Active Directory (AD) is the most utilized system within an organization. AD objects serve as a primary mechanism for policy enforcement and providing access to corporate resources, including data, applications, and systems. As such, AD provides core security controls that must be managed appropriately to enhance security, improve compliance with policies, and gain operational efficiencies.
Make sure to master these core Active Directory concepts:
Group Policy Object (GPO)
A Group Policy Object (GPO) is a collection of settings that define what a system will look like and how it will behave for a defined group of users. The GPO is associated with selected AD containers, such as sites, domains, or organizational units (OUs). Group Policy is the essential way that most organizations enforce settings on their computers. It is flexible enough for complex scenarios yet easy to use in simpler situations, which are more common. Think of Group Policy as “touch once, configure many.”
Organizational Unit (OU)
An Organizational Unit (OU) is a subdivision within AD where you can place users, groups, computers, and other organizational units. You can create OUs to mirror your organization’s functional or business structure. Each domain can implement its own OU hierarchy, allowing for customized management and policy application.
Inventory
Inventory involves gathering and reviewing all documents related to AD administration that already exist. This includes analyzing group type and scope, and reviewing key properties such as the ManagedBy field, Notes, and Descriptions. This process helps understand the current state of AD and identify areas for improvement.
Heavy Nesting
Heavy Nesting refers to grouping (or groups within groups) defined by business roles, functions, and management rules. While nesting can ease the need for individual user access, multi-level, heavy nesting can grant individuals access to assets they should not have. Managing heavy nesting is crucial to maintaining secure and appropriate access controls.
Membership
Examining total AD groups and counts, including groups providing excessive access, groups with only one member, and disabled groups, is essential. Determining whether empty groups are still needed and considering the use of built-in groups are also important aspects of membership management.
Stale Groups
Removing stale groups improves efficiency in group management. Understanding and managing date/time stamp and activity attributes in AD accounts, such as Create and Modify dates, particularly with empty groups, is helpful. Regularly reviewing and removing outdated groups ensures a cleaner and more manageable AD environment.
We’ve developed key work streams for firms to gain an understanding and build a baseline of critical AD functions, as well as assets stored and managed within Active Directory. Learn about our AD management service or talk to an AD expert today about your immediate needs.
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