5.1.1 Windows AD Delegation

Windows Active Directory is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It provides a centralized platform for managing and organizing network resources, including users, computers, applications, and security policies.

Active Directory is widely used in enterprise environments to authenticate users, authorize access, and enforce administrative policies across multiple systems. It enables IT administrators to manage network resources efficiently and consistently from a central location.

Key Features

• Centralized Authentication: Validates user credentials when accessing systems or services within the domain.

• Authorization and Access Control: Defines what resources users and groups can access, based on their role or membership.

• Group Policy Management: Allows administrators to apply security settings, software installations, and configuration policies across devices.

• Hierarchical Resource Organization: Uses a structured framework of objects such as Users, Groups, Computers, and Organizational Units (OUs) to logically organize and manage network assets.

Example Use Case

When a user logs into a company computer, Active Directory verifies their credentials and grants access to shared drives, printers, or applications based on their role in the organization.