As cyber threats continue to be more sophisticated, the need for active directory security becomes paramount. Most Windows-based environments are heavily reliant on the AD configuration hence it’s a common target for intruders. This article outlines essential practices for AD hardening to protect your organization’s assets.
Best Guide to Hardening Your Active Directory
User authentication and access control are significantly dependent on Active Directory, and this makes it a desirable target for attacks. Therefore, to improve AD security and make it less vulnerable to threats, you need to adopt a multi-layered approach.
Before moving forward, let’s briefly explore the various threats that could be aiming for your Active Directory. Common Active Directory Attacks and How to Mitigate Them
- Credential Theft: Attackers use phishing attacks to get hold of the credentials and then use it to their benefit. The best approach to defend yourself against it is to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Pass-the-Hash Attacks: Here malicious actors steal a “hashed” user credential and then they create a new session on the same network. To stand strong against such attacks you need to make sure that your systems are regularly updated, you should limit network access and implement an Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) solution.
- Brute-Force Attacks: This attack is commonly used to bypass your security system and get access to accounts by attempting different patterns for the passwords. In this case, you can implement robust password policies to enhance security.
- Insider Threats: To avoid insider attacks, you can limit user permissions and monitor employees’ activities.
Elevate Your Security Game with Active Directory Best Practices and advanced strategies to harden Active Directory
- Security Checklist
- Advanced Strategies
- Multi-layered Defense Solution
Now that you are familiar with the attacks, let’s have a look at the Active Directory hardening best practices to make the environment as safe as possible.
Active Directory Best Practices for Hardening
1. Strengthen Access Controls
Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies with at least 15 characters, uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Multi-Step Authentication: Users should be made to use MFA for an added layer of protection.
Least Privilege Principle: Users should be given access rights only needed for their jobs to lower the impact compromised accounts have on the system.
2. Protect Domain Controllers
Security Patches: Timely update your domain controllers to avoid vulnerabilities that have already been discovered.
Network Segmentation: Isolate the affected domain controllers thus preventing lateral movements in networks.
Privileged Access Workstations: It is advisable to use specific computers for administrative duties to minimize contamination with viruses.
3. Enhance Monitoring and Response
Activity Monitoring: Continuous monitoring helps in detecting any suspicious activity at an early stage.
Vulnerability Assessments: Regular assessments should be done to detect and patch security gaps.
Threat Detection Solutions: Implement SIEM tools for real-time monitoring as well as immediate action in case something goes wrong.
Here’s a checklist that you can follow and tick off the boxes to strengthen your Active Directory.
Active Directory Hardening Checklist
1. Access Control
- Implement strong password policies
- Enforce MFA
- Review permissions
- Modify permission if needed
2. Domain Controller Security
- Make sure domain controllers are up to date
- And all the patches are implemented
3. Monitoring and Assessment
- Analyze security logs
- Use automated tools to zero in on potential vulnerabilities
Conclusion
Securing your Active Directory is not a one-time thing, it’s an ongoing process. By implementing these Active Directory best practices, you can build a strong defense for your AD environment against ever evolving cyber threats. For a deeper and detailed understanding get your hands on our white paper and connect with experts.
By adopting these strategies, you ensure that your Active Directory remains resilient against evolving cyber threats, safeguarding your organization’s most valuable assets.
