Transitioning to the New Intune Connector: A Cybersecurity Guide

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Introduction:

Microsoft is deprecating the legacy Intune Connector for Active Directory by June 2025, urging organizations to migrate to the enhanced Hybrid Azure AD Intune Connector. This update introduces critical security improvements, including automated Managed Service Accounts (MSAs) and streamlined hybrid Azure AD joins. This guide covers key commands, configurations, and best practices for a seamless transition.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the security benefits of the new Intune Connector.
  • Learn how to deploy and configure the updated connector (v6.2204.38.4).
  • Implement hybrid Azure AD joins with Windows Autopilot.

1. Hybrid Azure AD Intune Connector Setup

Verified Command (PowerShell):

Install-Module -Name AzureAD -Force 
Connect-AzureAD -AccountId [email protected]

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Install the AzureAD module to manage Azure Active Directory.
  2. Authenticate using an admin account to automate permission assignments.
  3. Follow Microsoft’s official guide for connector deployment.

2. Automating Managed Service Account (MSA) Creation

Verified Command (PowerShell):

New-ADServiceAccount -Name "IntuneMSA" -Enabled $true

Steps:

  1. Run the command on a domain controller to create a secure MSA.
  2. Assign the MSA to the Intune Connector for automatic authentication.

3. Configuring Windows Autopilot for Hybrid Joins

Verified Command (Intune API):

POST https://graph.microsoft.com/v1.0/deviceManagement/windowsAutopilotDeploymentProfiles

Steps:

  1. Use Microsoft Graph API to create an Autopilot profile.
  2. Enable “Hybrid Azure AD Join” in the profile settings.

4. Legacy Connector Deprecation Check

Verified Command (PowerShell):

Get-WmiObject -Query "SELECT  FROM Win32_Product WHERE Name LIKE '%Intune Connector%'"

Steps:

1. Identify legacy connector versions in your environment.

2. Uninstall outdated versions using `msiexec /x {ProductCode}`.

5. Troubleshooting Hybrid Join Failures

Verified Command (Event Log):

Get-WinEvent -LogName "Microsoft-Windows-User Device Registration/Admin"

Steps:

1. Check for errors related to device registration.

  1. Validate network connectivity to Azure AD endpoints (e.g., login.microsoftonline.com).

What Undercode Say:

  • Key Takeaway 1: The new Intune Connector eliminates manual permission assignments, reducing misconfiguration risks.
  • Key Takeaway 2: Automated MSAs enhance security by minimizing credential exposure.

Analysis:

The shift to the updated Intune Connector reflects Microsoft’s push toward zero-trust architecture. Organizations delaying migration risk compliance gaps and security vulnerabilities, especially in hybrid environments. Proactive adoption ensures seamless integration with Windows Autopilot and future Azure AD updates.

Prediction:

By 2026, hybrid Azure AD joins will become the default for enterprise device management, with legacy authentication methods fully phased out. Companies that transition early will gain a competitive edge in securing remote workforces.

Note: Replace placeholder values (e.g., [email protected]) with your organization’s details. For advanced scenarios, refer to Microsoft’s documentation.

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Charlescrampton Intune – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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