Securing Your Active Directory Environment

1.1 Password Policies

• Implement strong password policies (minimum length, complexity, expiration)
• Enable account lockout policies
• Consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA)

1.2 Privileged Access Management

• Use separate accounts for administrative tasks
• Implement Just-In-Time (JIT) and Just-Enough-Administration (JEA) principles
• Regularly audit and review privileged access

2.1 Network Segmentation

• Implement proper network segmentation
• Use firewalls to control traffic between segments
• Implement VLANs for isolating sensitive systems

2.2 Secure Protocols

• Disable weak or outdated protocols (e.g., SMBv1, NTLM v1)
• Enable LDAP signing and channel binding
• Use IPsec for DC-to-DC communication

3.1 Event Logging

• Enable comprehensive auditing policies
• Regularly review and analyze security logs
• Implement a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution

3.2 Regular Security Assessments

• Perform regular vulnerability scans
• Conduct periodic penetration testing
• Use tools like Microsoft Security Assessment Tool (MSAT)

4.1 Group Policy Objects (GPOs)

• Implement least privilege principle through GPOs
• Regularly review and update GPOs
• Use GPO modeling and resultant set of policy (RSoP) tools

4.2 Access Control Lists (ACLs)

• Implement proper ACLs on sensitive AD objects
• Regularly audit and review ACLs
• Use built-in security groups where appropriate

• Keep all domain controllers and member servers up-to-date
• Implement a patch management strategy
• Test patches in a non-production environment before deployment