PCI DSS Requirements for Active Directory

Introduction to PCI DSS and Active Directory

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. Active Directory plays a crucial role in managing user access and authentication, making it a key component in PCI DSS compliance.

Key PCI DSS Requirements Affecting Active Directory

Requirement	Description	AD Implications
Requirement 2	Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters	Ensure all default AD accounts are changed or disabled
Requirement 3	Protect stored cardholder data	Implement proper access controls in AD for systems storing cardholder data
Requirement 4	Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks	Configure AD to require encryption for network communications
Requirement 6	Develop and maintain secure systems and applications	Keep AD updated and patched
Requirement 7	Restrict access to cardholder data by business need to know	Implement least privilege access controls in AD
Requirement 8	Identify and authenticate access to system components	Implement strong authentication methods in AD
Requirement 10	Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data	Enable comprehensive auditing in AD

Implementing PCI DSS in Active Directory

1. Password Policies (Requirement 8)

Enforce strong password policies through Group Policy
Implement multi-factor authentication for sensitive accounts
Set account lockout policies to prevent brute-force attacks

PCI Tip: PCI DSS requires passwords to be at least 7 characters long and contain both numeric and alphabetic characters.

2. Access Control (Requirement 7)

Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) using AD groups
Regularly review and update group memberships
Use nested groups judiciously to maintain clear access hierarchies

Note: Document all access control decisions and review them at least annually.

3. Auditing and Logging (Requirement 10)

Enable detailed auditing for all domain controllers
Monitor and log access to sensitive resources
Implement centralized log collection and analysis
Ensure time synchronization across all systems

PCI Tip: PCI DSS requires logs to be retained for at least one year, with a minimum of 3 months immediately available for analysis.

4. Secure Configuration (Requirements 2 and 6)

Remove or disable unnecessary services and accounts
Implement secure communication protocols (e.g., LDAPS)
Regularly apply security patches and updates
Use Group Policy to enforce secure configurations

5. Network Segmentation (Requirement 1)

Use Active Directory sites and services to define network boundaries
Implement proper firewall rules for AD traffic
Consider using Read-Only Domain Controllers (RODCs) in less secure areas

Best Practices for PCI DSS Compliance in AD

Regular Assessment: Conduct regular internal and external vulnerability scans and penetration tests.
Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of AD structure, policies, and procedures.
Training: Provide regular security awareness training for all personnel with AD access.
Incident Response: Develop and maintain an incident response plan that includes AD-specific scenarios.
Change Management: Implement a formal change management process for all AD changes.
Encryption: Use encryption for sensitive AD data at rest and in transit.

Tools for PCI DSS Compliance in Active Directory

ManageEngine ADAudit Plus - For comprehensive AD auditing
BloodHound - For analyzing AD security and access paths
PingCastle - For assessing AD security posture
Microsoft Compliance Manager - For managing compliance across Microsoft services