2025-01-28
Active Directory (AD) is turning 25 next month, and many deployments are nearly as old. Over such a long period, delegated permissions can accumulate significantly, leading to potential security risks. In addition to reviewing delegated access, it’s crucial to address some default settings that were overly permissive for today’s threat landscape. This article provides a structured approach for conducting a 25-year checkup and offers guidance on implementing the “Least Privilege” principle effectively.
Key Steps for Active Directory Hardening
1. Review Delegated Permissions: Over time, delegated permissions can become excessive. Conduct a thorough review of all delegated permissions and remove any that are no longer necessary.
2. Implement Least Privilege: Ensure that users and services have only the minimum permissions required to perform their tasks. This reduces the attack surface and limits the potential damage from compromised accounts.
3. Audit Default Settings: Many default settings in older AD deployments are overly permissive. Audit these settings and adjust them to align with current security best practices.
4. Monitor and Log Activity: Implement robust monitoring and logging to detect and respond to suspicious activity. Use tools like Windows Event Forwarding (WEF) and SIEM solutions to centralize and analyze logs.
5. Regularly Update and Patch: Ensure that all AD-related systems are regularly updated and patched to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Linux Commands for Cyber Security
While this article focuses on Active Directory,
- Check for Open Ports:
sudo netstat -tuln - Monitor Network Traffic:
sudo tcpdump -i eth0 - Scan for Vulnerabilities:
sudo lynis audit system - Check User Logins:
last - Audit File Permissions:
sudo find / -perm -4000 -o -perm -2000
- Monitor System Logs:
sudo tail -f /var/log/syslog - Check for Rootkits:
sudo rkhunter --check - Update System:
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
What Undercode Say
Active Directory has been a cornerstone of enterprise IT for 25 years, but its age also means that many deployments have accumulated significant security risks. Implementing the principle of least privilege is essential to mitigate these risks. Regularly reviewing delegated permissions, auditing default settings, and maintaining robust monitoring and logging are critical steps in securing AD environments.
For those managing Linux systems, the commands provided above can help maintain a secure environment. Regularly scanning for vulnerabilities, monitoring network traffic, and auditing file permissions are just a few of the many practices that can enhance security.
In conclusion, whether
Microsoft Community Hub – Active Directory Hardening Series
Digital Identity Risk Assessment Playbook
By following these guidelines and utilizing the provided resources, you can ensure that your IT infrastructure remains secure in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
References:
Hackers Feeds, Undercode AI
