Is your network's Active Directory secure?

An Active Directory (AD) is essentially a database that connects users with network resources. It contains critical information about the network, such as who’s allowed to do what and how many devices are linked. This foundational piece of technology is used for all network applications, data and users.

It is, therefore, a strategically important component of any business network but also an easy target for cyber criminals. If the information in the AD can be manipulated by hackers, then all manner of data breaches and malicious action will occur. This is why it’s absolutely vital for companies to ensure that their network’s AD is secure and protected.

Managing and securing the AD can be complicated and time-consuming, especially for enterprises with a large-scale network. IT managers need to secure this network component to prevent ‘golden ticket’ attacks, where hackers could cripple an entire enterprise in one go by gaining access to the company’s domain, devices, files and controllers.

How hackers target the network AD

Cyber criminals will try to exploit any weaknesses in the system. They may start with the identity authentication protocol to bypass the authentication process. If they can convince this system that they are a legitimate employee or someone with authorised access, then they could gain access to the AD.

Hackers could also create dormant accounts with backdoor access to the network. If these accounts are discovered, they can return to the environment unnoticed. Some of these dormant accounts are programmed to erase their digital footprints as they move through the network.

The next vulnerability is the human factor. Some companies set up their AD and leave it at that, without looking over the rights and access levels associated with users or applications. These users can then be targeted by hackers through phishing or impersonation scams, whereby they unknowingly share their credentials with the hacker.

Since the purpose of the AD is to allow IT teams to create and manage user accounts and control access to various resources, hackers can essentially become the network administrators. With high-level access, hackers could alter security policies and gain access to privileged information and valuable data.

Other considerations when securing the AD

Full-scale network protection must be implemented, including multifactor authentication (MFA) and several other security measures. AD protection must also include domain-level and device-level security to cover all attack paths. Having robust network security will allow IT teams to secure their AD environments against a range of attack types and paths, including advanced persistent threats and more common breaches.

Here are 10 security best practices for securing your AD:

1) Implement the principle of least privilege - This entails giving employees only the permissions that they need to do their jobs. This will minimise the attack surface.

2) Enforce complex passwords - Make sure that your employees use passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols. These passwords should be changed at regular intervals.

3) Use MFA - As previously mentioned, MFA is required to authenticate all employees and their access to certain parts of the network. While two-factor authentication (2FA) is good, MFA adds more layers to the process to boost security.

4) Regularly patch and update your AD - When upgrades are released, install these updates as soon as possible to protect against the latest vulnerabilities.

5) Monitor your AD - This requires automation and alert triggers, but your AD should be continuously monitored for suspicious activity and breaches.

6) Backup your AD regularly - This will help to prevent data loss in the event of a security breach.

7) Use a secure DNS server - This will help to protect against DNS spoofing attacks which redirect users to malicious websites.

8) Use a firewall - The firewall should be configured to only allow authorised traffic into the AD.

9) Use a network segmentation solution - This will isolate the AD from other parts of the network and help to contain any damage caused by a security breach.

10) Implement user awareness training - All employees must undergo training to help them identify potential threats, such as phishing scams, as well as to understand the best practices for cyber security.

AD security is vital for enterprises as this component is the crown jewel of the network. If an attacker can gain access to the AD, it can cripple the company due to financial losses and reputational damage. IT managers must be aware of the vulnerabilities and take active steps to protect the AD from a range of attacks.

Working with an expert in cyber security and network implementation is critical. SEACOM offers several network and cyber security solutions for enterprises in South Africa. For more information about these or to get a quote, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

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