1. Understand Your Active Directory Environment
- Document your AD forest and domain structure
- Identify critical AD-dependent applications and services
- Map out your Domain Controllers and their roles
- Document your Group Policy Objects (GPOs)
Tip: Use PowerShell to gather AD information:
Get-ADForest | Format-List *
Get-ADDomain | Format-List *
2. Implement Regular Backups
- Set up System State backups for all Domain Controllers
- Implement regular full server backups
- Consider using Windows Server Backup or third-party backup solutions
- Test your backups regularly to ensure they can be restored
Tip: Use Windows Server Backup PowerShell cmdlet:
Wbadmin start backup -backupTarget:E: -include:C: -allCritical -quiet
3. Implement Active Directory Recycle Bin
- Enable AD Recycle Bin to easily recover deleted objects
- Configure retention period for deleted objects
- Train administrators on how to use AD Recycle Bin
Tip: Enable AD Recycle Bin with PowerShell:
Enable-ADOptionalFeature 'Recycle Bin Feature' -Scope ForestOrConfigurationSet -Target 'yourdomain.com'
4. Implement Redundancy
- Deploy multiple Domain Controllers across different physical or virtual locations
- Implement site-to-site replication
- Consider deploying Read-Only Domain Controllers (RODCs) in less secure locations
5. Create a Disaster Recovery Plan
- Define different disaster scenarios (e.g., single DC failure, entire site failure)
- Document step-by-step recovery procedures for each scenario
- Assign roles and responsibilities for disaster recovery
- Include contact information for key personnel and vendors
6. Test Your Disaster Recovery Plan
- Conduct regular disaster recovery drills
- Test various scenarios, including:
- Single Domain Controller failure
- Multiple Domain Controller failures
- Forest recovery
- Document the results of each test and update the plan as needed
7. Monitor Active Directory Health
- Implement monitoring tools to track AD replication, service availability, and performance
- Set up alerts for critical AD events
- Regularly review AD logs and reports
Tip: Use PowerShell to check AD replication status:
repadmin /replsummary
8. Secure Your Active Directory
- Implement least privilege access principles
- Use strong password policies and consider implementing multi-factor authentication
- Regularly audit and review AD permissions
- Keep your Domain Controllers and AD-related software up to date
Warning:
Never test your disaster recovery procedures on production systems without proper safeguards and approvals. Always use isolated test environments for drills and validations.