Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It is used to store information and manage access to resources on a network.
Best practices for Active Directory include:
- Regularly back up the AD database to protect against data loss.
- Use Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to apply consistent security settings and configurations to multiple computers.
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable account lockout policies to prevent unauthorized access.
- Use Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) to create a hierarchical structure of organizational units (OUs) and groups to efficiently manage and delegate administration.
- Use Microsoft’s Security Compliance Manager (SCM) to create and manage security baselines for AD and other Microsoft products.
- Regularly review and monitor security logs for any suspicious activity.
- Keep the Active Directory and all related systems and software up to date with the latest security patches and updates.
- Use Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) to enable single sign-on (SSO) for users across multiple systems and applications.
- Use the Active Directory Recycle Bin feature to recover deleted AD objects without restoring from backup.
- Regularly review and test your disaster recovery plan to ensure that you can quickly and effectively restore Active Directory in the event of an outage.