Let’s briefly Recap of Workplace Ninja Summit 2024 Updates. Workplace Ninja Summit 2024 introduced several new features and improvements to enhance the user experience. All the details related to Ninja updates are taken from the X platform.
These updates focus on making it easier to manage workplace environments, improve security, and offer better tools for IT teams. Whether it is new functionality for managing devices or improved workflows, these changes simplify daily tasks and keep the workplace running smoothly.
During Day 1 of the Workplace Ninja Summit 2024, participants received essential details about the event. This information also helps participants focus on real-world solutions for modern IT challenges. The day, they featured key sessions that explored various topics, including the capabilities of Device Query, insights into Windows Performance Counters, and an overview of the Performance API’s architecture, providing valuable knowledge for IT management.
Day 2 of the Workplace Ninja Summit 2024 covered critical technical topics, including a session on KQL (Kusto Query Language), Zero Trust Zero Gap, Auth Factor Registration Maturity, and a Shared iPad Temporary Session.
Table of Contents
What is the “Auth Factor Registration Maturity” Session in Ninja Summit 2024?
The session focuses on managing authentication factors to improve security and simplify access control.
What is the Goal of this Session?
The goal is to enhance the management of authentication factors, ensuring robust security measures while keeping access control accessible for users.
Recap of Workplace Ninja Summit 2024 Updates
Autopilot Device Preparation (v2) operates independently from the original Autopilot (v1). References to Autopilot v1 and v2 are made to maintain clarity. For the time being, both versions can coexist. There is also the possibility of future backporting enhancements from v2 to v1.
- Autopilot device preparation (v2) exists independently of the “original” Autopilot (v1)
- References to Autopilot v1 vs. Autopilot v2 then are to preserve sanity
- Co-existence for now
- Possible “backporting” of v2 enhancements to v1
- · Autopilot v2 is still a work-in-progress (but considered “generally available,” not “preview”)
- No device registration, but maybe still device registration?
- Missing features to be delivered later:
- Customize OOBE and rename devices during provisioning based on organizational structure.
- Self-deploying and pre-provisioning mode.
- Additional admin-specified configurations are delivered before allowing desktop access.
- The ability to associate a device with a tenant.
- Corporate device identifier support will be added later (hence, you must enable personal device enrollment to use v2)
- Autopilot v2 leaves some features behind
- Hybrid Azure AD Join
- List of Intune Sessions in Microsoft Ignite 2023
- Guide to Configure Windows Autopilot Next Generation Device Preparation Policy with Intune
- 5 New Windows Apps and Drivers Security Enhancements from Phishing and Malware
Microsoft Dev Box and Security
An extraordinary session at the Ninja event focused on Microsoft Dev Box. It showed how it can effectively satisfy developers and security teams by balancing productivity and security requirements.
Access from Anywhere with Windows App
At the WPNinjas keynote, Christiaan Brinkhoff showcased the upcoming Windows app, which will soon reach general availability. The presentation highlighted how this app represents the future of Windows, integrating AI and cloud technologies to enhance the overall Windows experience.
- Windows app is now generally available across multiple platforms, including Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Microsoft Dev Box, Remote Desktop, and Remote Desktop Services.
Intune Reporting with KQL and PowerBI
The Intune Reporting session addressed a common concern among admins transitioning from a Configuration Manager background: the perception that Intune lacks sufficient reporting capabilities. The session began by exploring the native reporting options available within Intune, highlighting what data can be accessed directly.
- However, the real focus was on going beyond these native capabilities.
- To achieve this, discussed the importance of scripting and demonstrated how to utilize PowerShell, Log Analytics, KQL (Kusto Query Language), and Power BI to extract meaningful data tailored to your needs.
- This approach allows admins to create more comprehensive reports and visualizations.
The session was rich in demonstrations, providing practical examples and scripts that attendees could quickly implement. Even those with limited coding experience could find something helpful to build upon when they return to their offices. Overall, the session aimed to empower admins to enhance their reporting strategies and make the most of the data available in Intune.
100 Solutions and 1 Strategy
The “100 Solutions & 1 Strategy” session at WPNinjas offered insights into transitioning to an enterprise cloud-native workplace. It revealed a comprehensive approach, combining 100 solutions under one unified strategy, guiding businesses to create an epic modern workplace.
Johan recommends sticking with the current version of the Windows ADK, as highlighted during the WPNinjaS event. The session provided an overview of the available Windows ADK versions and offered guidance on which version is most reliable for deployment.
Encrypt Data at Rest Azure File Share
MichaWets and Wim Matthyssen are now leading a deep dive into cloud security, focusing on Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). They specifically explore how AVD integrates with confidential virtual machines (VMs) to enhance security and protect sensitive data in cloud environments.
Encrypt Data at Rest Azure File Share |
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Encryption at the Service Level |
265 bit AES with CGM mode |
FIPS 140-2 compliant |
Mastering Enterprise App Management with Microsoft Intune Suite
The “Mastering Enterprise App Management with Microsoft Intune Suite” session was featured at WPNinjaS. They provided valuable insights into effectively managing enterprise applications using Microsoft Intune, sharing best practices and strategies to optimize app management in organizational environments.
Build an AI Assistant for Intune
The “Build an AI Assistant for Intune” session at the Ninja Summit explored developing and implementing AI-driven assistants for Microsoft Intune. Attendees learned about AI to enhance user experience, automate tasks, and simplify IT management processes.
The Workplace Ninja Updates include a session on enhancing security for cloud PC users. This session covers strategies and best practices for protecting user data and maintaining secure access in cloud environments.
2Pint Software presented the first deep-dive session on Delivery Optimization (DO) at the WPNinjaSummit, featuring insights from Michael Niehaus and 2Pint Software. Attendees learned how to leverage DO to enhance their deployment processes and optimize bandwidth usage.
Windows Autopilot Device Provisioning
Diving deep into Windows Autopilot device provisioning was the highlight at WPNinjaSummit. The session, led by Michael Niehaus, provided a comprehensive overview of Windows Autopilot, offering attendees valuable insights and best practices for efficient device provisioning. It showcased the power of Windows Autopilot in simplifying deployment processes.
What is DNS-SD and is it any Good?
Service Discovery Protocol https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multicast_DNS. Uses multicast messages to find local peers (same subnet only unless using 2Pint ). It Can be blocked by Wi-Fi access Points (even when on the same subnet).
- IPv4 address 224.0.0.251 or IPv6 address ff02 :: fb
- DO will register the peer via its client IP + the file hash + Group ID if set
- Doesn’t rely on the DO Cloud service
- Helpful in dealing with small files that are ignored by default (they all add up!)
- Can be configured using MDM Policy in Win11 (See Johan’s Blog)
- Win10 needs a registry poke (no policy)
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization\DORestrictPeerS
- electionBy – set it to 2
Top 5 Delivery Optimization Settings
When optimising downloads, consider five critical Delivery Optimization (DO) settings. The list below provides more details.
While these five settings are crucial, 29 policies available in DO are worth exploring. Understanding how these settings work together can significantly enhance download efficiency and network performance.
- Download Mode
- Restrict Peer Selection (DNS-SD)
- Background QoS
- Delay
- Cache Retention/filesize
Battle of the Providers
The Battle of the providers includes the Microsoft platform crypto provider and Microsoft software key storage provider. These providers handle cryptographic operations related to securing and managing digital certificates, ensuring proper functioning and security within a system.
Future
The requirements are Architecture ×64 and ARM64, UEFI only, Network, Cloud, and media booting, Leveraging standard Microsoft media with support for custom images when necessary, model-based driver management with some level of control, and Task sequencing.
- Nice to have – Peer-to-peer content sharing
- Familiarity compatibility
- Solutions worth considering
- OSDCloud
- PSD
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Author
Anoop C Nair has been Microsoft MVP from 2015 onwards for 10 consecutive years! He is a Workplace Solution Architect with more than 22+ years of experience in Workplace technologies. He is also a Blogger, Speaker, and Local User Group Community leader. His primary focus is on Device Management technologies like SCCM and Intune. He writes about technologies like Intune, SCCM, Windows, Cloud PC, Windows, Entra, Microsoft Security, Career, etc.