices be solved in Microsoft Endpoint Manager?
Microsoft Endpoint Manager includes comprehensive troubleshooting and error reporting capabilities. Admins can use the ‘Enrollment errors’ report to identify and troubleshoot issues that are preventing users from enrolling their devices.
What is co-management in Microsoft Endpoint Manager?
Co-management is a feature of Microsoft Endpoint Manager allowing you to concurrently manage Windows 10 devices by using both Configuration Manager and Microsoft Intune.
What can be done to resolve issues with the Software Update feature?
Check device settings and network connectivity. If a device has been switched off or disconnected from the network, it may not receive updates. Also, make sure the device settings allow for automatic updates.
Can Microsoft Endpoint Manager Assist in Policymaking?
Yes, it can. Endpoint Manager enables you to create, manage and enforce policies over the entire device lifecycle, from enrollment and provisioning, to retirement.
How does Microsoft Endpoint Manager secure data on mobile devices?
Microsoft Endpoint Manager uses Mobile Application Management (MAM) protocols which protect enterprise data without controlling the user’s entire device.
What is the Cloud Management Gateway in Endpoint Manager?
The Cloud Management Gateway is a cloud-based distribution point for Configuration Manager. It is used to manage clients on the internet.
How can you ensure devices meet corporate policy with Microsoft Endpoint Manager?
With Endpoint Manager, you can set compliance policies and rules that devices must meet. If they do not meet these parameters, remedial actions can be taken such as sending the user a message or removing company data.
How to track application deployment in Microsoft Endpoint Manager?
You can track the status of application deployments through the reporting features within Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
Can Microsoft Endpoint Manager integrate with other Microsoft services?
Yes, it combines services from Microsoft Intune, Configuration Manager, Desktop Analytics, Co-management, and Windows Autopilot, presenting them in a unified admin experience.