Introducing Jamf Connect for Apple (macOS) devices
Microsoft’s Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is not directly compatible with Apple (macOS) devices. To remediate this issue, software will need to be installed for users with UTA-owned macOS devices or they may be unable to login to the device, which may lead to data loss. As a solution, UTA has partnered with Jamf to introduce Jamf Connect – a service that will integrate UTA macOS devices with Azure AD, allowing users to continue to log in with their existing NetID and password or UTA email. Jamf Connect will make it easier for devices to stay connected, updated, and secure by eliminating authentication and password issues for on-campus and off-campus macOS users.
OIT will remotely deploy Jamf Connect to eligible on-campus and off-campus devices. On-campus devices connected to “UTA WiFi” or “UTA Auto Login” before implementation will automatically switch to the “UTA Managed” network after implementation. If the device is connected to a network that is not “UTA WiFi” or “UTA Auto Login,” there will be no automatic network change.
Once implemented, the Jamf Connect login screen will appear on the device. Users will notice a new UTA “A” icon on the top right of the desktop menu bar. The new icon will be the principal location for password changes, resets, and other options. Visit Jamf Connect – Password Management and Get Software to learn more about the new “A” icon. Visit Resetting Your UTA Password Using Jamf for instructions on resetting and changing your password.
The first login to Jamf Connect will require multiple password entries. After the one-time interactions are complete, the login process will change permanently. Refer to How to complete the first login to Jamf Connect for a step-by-step guide. You can also refer to the Jamf Connect Documentation, created by OIT.
Requirements:
Ensure that your UTA-owned macOS device is updated to macOS 10.14.4 (Mojave) or later.
Back up the macOS device(s) that will receive Jamf Connect.
The macOS device must be connected to UTA’s on-premise network.
You must have an active Faculty, Staff, Student, or Affiliate account with UTA.
WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?
Microsoft will soon begin to verify authorized users of a domain. As Azure AD does not currently support macOS devices, macOS users would not be verified and would lose the ability to communicate with the Azure AD domain, resulting in being locked out of the account and potential data loss.
Jamf Connect provides the solution of fully integrating macOS devices with Azure AD, allowing users to log in with existing Microsoft credentials. Jamf Connect also provides password sync with Microsoft accounts. If a password is changed in Microsoft, Jamf Connect will immediately reflect the change on macOS devices.
Previously, off-campus macOS devices that experienced password-related issues would sometimes fall off the UTA domain due to a lack of authentication and require a technician to reengage a connection. Jamf Connect will provide the benefits of reducing password synchronization issues and the need for technician interaction when having password-related issues or setting up a new device. Additionally, creating a new user account on a device will no longer require an on-campus connection to the UTA network.
For assistance updating your device, please contact the IT Help Desk by chat, submitting a self-service ticket, or by calling 817-272-2208.
