What is Privileged Access Management?
Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a security practice that helps organizations control, monitor, and secure access to critical resources and sensitive data. In the context of Active Directory, PAM focuses on managing and protecting privileged accounts, which have elevated permissions and access rights.
Key Benefits of PAM:
- Reduces the risk of privileged account misuse
- Enhances compliance with regulatory requirements
- Improves visibility into privileged activities
- Simplifies the management of privileged accounts
Implementing PAM in Active Directory
1. Just-In-Time (JIT) Administration
JIT administration provides users with privileged access only when needed and for a limited time.
- Use time-bound group memberships for temporary elevated access
- Implement a request and approval process for privileged access
- Automatically revoke privileges after a set duration
2. Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
PIM helps manage, control, and monitor access to important resources in your organization.
- Define roles with specific privileges
- Implement role-based access control (RBAC)
- Use Azure AD Privileged Identity Management for cloud and hybrid environments
3. Privileged Access Workstations (PAWs)
PAWs are hardened and isolated workstations used for sensitive tasks and administrative access.
- Set up dedicated PAWs for administrators
- Implement strict security controls on PAWs
- Use PAWs only for administrative tasks, not daily work
Best Practices for PAM in Active Directory
- Implement the principle of least privilege
- Use separate accounts for administrative and regular tasks
- Regularly audit and review privileged access
- Implement strong authentication methods (e.g., multi-factor authentication)
- Use a secure password vault for storing and managing privileged credentials
- Monitor and log all privileged activities
- Implement just-enough administration (JEA) using PowerShell
Warning: Never share privileged account credentials or use them for non-administrative tasks.
Implementing Just-Enough Administration (JEA)
JEA is a security technology that enables delegated administration for anything that can be managed with PowerShell.
Steps to Implement JEA:
- Create a JEA endpoint configuration file
- Define role capabilities
- Register the JEA configuration
- Assign users to JEA roles
# Example JEA configuration
Configuration JEAConfig
{
Import-DscResource -Module JEA
JEAEndpoint ADAdministration
{
Name = 'ADAdministration'
RoleDefinitions = @{
'CONTOSO\AD_Operators' = @{ RoleCapabilities = 'AD-User-Management' }
}
TranscriptDirectory = 'C:\JEATranscripts'
}
}
Monitoring and Auditing Privileged Access
- Enable and configure Advanced Audit Policy Configuration
- Monitor privileged group membership changes
- Set up alerts for suspicious privileged account activities
- Regularly review and analyze security logs
- Consider using third-party PAM solutions for advanced monitoring and reporting