Microsoft’s Active Directory (AD) runs your Windows network and keeps mission-critical legacy apps and workflows running at some organizations. Replacing can be a big commitment and migration planning is an essential step to undertake before kicking off your project. Big commitments are made for very good reasons. Consider that AD has become a top target for cyber attackers and doesn’t meet modern IT requirements.

Microsoft Active Directory (AD) is the primary authentication service used by a majority of organizations worldwide (roughly 90 percent). It stores critical business information on domain controllers (DCs) like user accounts, their permissions, the number of computers in your organization’s network, etc. In other words, it’s critical infrastructure. However, many businesses still don’t understand just how important it is to back up Active Directory.

Microsoft SQL Server is a popular relational database management system (RDBMS). However, determining the effective access rights of users is difficult because in Active Directory (AD) environments, effective access is determined based on not only the user’s direct permissions but also their membership in SQL Server roles, AD groups and Local Windows groups.

Cyber Defense Magazine (CDM) annually recognizes the pioneers who are shaping the future of cybersecurity with its prestigious Global InfoSec Awards. Recently, at the RSA Conference 2024 held in San Francisco, CDM announced the winners of its 12th annual awards, honoring the most innovative and forward-thinking companies in the industry.

Active Directory (AD), a Microsoft Windows directory service, helps maintain a robust security perimeter within enterprise environments. It helps your business enforce security policies, assign permissions and mitigate security risks within the network. Let’s say your business’s IT infrastructure is a fortress, wherein AD acts as the gatekeeper controlling who enters and what they have access to.

What you need to know about Active Directory and its critical role in any cybersecurity strategy.

Active Directory (AD) is the cornerstone of any on-premises or hybrid Microsoft environment. It stores information about users, computers and other objects, and provides vital services that enable employees to be productive and business processes to run. This article covers the Active Directory basics you need to know.

Group Policy is a feature of Microsoft Windows operating systems that helps administrators manage and secure users and computers in Active Directory environments. Group Policy settings are grouped into Group Policy objects (GPOs) and applied to computer and user objects within the scope of the GPO. For example, Group Policy objects can be used to manage: This guide explains the key elements of Group Policy management.

Many ask, what is Kerberos? Kerberos is an authentication protocol. It is designed for client-server applications and requires mutual verification. It is the default protocol used for logging into a Windows machine that is part of a domain, relies on a secure communication channel between the client and the Domain Controller (DC). Windows updates address security concerns such as vulnerabilities in this channel, ensuring that the user database stored on the DC is protected.