Intune: Secure App Deployments to Patch Vulnerabilities Fast

Key insights

• Microsoft Intune now uses AI-driven automation to identify and fix security gaps in third-party applications, making it easier for IT admins to manage vulnerabilities across all endpoints.
  
• The new Vulnerability Remediation Agent, launching in May 2025, automatically monitors devices and suggests prioritized fixes based on the risk level, reducing manual work for IT teams.
  
• Defender for Endpoint scans devices for outdated apps or misconfigurations, then creates security tasks in the Intune admin center. Admins can review these tasks and deploy updates, adjust policies, or run scripts as needed.
  
• Deployment rings in Intune allow organizations to push updates—like those for Chrome or Firefox—in controlled phases, ensuring seamless software rollouts without disrupting users.
  
• The platform integrates with Security Copilot, an AI assistant that helps evaluate app elevation requests and improves risk assessments within Endpoint Privilege Manager.
  
• This approach boosts security by automating patching cycles, minimizing human error, and allowing IT teams to focus on more strategic work while keeping their environment protected against threats like ransomware.
  

Introduction to App Vulnerability Remediation with Intune

In today's digital landscape, managing software vulnerabilities is a top priority for IT professionals. In a recent YouTube video, Nick Ross [MVP] (T-Minus365) demonstrates how Microsoft Intune and Defender can be leveraged to efficiently handle and remediate third-party app vulnerabilities. As organizations increasingly rely on a diverse set of applications, automating updates and security fixes becomes essential for maintaining a secure environment. This video, aimed at MSPs and IT administrators, highlights practical steps to streamline application management and enhance endpoint security.

Notably, the video covers packaging and deploying third-party applications, automating vulnerability remediation, and best practices for managing software updates. Real-world examples, such as pushing updates to browsers like Microsoft Edge, Chrome and Firefox, provide viewers with hands-on insights into the deployment process. By focusing on automation and centralized management, Nick Ross addresses the growing need for scalable security solutions in modern IT environments.

Leveraging Automation for Enhanced Security

A key message from Nick Ross’s video is the importance of automating the management of application vulnerabilities. Using Microsoft 365 Intune in conjunction with Microsoft Defender, IT teams can identify and prioritize security gaps across all managed devices. The integration of AI-powered tools allows for swift detection and response to potential threats, minimizing the manual effort required for analysis and remediation. This approach not only reduces the risk of human error but also ensures that critical vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.

However, the move toward automation requires careful consideration. While automation accelerates the remediation cycle and lightens the administrative workload, it also demands robust oversight. Administrators must balance the efficiency of automated processes with the need for governance, ensuring that remediation actions align with organizational policies and do not inadvertently disrupt business operations.

Intune’s New Features and Workflow Enhancements

The video outlines several recent advancements in Intune’s vulnerability management capabilities. One notable development is the upcoming Vulnerability Remediation Agent, which will be available in public preview as of May 2025. This agent proactively monitors endpoints, using AI to suggest prioritized fixes based on the severity of detected risks. Through seamless integration with Defender for Endpoint, Intune administrators can create, review, and approve remediation tasks directly from the admin center.

Additionally, updated CDN endpoints—introduced in April 2025—ensure reliable delivery of applications and scripts across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Android AOSP devices. This enhancement is crucial for organizations aiming to maintain consistent deployment performance and avoid failures during critical security updates. The integration of Security Copilot also brings AI-driven risk assessments, supporting admins as they evaluate requests for application privilege elevation.

Challenges and Tradeoffs in Endpoint Management

While the automation and AI-driven features of Intune offer significant benefits, they also present new challenges for IT teams. One of the main tradeoffs involves striking a balance between speed and control. Automated remediation can accelerate patch deployments, but organizations must ensure that each change is thoroughly reviewed to prevent unintended consequences, especially when dealing with legacy applications or complex update cycles.

Moreover, the reliance on updated network configurations—such as ensuring access to specific Microsoft CDN endpoints—highlights the ongoing need for careful infrastructure management. Failure to maintain proper connectivity can disrupt deployments and leave vulnerabilities unaddressed. As organizations adopt these advanced tools, ongoing training and clear communication between security and operations teams become vital to successful implementation.

Why These Innovations Matter

With cyber threats such as ransomware and zero-day vulnerabilities on the rise, manual patching processes are increasingly unsustainable. The adoption of AI-driven remediation in Intune represents a significant step forward for organizations seeking to bolster their endpoint security while optimizing resource allocation. By automating routine tasks and providing actionable insights, these technologies free up IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives without compromising security.

Ultimately, the advancements showcased in Nick Ross’s video underscore the importance of modernizing endpoint management. As businesses continue to embrace cloud-based solutions, integrating automated vulnerability remediation within the Microsoft ecosystem empowers organizations to protect their assets more effectively while adapting to an ever-changing threat landscape.

Keywords

Intune app deployment security Intune vulnerability fix mobile device management secure app deployment Microsoft Intune best practices patch management in Intune enterprise app security