Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) are the core functions in Active Directory that manage users and computers and allow sysadmins to organize the data into logical hierarchies. Show AD DS provides for security certificates, Single Sign-On (SSO), LDAP, and rights management. Understanding AD DS is a top priority for Incident Response (IR) and cybersecurity practitioners because all cyberattacks will affect AD, and you need to know what to look for and how to respond to attacks when they happen. Benefits of Active Directory Domain ServicesThere are several benefits to using AD DS for your basic network user and computer management.
Active Directory Domain Services Terms to KnowIn order to understand AD DS, there are some key terms to define.
What Services are Provided in Active Directory Domain Services?Here are the services that AD DS provides as the core functionality required by a centralized user management system.
Role of Domain Controllers with Active Directory Domain ServicesDomain Controllers (DC) are the servers in your network that host AD DS. DCs respond to authentication requests and store AD DS data. DCs host other services that are complementary to AD DS as well. Those are:
AD must have at least one Domain Controller. DCs are the containers for the domains. Each domain is part of an AD Forest, which can include one or more domains organized in Organizational Units. AD DS manages trusts between multiple domains, so you can provide access rights to users in one domain to others in your forest. The most important concept to understand is that AD DS is a framework for domain management, and the computer that users use to access AD is the DC Modern cybersecurity depends on a deep understanding of Active Directory. Active Directory is central to attackers’ capabilities for infiltration, lateral movement, and data exfiltration. No matter how stealthy or clever they are, attackers leave breadcrumbs in AD logs as they move through your network. Varonis monitors AD for those breadcrumbs, as well as file activity, DNS calls, VPN activity, and more. Varonis correlates that data into a full picture for each user and computer in AD, compares the current activity to a normalized baseline and a catalog of data security threat models, and proactively identifies potential threats to your data. Want to learn more about AD security? Check out our on-demand webinar “4 Tips to Secure Active Directory.”
Learn the most common Active Directory attacks, how they unfold and what steps organizations can take to mitigate their risk.
Taking the right steps to secure your Active Directory has never been more critical. Learn 8 Active Directory security best practices to reduce your risk.
Active Directory forest is a critical — but often underappreciated — element of the IT infrastructure. Learn what it is and how to manage it.
Businesses cannot operate without Active Directory up and running. Learn why and how to develop a comprehensive Active Directory disaster recovery strategy.
Active Directory delivers key authentication services so it’s critical for migrations to go smoothly. Learn 5 Active Directory migration best practices.
Active Directory security groups play a critical role in controlling access to your vital systems and data. Learn how they work. |