Manage device settings and device identity

In Azure, device identity is managed through Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). Each device that interacts with Azure services can be registered and then managed through this directory service. Azure AD allows for both Registered Devices (typically user-owned devices) and Azure AD Joined Devices (devices owned by the organization).

Registering and Managing Devices in Azure AD

To manage device identities:

1. Device Registration: Devices can be registered to Azure AD to provide a seamless identity-driven security model. For example, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) devices can be registered allowing users to securely access corporate resources.

   To register a device:

   • Navigate to Azure Active Directory in the Azure Portal.
   • Select “Devices” and “Device settings.”
   • Set the necessary settings (like requiring Multi-Factor Authentication for registration).
   • Users can then join devices by going into their device settings and connecting their corporate account.
2. Device Management: Azure AD provides a comprehensive device management platform that integrates with services such as Microsoft Intune for Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM).

   Example of managing a device with Intune:

   • From the Azure Portal, open Intune.
   • Navigate to “Devices” and choose “All devices” to see a list of enrolled devices.
   • Select a device to view detailed information and perform management tasks, such as resetting a device, locking it, or deleting all data.

Managing Device Configuration

Azure offers means to configure devices via policy-driven models:

1. Group Policies: For VMs that are part of an Active Directory Domain, Group Policy Objects (GPOs) can be used to enforce settings across numerous devices in a domain.

   Example: Setting password policies through a GPO:

   • Open the Group Policy Management Console on a domain controller.
   • Create a new GPO and link it to the appropriate Organizational Unit (OU).
   • Edit the GPO to include the desired password policy settings under “Computer Configuration” -> “Policies” -> “Windows Settings” -> “Security Settings” -> “Account Policies.”
2. Azure Policies: Azure Policies enforce rules and effects across your Azure resources, which can also influence device configuration.

   Example: Enforcing a tagging policy for VMs:

   • Create a new Azure Policy in the Azure Portal by navigating to “Policies.”
   • Define the conditions (like require a “Department” tag on every VM).
   • Assign the policy to the relevant scope (subscription, resource group, or individual resources).

Monitoring and Compliance

It’s essential to ensure that devices comply with organizational standards:

1. Azure Monitor: Use Azure Monitor to collect and analyze performance data from your VMs and other resources, which helps in proactive management and troubleshooting.

   To set up monitoring:

   • Configure the Azure Monitor agent on your VMs.
   • Define alert rules to be notified about specific criteria.
2. Compliance Reporting: Utilize tools like Azure Security Center or Microsoft Compliance Manager to assess and improve your compliance with regulatory standards.

   Steps to view compliance reports:

   • Go to Azure Security Center.
   • Select “Regulatory compliance” dashboard to see how well resources align with specific standards (like ISO 27001 or NIST SP 800-53).

Best Practices for Device Identity and Management

• Regularly update device configurations as per the latest security guidelines and organizational needs.
• Implement Conditional Access policies as part of Azure AD to control access based on the state of the device, location, or user identity.
• Regularly review and update Azure Policies to align with the ever-changing compliance landscape.
• Utilize Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to ensure only authorized users can manage device settings and identities.

In conclusion, managing device settings and identities within the Azure environment is a dynamic process. For AZ-104 exam takers, mastering the topics of device registration, management, monitoring, and compliance is critical to effectively administering Azure services. Understanding the integration points with Azure AD, Intune, Azure Policy, and monitoring tools will enable administrators to maintain security and compliance while ensuring the optimal performance of the devices under their purview.