Active Directory Security Checklist
Essential security measures for protecting your Active Directory environment
1. Account Security
Implement strong password policies
Enable account lockout policies
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for privileged accounts
Regularly audit and remove inactive user accounts
Disable or rename the default Administrator account
Use separate accounts for administrative tasks
Consider using
Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
for just-in-time administration.
2. Group Policy Security
Implement the principle of least privilege through Group Policy
Use Group Policy to enforce security settings on domain computers
Regularly review and audit Group Policy Objects (GPOs)
Implement USB device control through Group Policy
Use Group Policy to control user rights assignments
3. Domain Controller Security
Keep domain controllers patched and up-to-date
Implement physical security measures for domain controllers
Use dedicated servers for domain controllers (no other roles)
Enable and configure Windows Firewall on domain controllers
Implement network segmentation to protect domain controllers
4. DNS Security
Use Active Directory-integrated DNS zones
Implement DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC)
Enable DNS debug logging for troubleshooting
Regularly monitor DNS server event logs
5. Auditing and Monitoring
Enable and configure auditing for critical Active Directory events
Implement a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution
Regularly review and analyze security logs
Monitor for suspicious login attempts and account lockouts
Implement alerting for critical security events
Consider using Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) for enhanced security monitoring.
6. Data Protection
Implement regular backups of Active Directory
Test restoration procedures regularly
Encrypt sensitive data in Active Directory
Implement data classification and protection policies
7. Network Security
Implement network segmentation (e.g., using VLANs)
Use IPsec for secure communication between domain controllers
Implement secure remote access solutions (e.g., VPN with MFA)
Regularly scan for and patch network vulnerabilities
8. Third-Party Integration Security
Regularly audit and review third-party application permissions
Implement secure LDAP (LDAPS) for third-party application integration
Use service accounts with least privilege for third-party applications
9. Security Training and Awareness
Provide regular security awareness training for all users
Conduct specialized training for IT staff and administrators
Implement and communicate clear security policies and procedures
10. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
Develop and maintain an Active Directory disaster recovery plan
Regularly test disaster recovery procedures
Implement redundancy for critical Active Directory services
Document and securely store recovery procedures and credentials
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