In-Depth Guide: Planning and Implementing App Protection Policies in Intune
App Protection Policies (APP) guard corporate data inside applications, regardless of whether devices are enrolled in Intune. They enforce data controls, access requirements, and conditional launch rules to stop data leakage and ensure app security on iOS, Android, and Windows devices.
1. Define Your App Protection Strategy
First, clarify your objectives and scope:
- Identify target applications
– Microsoft 365 apps (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams)
– Partner-developed apps with Intune SDK
– Custom line-of-business (LOB) apps (wrapped or SDK-integrated) - Choose policy assignment groups
– Azure AD user groups for BYOD and MDM devices
– Exclude break-glass or service accounts - Determine protection levels
– Level 1 (Basic): PIN, encryption, selective wipe
– Level 2 (Enhanced): Data loss prevention (DLP) controls, OS version checks
– Level 3 (High): Threat detection, advanced PIN complexity, conditional launch
2. Plan Policy Configuration Areas
2.1 Data Protection
Controls for moving or saving data outside the app:
- Block cut, copy, paste between apps or to clipboard
- Restrict “Save As” to approved locations (OneDrive for Business)
- Enforce encryption at rest and in transit
2.2 Access Requirements
Ensure only authorized users open corporate apps:
- Require PIN or biometric for app launch
- Enforce reauthentication after idle timeout (e.g., 5 minutes)
- Block access on jailbroken or rooted devices
2.3 Conditional Launch
Define actions when device or app integrity fails:
- Check device health and compliance status via Intune
- Block or wipe app data if non-compliant
- Configure offline grace periods (e.g., allow 72 hours offline)
- Set threat level thresholds to trigger app wipe
3. Create the App Protection Policy
- Sign in to the Intune Admin Center.
- Navigate to Apps → App Protection Policies → Create Policy.
- Select the Platform (iOS/iPadOS, Android, or Windows).
- Enter a Name and Description for clarity.
- Under Target apps, choose the apps to protect.
- Configure settings in each area:
- Data Protection: Define clipboard, save, and share restrictions.
- Access Requirements: Set PIN length, biometric options, and timeouts.
- Conditional Launch: Specify compliance checks, grace periods, and wipe actions.
- Assign the policy to Azure AD user groups.
- Review and click Create.
4. Monitor and Maintain Policies
- Use Monitor → App Protection Status to see deployment success and failures.
- Review Intune audit logs for policy changes and assignments.
- Test policy behavior in pilot groups before broad rollout.
- Update policies as apps evolve or new threats emerge.
- Combine APP with Conditional Access for stronger enforcement.
5. Compare Platform Capabilities
| Capability | Android Enterprise | iOS/iPadOS | Windows 10/11 |
| Apply App Protection Policies | Yes | Yes | Yes¹ |
| Selective wipe of corporate data | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Block cut/copy/paste outside managed apps | Yes | Yes | Yes¹ |
| Require PIN/biometric | Yes | Yes | Yes¹ |
| Conditional launch (compliance, root/jailbreak checks) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Enforce encryption at rest and in transit | Yes | Yes | Yes¹ |
| Assign to unenrolled (BYOD) devices | Yes | Yes | No |
¹ Windows support may require Intune MAM for Windows or integration with Microsoft Purview.
By carefully planning protection levels, configuring data controls, and enforcing access rules, you can deploy App Protection Policies that secure corporate data across all user and device scenarios. Continuous monitoring and policy updates keep your app environment resilient against emerging threats.
