Domain controller hardening checklist Secure Domain Controllers. A parent-child trust relationship is formed when a domain is added under another domain in a tree. Add all admin accounts to Protected Users group (requires Windows 2012 R2 DCs). You should be running PAWs or Management Servers at the least and using remote ADUC, etc. The vulnerability allowed attackers to gain access into domain controllers. The Windows Server 2016 STIG includes requirements for both domain controllers and member servers/standalone systems. Target Operational Environment: Managed Apr 18, 2025 · 4. The windows server 2022 upgrade brings a new era of innovations and improvements in server management. Sep 30, 2019 · The Windows CIS Benchmarks are written for Active Directory domain-joined systems using Group Policy, not standalone/workgroup systems. and object type. 1. Second, any new exploit that compromises your web server could also compromise your entire network when the web server and the domain controller are on the same computer. You should not be logging onto a Domain Controller day-to-day to manage anything. The 3. Sep 19, 2024 · Here’s a checklist that you can follow and tick off the boxes to strengthen your Active Directory. Minimize access to privileged functions. Domain Controller (DC) Security: Implementing physical security controls, patch management, and access restrictions. Using, as the example, the most recent CIS Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Benchmark v1. Apr 26, 2022 · The release of Windows Server 2022 ushered in several important security enhancements. Active Directory is a critical service and you want to ensure the domain controllers are healthy. 19: Domain controller: LDAP server signing requirements The initial deployment phase starts with the updates released on April 9, 2024. A domain controller syncs their times, after joining the domain. By default, Backup operators, Account operators can login to Domain Controllers, which is dangerous. 9. Troubleshooting checklist. • Do not install the IIS server on a domain controller. Oct 11, 2022 · In a new or existing group policy that applies to all domain controllers, configure the settings in the steps below. CHS doesn’t just apply a baseline, it learns your needs, identifies misconfigurations, tests changes, and continuously monitors, all without any disruptions. Apr 28, 2025 · Server Hardening with CalCom. Note: For organizations that have implemented the Active Directory administrative tier model, or are striving to embrace, their Privileged Access Workstations (PAWs) pose a […] To add a domain: Log in to the ADAudit Plus web console Domain Settings Add Domain Enter the necessary details. Jan 21, 2025 · The following Active Directory hardening checklist helps organizations minimize their attack surface and effectively deal with cyber threats. May 30, 2024 · ドメイン コントローラーは、企業がサーバー、ワークステーション、ユーザー、およびアプリケーションを効率的に管理できるようにするサービスやデータを提供するのに加えて、Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) データベースの物理記憶域を提供します。 Mar 21, 2025 · CIS Microsoft Azure Foundations Benchmark provides a step-by-step checklist for securing Azure. A Domain Controller is an Active Directory server that acts as the brain for a Windows server Built-in Accounts Verify Administrator account should have Account is sensitive and cannot be delegated [Enabled] Docs. Harden domain controllers. At BlackHat USA this past Summer, I spoke about AD for the security professional and provided tips on how to best secure Active Directory. For the Enterprise Member Server and SSLF Member Server profile(s), the recommended value is Not Defined. Become familiar with your domain controller operating system. The presence of branch offices and browsing of internet websites creates multiple potential entry points for attackers to gain access to a domain. AD DS is usually the central node in a network and therefore, AD DS makes it easy for changes made to one domain controller to be replicated to the rest of the domain controllers. Configure your domain controllers with built-in and freely available configuration tools to make security configuration baselines you can enforce with group policy objects Protect all volumes in domain controller servers by using BitLocker Drive Encryption. Here is a good reference for PCI DSS recommended hardening guide: Center for Internet Security; NIST National Checklist Program Repository * Halock Security Labs has experts on hand that can help your organization develop a strategy to deploy a ‘Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Domain Controller‘ in a secure, compliant, and cost-effective manner. Learn how to secure accounts, registries, virtual directories, script mappings and more. This time I want to address the concept of least privilege as it applies to Active Directory. You switched accounts on another tab or window. 0) Cisco IOS 15 (4. Jul 25, 2024 · 9. If you have domain controllers you should run an Active Directory health check on them once a month. General a. If the domain serves as the forest root domain, this account also gains membership in the Enterprise Admins group. At a high level, a domain trust establishes the ability for users in one domain to authenticate to resources or act as a security principal in another domain, a trust does is link up the authentication systems of two Remove local admin rights from low privileged users in the domains and allows authentication tra ic to flow between them through (accounts with elevated privileges, such as members of Domain Admins) from theft by using Just Enough Administration (JEA), Just in Time Administration (JIT), Credential Guard, Remote Credential Guard, and Advanced Threat Analytics. Checklist Role: Active Directory Server; Known Issues: Not Provided. Dec 2, 2021 · 4. Swap the underlying server for Core and you don't notice much difference. DNS is often the root cause of many network problems. With NTLMv1 the encryption is based on DES (bad, bad, bad). You may do this by creating issue tickets or forking, editing and sending pull requests. There are several steps you can take to at least increase the security of your domain controllers. Replicate domain controllers between sites. active-directory-gpo, question. In the domain controller security policy the following should be disabled: You can learn about the best practices of securing active directory in Microsoft’s TechNet page; Never store LAN manager Hash values. That means that physical security controls should prevent anyone from accessing the physical server hardware, and OS hardening removes unnecessary functionality and services that could Domain controller hardening checklist ile ilişkili işleri arayın ya da 23 milyondan fazla iş içeriğiyle dünyanın en büyük serbest çalışma pazarında işe alım yapın. Microsoft is dedicated to providing its customers with secure operating systems, such as Windows and Windows Server, and secure apps, such as Microsoft 365 apps for enterprise and Microsoft Edge. Leave that default. It includes deactivating superfluous services, deploying security patches and updates, establishing firewall rules, and enforcing strong password practices. Default domain controller settings have them change their passwords automatically every 30 Busca trabajos relacionados con Domain controller hardening checklist o contrata en el mercado de freelancing más grande del mundo con más de 24m de trabajos. The package’s primary goal is to import new security baselines. By default 10 accounts will be cached locally, but there is a risk that in the event of a compromise an attacker could locate the cached credentials and use a brute force May 12, 2025 · Securing Domain Controllers Against Attack discusses policies and settings that, although similar to the recommendations for the implementation of secure administrative hosts, contain some domain controller-specific recommendations to help ensure that the domain controllers and the systems used to manage them are well-secured. Implement solid access controls, patch/upgrade frequently, and in the last quarter alone, 266% more infostealer malware variants have been recorded targeting login credentials ! Cari pekerjaan yang berkaitan dengan Domain controller hardening checklist atau merekrut di pasar freelancing terbesar di dunia dengan 23j+ pekerjaan. This profile extends the “Level 1 – Domain Controller” profile. Harden virtual domain controllers. At a high level, a domain trust establishes the ability for users in one domain to authenticate to resources or act as a security principal in another domain, a trust does is link up the authentication systems of two Remove local admin rights from low privileged users in the domains and allows authentication tra ic to flow between them through May 4, 2023 · To compare with the configurations on your Domain Controller click on the Compare to Effective State button, which compares the selected baseline with the current system state. Nov 5, 2024 · This document is meant for use in conjunction with other applicable STIGs including such topics as, Active Directory Forest, Windows Domain Controllers, and Domain Name Service (DNS). You signed out in another tab or window. I typically have two approaches Create baseline templates All devices (applies to every device) pinned at the top level OUs with devices Busca trabajos relacionados con Domain controller hardening checklist o contrata en el mercado de freelancing más grande del mundo con más de 24m de trabajos. May 10, 2024 · Secure the domain controllers, they are the pulse of Active Directory. The blog is called Apr 19, 2023 · Also Read Domain Controller Security Best Practices – Hardening (Checklist) Software Restriction Policies The greatest threats to Active Directory domain is the distribution of malware or viruses. Jul 26, 2023 · The room aims to teach basic concepts for hardening AD in line with best cyber security practices. 1) Nov 14, 2023 · Let’s imaging the following scenario: a company has two physical locations, each of them has domain controllers. Feb 27, 2020 · This Windows IIS server hardening checklist will ensure server hardening policies are implemented correctly during installation. . In the event of a disaster, your domain controllers fail over to Azure as VMs Sep 29, 2020 · Hi, Besides the links shared above, you could also take a look at the Windows server 2016 security guide as a reference and the blogs provided by OrinThomas which discuessed "Third Party Security Configuration Baselines" and"Hardening IIS via Security Control Configuration". Jul 21, 2022 · Hello All, I’m wondering if anyone has an SOW or just a document with best practices that you may follow when in creating a new Domain Controller or securing an existing one for locking down the domain and Domain Controller. to harden our DCs, can somebody provide me with a Sep 27, 2023 · Domain controller server hardening reduces the attack surface available to compromise active directory security. Each domain in a tree shares a boundary with the other domains. net The approach presented focuses on both efficiency and effectiveness, without breaking application functionality. Apr 29, 2025 · Data transfers between domain controllers and clients should use IPsec or TLS Encryption as encryption protocols for secure data exchange. Aug 3, 2023 · Addresses the Windows default audit policy settings, baseline recommended audit policy settings, and the more aggressive recommendations from Microsoft, for workstation and server products. COM Hardening a System or System & Device Hardening The process of hardening a system is typically analogous with either CIS Benchmarks or DISA STIGs to establish a root of trust through configuration recommendations. This allows an attacker to mimic a Domain Controller and, in turn, retrieve user NTLM password hashes by requesting a Domain Controller to replicate passwords via the DS-Replication-Get-Changes-All extended right. Domain and Forest Design: Designing with security best practices, defining boundaries, and ensuring secure replication. Restrict software installation on DCs. This post focuses on Domain Controller security with some cross-over into Active Directory security. Disable unnecessary services, restrict access to critical services, and ensure that only authorized personnel have administrative privileges. While there is no dictate that states organizations should upgrade to Windows Server 2022 before support ends for older Windows Server versions, it's a good idea to consider a Windows Server 2022 migration, particularly for critical infrastructure such as domain controllers. Secure your domain controllers. If 1 site/branch goes down you can run off the other DCs; Setup hybrid AD, with DC’s on prem and Active Directory in the cloud. External time source — Standalone servers should synchronize with a reliable external time source. Sep 7, 2023 · Level 2 – Domain Controller. 2. But standalone servers need NTP for syncing to an external source. Domain Controller Default Legacy Client Enterprise Client High Security Administrators, Authenticated Users, ENTERPRISE DOMAIN CONTROLLERS, Everyone, Pre-Windows 2000 Compatible Access. The Windows Server 2022 STIG includes requirements for both domain controllers and member servers/standalone systems. It gains default membership in the Domain Admins and Administrators groups of that domain. Administrative access to every domain controller in the forest. In 2020 Microsoft released a patch that would fix Zerologon vulnerability that affected domain controllers. Windows IIS Server hardening checklist By Michael Cobb General • Do not connect an IIS Server to the Internet until it is fully hardened. Securing your Active Directory is not a one-time thing, it’s an ongoing process. Administered sessions need to start exclusively from trusted secure networks. Thank you in advance. Server Hardening Checklist (Bonus) Dec 20, 2024 · The Domain Controller, being the brain of the Active Directory domain, needs special protection. The goal is to educate organizations on cybercriminal techniques that put them at risk and recommend actions to help reduce those risks. Jan 28, 2025 · Service Hardening. Search for jobs related to Domain controller hardening checklist or hire on the world's largest freelancing marketplace with 22m+ jobs. If some domain controllers have not changed their password for more than 45 days, indicating their secrets are not renewed. Jun 15, 2023 · 2. Windows IIS Server hardening checklist 1. X Aug 7, 2020 · Workstations that are allowed to communicate to Domain Controllers pose a risk of lateral movement. Active Directory relies on network communication for authentication and replication. • Place the server in a physically secure location. To mitigate some of these risks, we can harden the Remote Desktop connections to Domain Controllers. Link the Windows IIS Server hardening checklist By Michael Cobb General • Do not connect an IIS Server to the Internet until it is fully hardened. Do not connect a Server to the Internet until it is fully hardened. and one about preparing to be attacked: Apr 9, 2025 · This document is meant for use in conjunction with other applicable STIGs including such topics as Active Directory Domain, Active Directory Forest, and Domain Name Service (DNS). Target Audience: Not Provided. Nov 3, 2021 · Getting a hardening checklist or server hardening policy is easy enough. 3. Apr 19, 2024 · The Windows CIS Benchmarks are written for Active Directory domain-joined systems using Group Policy, not standalone/workgroup systems. BitLocker adds a small performance overhead, but protects the directory against compromise even if disks are removed from the server. See More: Windows 11: Microsoft Office Gets a Fluent-Design Makeover. Of the three principles of Zero Trust (verify explicitly, least privilege, assume breach), least privilege is the most achievable using native Active Directory features. Doman Controllers Members Servers Users Computers. Limit AD admin membership (DA, EA, Schema Admins, etc. Nov 1, 2024 · When possible, domain controllers should be configured with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chips and all volumes in the domain controller servers should be protected via BitLocker Drive Encryption. This is work in progress: please contribute by sending your suggestions. Domain controllers are a prime target for attackers since it holds the sensitive account information used in the majority of enterprise organizations today. Similarly, restrict access to hypervisors that contain domain controllers. Jan 27, 2021 · The servers that are members of domains have their times synced automatically. 8 Smart card removal behavior – Lock Workstation . P Do not install a printer. Apr 27, 2024 · Apply hardening security baseline (See tip#25) Domain controllers should have limited software and roles installed on them. And whatever you do, don’t mess with the default domain policy or default domain controllers policy. Mar 18, 2025 · Operating system hardening Operating system selection. Domain controller: Allow server operators to schedule tasks: For the Enterprise Domain Controller and SSLF Domain Controller profile(s), the recommended value is Disabled. They can have access to the entire domain, all systems, all data, computers, laptops, and so on. Also Read: Domain Controller Security Best Practices – Hardening (Checklist) Download our step-by-step checklist to secure your platform: An objective, consensus-driven security guideline for Microsoft Windows Server. Patching although not considered configuration hardening, it is as important to verify and enforce the latest security patches for the OS, domain controller, firewall, antivirus, and applications. d. Not Defined. Tipp: Bei VMs kann es nach dem Anwenden der Security Baseline zu dem folgenden Fehler bei der Anwendung der lokalen GPO [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]. In this blog, Victor King reviews how to harden your organization against these attacks through ITDR. Because of this, domain controllers should be secured separately and more stringently than the general Windows infrastructure. Run frequent backups of your domain controllers; Implement Azure Site Recovery. Attack Path Management: Conducting automated attack path validation and implementing network segmentation. Alternatively, in a domain environment, use the Active Directory GPO (Group Policy Object) Management features on your domain controller to create centralized configuration policies to deploy to all member computers. Oct 11, 2023 · Keep your domain controllers physically secure within their datacenters, branch offices, and remote locations. This access control right allows for the replication of secret data within an AD environment. Sep 21, 2023 · In a domain environment the response is forwarded to a domain controller which verifies the challenge response. They should not be unlinked, disabled or deleted. Some other attack methods rely on NetBIOS, Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution (LLMNR), Group Policy Object (GPO) Preferences cPasswords, and password spraying. Run virtual domain controllers on separate physical hosts from other virtual machines. to manage them. Adjustments/tailoring to some recommendations will be needed to maintain functionality if attempting to implement CIS hardening on standalone systems or a system running in the cloud. The Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2 Domain Controller Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) is published as a tool to improve the security of Department of Defense (DoD) information systems. • Do not install a printer. Checklist: Chapter 4 Hardening Domain Controllers:Checklist: Chapter 4 Hardening Domain Controllers:Use the following checklists to ensure that you have properly implemented all security settings and procedures prescribed in Chapter 4. i am deploying new DCs for our environment,im preparing images for this case. b. For example, the domain controller’s browser restriction list shows Internet Explorer because Edge is Microsoft’s recommended browser. S. It's free to sign up and bid on jobs. And, 2022 upgrade brings the advantage of enhanced security capabilities. X 3. Darüber hinaus, wenn Sie eine Virtualisierungsplattform eines Drittanbieters einsetzen, erwägen Sie die Bereitstellung virtueller Domänencontroller auf Hyper-V in Windows Server. Additional protections include the usage of Privileged Access Workstations, which is not covered in this document. Implement Windows Defender Credential Guard. As we all know, an out-of-the-box server is not configured with the necessary Aug 30, 2016 · Placing an IIS web server and domain controller on the same computer seriously limits your security account options. • Use two network interfaces in the server — one for admin and Mar 2, 2023 · AD DS is based on a number of well-known protocols and standards including LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol), Kerberos, and DNS (Domain Name System). 1 Automatic configuration 2. It is recommended to have no day to day user accounts in the Domain Jan 24, 2022 · WSMember – Windows Server, domain-joined member server; WSNonDomainJoined – Windows Server, non-domain-joined; WSDomainController – Windows Server, domain controller; WSMember eignet sich daher für die meisten Server. Apr 26, 2024 · Domain Controller Health Check. Oct 17, 2023 · Also Read Domain Controller Security Best Practices – Hardening (Checklist) The logical framework encompasses elements such as forests and domains, while the physical system embodies components like Domain Controllers (DCs), servers, and physical subnets. Gratis mendaftar dan menawar pekerjaan. P May 13, 2024 · Ensure Domain Controllers Have renewed their secrets within 45 days. Oct 3, 2023 · Basic Windows Server 2022 Hardening. The first step of the planning of disaster recovery requires ensuring that in case of failure of servers in the first location, the services and user computers seamlessly reconnect to the second site. If the Domain Controller becomes the target of an attack, it is fatal to the entire organization. By default 10 accounts will be cached locally, but there is a risk that in the event of a compromise an attacker could locate the cached credentials and use a brute force Apr 28, 2023 · Domain controller hardening is the process of strengthening the servers that run Active Directory to reduce the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches and service disruption. Domain Controllers (DCs) are important in Active Directory and have to be supported with a larger protective barrier. 2 Ensure 'Access this computer from the network' is set to 'Administrators, Authenticated Users, ENTERPRISE DOMAIN CONTROLLERS' (DC only) - Administrators, Authenticated Users, ENTERPRISE DOMAIN CONTROLLERS: 2. Not Defined Administrators, Authenticated Users, ENTERPRISE DOMAIN CONTROLLERS Chapter 4 - Hardening Domain Controllers Security A collection of awesome security hardening guides, best practices, checklists, benchmarks, tools and other resources. CIS Hardened Images on Microsoft Azure are Azure certified and preconfigured to the security recommendations of the CIS Benchmarks. Access Control. Do not install a printer. These controllers keep the directory information up-to-date and ensure everyone is on the same page. Windows Server systems generate multiple logs, which can be configured to be more or less verbose. 15: 1608: August 24 Feb 11, 2022 · However, when we get the templates, we need to copy and paste them into the central store of our domain controller. Rigorously enforce the least privilege principle to limit user rights. DNS is the heart of Active Directory (AD) and makes things work correctly, including domain join. A threat actor with elevated rights could take advantage of sIDHistory to copy a SID from a trusting domain (for example the SID of a Domain Admins group member) and add it to the sIDHistory attribute of a security principal in the trusted domain—thus granting the attacker admin rights in the trusting domain. Kaydolmak ve işlere teklif vermek ücretsizdir. Install only the IIS modules you need. 5. P Use two network interfaces in the server: one for admin and one for the network. Active Directory Security Checklist ☐ #1 Limit the use of Domain Admins and other Privileged Groups Members of Domain Admins and other privileged groups are very powerful. Secure RDP With Strong Encryption. Implementation Steps. 1 Digitally sign communications (always) – Enabled . 1 If an attacker is able to compromise a domain controller, they may be able to steal the password hash of the KRBTGT account. The Feb 19, 2024 · Most attackers follow playbooks and whatever their final goal may be, Active Directory Domain domination (Tier 0 compromise) is a stopover in almost every attack. Admin workstations & servers: Oct 6, 2022 · This document is meant for use in conjunction with other applicable STIGs including such topics as Active Directory Domain, Active Directory Forest, and Domain Name Service (DNS). Logon information for domain accounts can be cached locally to allow users who have previously authenticated to do so again even if a domain controller cannot be contacted. It is common for member servers to be automatically synced with a domain controller after joining a domain, but there are some that stand alone and require NTP to sync with an external source for accurate timing. A compromised KRBTGT account gives an attacker unrestricted access in the domain. 6. Hence, domain controllers must be synchronized to a time server to avoid any problems. It should be a top priority to minimize the number of people who physically enter DCs, and organizations must make it apparent that the servers in question are within those specific data centers. The Windows Server 2019 STIG includes requirements for both domain controllers and member servers/standalone systems. server hardening checklist General P Never connect an IIS server to the internet until it is fully hardened. corp-sec. Oct 8, 2018 · The Windows Server Hardening Checklist | UpGuard. In Windows domain environments, create a GPO and group policies as shown in the remediation information. Alternativ stellen Sie für virtuelle Domänencontroller sicher, dass sie auf separaten physischen Hosts von anderen virtuellen Maschinen betrieben werden. 4 Ensure 'Act as part of the operating system' is set to 'No One' 2. 5 Ensure 'Add workstations to domain' is set to 'Administrators' (DC only) Mar 28, 2023 · Also Read Domain Controller Security Best Practices – Hardening (Checklist) DCDiag: How to Check Domain Controller Health using Powershell Conclusion In conclusion, DCDiag is an essential tool for administrators who manage Active Directory environments. From active directory management to being a domain controller, the capabilities of windows server 2022 are vast. Under Computer Configuration\Policies\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Security Options, double-click Domain controller: Allow computer account re-use during domain join. We’ll cover common AD hacking techniques such as RDP brute-force, LLMNR (Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution) using responder, mimikatz, and Kerberoasting. These host’s administrators can control the virtual domain controllers, so keep those admin accounts separate from other virtualization Jan 2, 2025 · Domain logons are processed by domain controllers, and as such, they have the audit logs for that activity, not the local system. A member server gets its time synched with a domain controller automatically after joining the domain. Microsoft. Get this checklist for Windows Server security hardening practices to reduce the risk of attackers compromising your critical systems and data. Key strategies include least privileged access review, regular permission allocation check, secure authentication, and configuration management of your domain controllers. These include: Apply security updates and patches to Logon information for domain accounts can be cached locally to allow users who have previously authenticated to do so again even if a domain controller cannot be contacted. They're available on both Azure and Azure Government. Additionally, administrators can use AD to manage user permissions, deploy software updates, and troubleshoot network issues, making it a vital tool for keeping your organization DoD Windows Server 2019 Domain Controller STIG (Machine) 20H2: v2r1: DoD Windows Server 2019 Domain Controller STIG (User) 20H2: v2r1: DoD Windows Server 2019 Member Server STIG (Machine) 20H2: v2r1: DoD Windows Server 2019 Member Server STIG (User) 20H2: v2r1: DoD Windows Defender Antivirus STIG: 20H2: v2r1: DoD Windows Firewall STIG: 20H2: v1r7 May 27, 2024 · When you create a domain within Active Directory, the local Administrator account automatically gets into the Administrator domain account. May 4, 2023 · Hardening Domain Controller Windows Server 2012 , 2019 ,2022 Import all GPOs pertaining to the O. Domain Controller Security. 2. Preparing the Active Directory Domain Controllers OU:StepNotes:Create the Domain Controller Baseline Policy (DCBP). Nov 4, 2016 · Active Directory security effectively begins with ensuring Domain Controllers (DCs) are configured securely. 2 Ensure 'Access this computer from the network' is set to 'Administrators, Authenticated Users, ENTERPRISE DOMAIN CONTROLLERS' (DC only) 2. The requirements were developed from DoD consensus as well as Windows security guidance by Microsoft Corporation. User Account Security Hardening Disable and rename the guest account on each server. 1. Protect AD Admin Credentials. Apr 19, 2025 · Domain Controller Hardening Domain Controllers are the backbone of the AD network, and therefore, they have to be protected by a multilayered security approach. Es gratis registrarse y presentar tus propuestas laborales. When selecting operating systems, it is important that an organisation preferences vendors that have demonstrated a commitment to Secure by Design and Secure by Default principles and practices, including secure programming practices and either memory-safe programming languages (such as C#, Go, Java, Ruby, Rust and Swift) or less o A domain account (can be a user or a Managed Service Account) with the following rights: Enterprise Administrator. Stand alone servers will have security audits available and can be configured to show passes and/or failures. com Built-in Accounts Verify Administrator account should have Smart card is required for interactive logon [Enabled] Docs. 6 Microsoft Network Client . Feb 26, 2022 · Disable Spool Services on domain controllers! ADCS; Not AD but also review: Post Compromise Active Directory Checklist. Split into 4 parts: Domain Actions; User Account Actions; Computer Account Actions SYSTEM HARDENING CHECKLIST 2 1-877-4-CIMCOR | CIMCOR. 4 Ensure 'Act as part of the operating system' is set to 'No One' Furthermore, I argue most admins wouldn't notice much of a difference. Cisco Wireless LAN Controller 7 (1. Apr 12, 2025 · Add admin accounts to “Protected Users” group (requires Windows Server 2012 R2 Domain Controllers, 2012R2 DFL for domain protection). Make sure to move any computers you want to harden to the OU with the GPO attached. To limit exposure, domain controller security should be a top priority. AD Administrative Tier Model Refresher You will be importing the GPOs contained within the Build Kit into group policy management console (GPMC) on your domain controller. Domain Name System (DNS): Anytime you have an issue joining a domain, one of the first things to check is DNS. 6. hardening routines. Enable Read-Only Domain Controllers (RODCs) where full DCs aren’t needed. Mar 25, 2025 · Limit access to Domain Controllers (physical and network). The default settings of domain controllers are not hardened, which means there are several privilege escalation paths to domain admin. Aug 9, 2021 · This document is meant for use in conjunction with other applicable STIGs including such topics as Active Directory Domain, Active Directory Forest, and Domain Name Service (DNS). CalCom helps organizations move beyond basic hardening scripts, offering a fully automated, intelligent solution with CalCom’s Hardening Suite (CHS). Two trees in the same forest cannot share a name (namespace). In the Policy Viewer you will be able to see the results and compare the two columns with the settings on the left and the settings suggested by Microsoft (which you Jan 11, 2022 · Hypervisor admins have the ability to shut down, delete, alter or interfere with those domain controllers, meaning organizations need to pay attention to who has admin rights. All domain controllers must renew their secrets every 30 days. But there are many things one can do to prevent such attacks, secure domain resources, and protect Active Directory. Jul 12, 2024 · 2. Reload to refresh your session. com Built-in Groups Verify Enterpise Apr 21, 2025 · Domain controllers are the crown jewels of any Active Directory (AD) deployment. 7 Prompt user to change password before expiration – 14 days* X . Hence, securing Tier 0 is the first critical step towards your Active Directory hardening journey and this article was written to help with it. The MSFT Windows Server 2022 - Domain Security contains little more than the Default Domain Policy, and I usually run the command below instead of importing this GPO. When using NTLMv2 the encryption has more inputs and uses HMAC-MD5 (not great by today's standards but significantly better than DES). Mar 24, 2025 · This document is meant for use in conjunction with other applicable STIGs including such topics as Active Directory Domain, Active Directory Forest, and Domain Name Service (DNS). Servers within domains automatically sync time with the domain controller; Standalone servers sync with an external time source; Domain controllers sync with a time server on an ongoing basis; Centralized Event Logs. This is where SID filtering comes in. Items in this profile. c. Jul 7, 2014 · Domain Controller Hardening Checklist. Set Jan 28, 2019 · This document is meant for use in conjunction with other applicable STIGs including such topics as Active Directory Domain, Active Directory Forest, and Domain Name Service (DNS). P Do not install the IIS server on a domain controller. 3. P Place the server in a physically secure location. Aug 30, 2016 · Compromising a domain controller can provide the most expedient path to wide scale propagation of access, or the most direct path to destruction of member servers, workstations, and Active Directory. Mar 17, 2024 · Automatic time synchronization — For servers within domains, this means automatically synchronizing with the domain controller. Disable all inactive admin accounts and remove from privileged groups. Change Windows Firewall GPO settings to allow Domain Controllers remote administration of member servers Jan 11, 2022 · Hypervisor admins have the ability to shut down, delete, alter or interfere with those domain controllers, meaning organizations need to pay attention to who has admin rights. This allows their clocks to stay accurate. The presenter has implemented hardening on several hundred servers across multiple companies. Compiled from thousands of real world risk assessments that Varonis has conducted, our Active Directory Security Audit Checklist will help you pinpoint where you might be vulnerable and what you need to do right now to harden your AD infrastructure. Monitoring and Assessment. Disable and rename the local Administrator account on any machine that is part of a domain where uniquely named domain admin accounts will be used. Active Directory Security Checklist. Feb 26, 2025 · Access to AD backups must be tightly controlled and treated in the same manner as access to domain controllers. You signed in with another tab or window. Do not install the IIS server on a domain controller. e. Feb 2, 2023 · Domain Controller Security Best Practices – Hardening (Checklist). ) & only use custom delegation groups. The domain controller security policy should be defined in a separate GPO, which should be linked to an OU of domain controller. DNS . Malicious Domain Blocking and Reporting Plus Prevent connection to harmful web domains. A tree is a collection of Active Directory domains that begins at a single root domain. This update adds new behavior that prevents the elevation of privilege vulnerabilities described in CVE-2024-26248 and CVE-2024-29056 but does not enforce it unless both Windows domain controllers and Windows clients in the environment are updated. They authenticate every user, enforce every Group Policy Object, and replicate the credentials that keep the business running, making them irresistible to attackers. Enable NTP Oct 24, 2023 · DHCP and DNS – Confirm that if the previous domain controller handles DHCP and DNS, we seamlessly transfer these services to the new domain controller. 6 Number of previous logons to cache (in case domain controller is not available) – 4 logon or fewer . Best Practice on a Domain Controller for Security. An Active Directory Domain partitions the Active Directory forest to allow smaller AD databases which replicate domain data separately from other domains. exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: are intended for environments or use cases where security is paramount; acts as defense in depth measure; may negatively inhibit the utility or performance of the All checklists and scripts referenced in this presentation are available at: www. May 14, 2025 · This guide provides the fundamental concepts used when troubleshooting Active Directory domain join issues. Apr 19, 2024 · The Windows CIS Microsoft Windows Benchmarks are written for Active Directory domain-joined systems using Group Policy, not standalone/workgroup systems. ; DNS on clients – Verify that the DNS records on clients (as well as other servers) direct to the new domain controller to ensure successful logins; otherwise, bad perpetrators may compromise your network. But there are a few servers that stand alone and require NTP to sync with an external source for accurate timing. Configuring audit policies Post installation, ADAudit Plus automatically discovers the local domain and the domain controllers running in it. May 23, 2024 · Behind the scenes, AD runs on servers called domain controllers. Limiting the services and features running on domain controllers can reduce the attack surface of your AD environment. • Use two network interfaces in the server — one for admin and Jun 13, 2023 · The Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit is not a new tool, but Microsoft has made some changes to the baselines for Windows Server 2022. Ensure all built-in groups but Administrator are denied from logging on to Domain Controllers user User Right Assignments. Maybe something that was built off NIST and personal changes. 0 - Build Kit to apply a Level 1 Domain Controller hardening. Ongoing synchronization — Domain controllers should continuously synchronize time with a time server. Windows. A forest is a collection of AD trees. Nov 9, 2023 · The Default Domain Policy and the Default Domain Controllers Policy are spesial GPOs with special GUIDs. Ideally, in the case of domain servers, the time should be synced to a time server. The central store is in the SYSVOL folder. From a Domain perspective, all properties of all objects within the Domain are replicated to all Domain Controllers within that Domain only. Nothing at the top of the domain except default domain policy. Use two network interfaces in the server — one for admin and Jul 10, 2024 · Using security baselines in your organization. For example, the Center for Internet Security (CIS) provides hardening checklists ; Microsoft offers checklists for Windows devices; Cisco provides checklists for its routers; and the National Vulnerability Database hosted by NIST provides checklists for a wide range of Jan 16, 2025 · Hi all! Jerry here again to continue the AD hardening series. Place the server in a physically secure location. X . This account can then be used to generate arbitrary (but valid) Kerberos tickets. Go to the Group Policy Management tool on your Domain Controller (via Server Manager), and attach/link the GPO to any of the OUs in your environment. Administrative access to all Microsoft Domain Name System (DNS) servers that the domain controllers participate with. jgijx luquh bcgwf qyaod fxns njnwpu wzfx eqslo oynvl ict