Deploying Strategies For Intune Mobile Application Management (MAM)

4 min. readlast update: 09.21.2024

Overview

Deploying Intune Mobile Application Management (MAM) in stages is crucial for enhancing security while maintaining a smooth user experience. A structured, phased approach allows organizations to gradually implement policies, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments. This guide outlines each stage, from initial planning to full deployment, ensuring a seamless transition to MAM policies with minimal disruption.

TL;DR

Deploy Intune MAM in stages to ensure security and user experience are balanced. Start with a pilot group, apply a non-restrictive baseline policy to all users, then gradually implement restrictive "Full Protection" policies. Monitor and refine based on feedback, communicate clearly, and maintain continuous improvement to protect data without disrupting productivity.

1. Planning and Assessment

   - Define Objectives: Identify key goals, such as data protection and compliance.

   - Assessment: Review current mobile usage and security measures.

   - User Segmentation: Group users by roles, departments, and current MDM/MAM usage for tailored policy application.

2. Pilot Phase

   - Select Pilot Group: Choose a small, diverse group for testing, such as IT and cloud operations.

   - Define Policies: Create initial MAM policies focusing on critical security controls, like preventing data leakage.

   - Deploy to Pilot Group: Implement policies for the pilot group, monitor closely, and gather feedback.

   - Adjust Policies: Refine policies based on feedback and observations to optimize both security and usability.

3. Baseline Deployment

   - Organization-Wide Assignment (No Restrictions): Assign the MAM policy to all users without restrictions to provide the security team with visibility and management capabilities.

   - Benefits: Allows the security team to remotely wipe corporate data, monitor app usage, and ensure compliance without impacting user productivity.

   - User Communication: Inform users about the policy’s purpose, emphasizing that it enhances data protection without affecting app usage.

4. MAM Policies Update

   - As Discussed in the Meeting:

     - MAM – Minimal Protection: Current policy applied to all users, excluding those needing access to dual accounts on their devices.

     - MAM – Full Protection: Pilot policy applied to the "Intune MAM - Full Protection" group (mainly IT and cloud operations users) with enhanced restrictions.

   - Feedback-Based Adjustments: Modify policies based on user feedback to better align with security requirements and usability.

5. L1 Action Items

   - Monitor Pilot Group: Observe feedback from the pilot group for a few days to ensure no major issues arise.

   - Announcement: Prepare a company-wide announcement outlining the latest changes in MAM policies, the benefits, and the upcoming deployment phases.

   - Prepare for Full Deployment: Plan for the gradual deployment of the "MAM – Full Protection" policy across the organization.

6. Initial Rollout with Full Protection

   - Gradual Deployment: Start rolling out the "MAM – Full Protection" policy to additional users in stages, focusing first on those with higher security needs.

   - Support and Training: Provide training and support resources to help users adapt to new policies and restrictions.

   - Compliance Monitoring: Use Intune’s reporting tools to track compliance and address any issues proactively.

7. Full Rollout

   - Complete Deployment: Deploy the "MAM – Full Protection" policy to all users across the organization.

   - Policy Optimization: Continuously review and refine policies based on feedback and compliance data to maintain a balance between security and user experience.

   - Automated Monitoring: Set up alerts and monitoring to quickly identify and respond to policy violations or unusual activities.

8. Post-Deployment Review and Maintenance

   - Comprehensive Review: Conduct a detailed review of the deployment, document key learnings, and update policies as necessary.

   - Ongoing Support: Establish a robust support structure for addressing ongoing issues related to MAM policies.

   - Continuous Improvement: Regularly revisit and update MAM policies to respond to evolving security needs, user behaviors, and business requirements.

Summary

A phased deployment of Intune MAM is essential for effective mobile security management. Starting with a pilot phase, followed by a non-restrictive baseline deployment and gradual implementation of full protection policies, helps balance security and user productivity. Clear communication, user support, and continuous policy optimization are key to achieving a successful MAM deployment while maintaining a positive user experience.

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