# Periodic Compliance Enforcement and Remediation

In an enterprise environment managing 500,000 devices, “Compliance” cannot be a static, periodic audit. It must function as a real-time “Gatekeeper.” Real-Time Compliance Gating is the architectural implementation of Zero Trust where access to corporate resources is dynamically granted or revoked based on the real-time health of the endpoint. This Canvas defines the orchestration between the MQTT Triple-Channel Engine and external Identity Providers (IdP) or Network Access Control (NAC) systems. By treating compliance drift as a binary switch, Hexnode ensures that a non-compliant device is isolated in sub-seconds, preventing lateral movement and data exfiltration.

Logical Architecture: Compliance Evaluation and Enforcement Flow 
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Compliance enforcement in Hexnode UEM operates as a recurring evaluation and response flow between managed devices, the UEM portal, and connected identity providers.

- **Endpoint Synchronization Layer:** Managed devices sync relevant security and configuration attributes to the Hexnode server via Triple-Channel Communication (MQTT) during check-ins.
- **Policy Evaluation Layer:** The Hexnode server evaluates reported device attributes against active compliance policies. If a device fails any parameter (e.g., the device becomes inactive, the device is not password/application compliant), then the device moves to a non-compliant state.
- **Compliance Enforcement Layer:** Once the device moves to a non-compliant state, Hexnode triggers compliance enforcement actions.
- **Autonomous Remediation Loop:** To resolve violations without manual effort, Hexnode uses dynamic device groups. The dynamic device group is updated based on the compliance status.

### Compliance Enforcement Layers 

Hexnode enables compliance-driven enforcement across the enterprise environment using policy-based controls.

**1. Identity Gate (SaaS & Cloud-Based Access Evaluation).**

**Configurations:** [Integrate Hexnode UEM with Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access ](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/set-up-microsoft-entra-conditional-access-integration-in-hexnode/)

**Mechanism:** Device compliance reported by Hexnode UEM is evaluated by Entra ID to enforce or restrict access to corporate applications and services.

**Logic:** Conditional Access policies dynamically assess device state. If a device is non-compliant, access to SaaS and cloud resources can be restricted until compliance is restored.

**2. Network & Configuration Gate.**

**Configuration:** Hexnode UEM policies (VPN, Wi-Fi, firewall, restrictions).

**Mechanism:** Hexnode manages network access by associating specific policies for compliance-based groups.

**Logic:** If the device becomes non-compliant, the device moves directly to a default compliance-based dynamic device group. This transition revokes secure network profiles (VPN/Wi-Fi) and enforces restrictive configurations until compliance is restored.

**3. Application and Data Protection Gate.**

**Configurations:** Application management and Managed Configurations

**Mechanism:** Hexnode leverages OS-level containerization to enforce Data Leakage Prevention (DLP). By associating these restrictions with compliance-based groups, Hexnode can dynamically “lock down” the flow of data.

**Logic:** On non-compliant devices, Hexnode enforces restrictions that prevent users from sharing corporate data between managed to unmanaged apps. This ensures corporate data remains encrypted and isolated until the device is remediated.

### Execution Logic: Compliance Response Flow 

This playbook follows a structured response path to minimize exposure caused by configuration drifts.

**Phase 1: Compliance Drift Detection**

Device compliance violations are detected when reported device attributes (e.g., OS version or encryption) fail to meet configured compliance policy criteria.

**Trigger:** Devices marked as non-compliant during the next sync.

**Phase 2: Automated Compliance Enforcement**

Once non-compliant:

Upon status update, the Microsoft Entra ID integration evaluates the “non-compliant” devices and dynamically restricts access to corporate SaaS applications via Conditional Access.

**Network Isolation:** Simultaneously, the status change triggers an automatic membership update to the Default Dynamic Groups.

**Phase 3: Admin-Configured Remediation**

Hexnode automatically targets the non-compliant device with policies. These actions are designed to resolve the specific configuration drift with zero manual intervention.

**Phase 4: Verification and Access Restoration**

After remediation:

The Hexnode UEM portal performs a compliance check during the next sync to confirm the security posture is restored.

**Recovery:** Once verified as “Compliant,” Hexnode removes the device from restricted groups, re-deploys original network profiles, and restores Entra ID access.

#### Policy-Driven Severity Handling 

Organizations can differentiate enforcement based on policy criticality:

- Creating separate compliance policies for security requirements.
- Using dynamic device groups to apply different remediation workflows.
- Integrating compliance with Conditional Access to block or allow cloud access.

#### Benefits of a Compliance- Driven Approach 

A structured compliance evaluation and enforcement model provides:

- Continuous visibility into device compliance posture.
- Centralized reporting for audit readiness.
- Automated policy-based remediation.

#### Implementation Considerations 

- **Identity Sync:** Ensure that the Microsoft Entra ID integration is mapped to trust Hexnode as the compliance provider for Conditional Access.
- **Dynamic Rule Design:** Structure Dynamic Device Groups to trigger instantly when a compliance status changes.
- **Sync Optimization:** Align the Periodic Sync Interval in the Hexnode Settings with your organization’s risk tolerance for detecting configuration drifts.