Active Directory Subject Matter Expert

Active Directory Fundamentals

• In-depth understanding of:
• DC Locator process
• Kerberos authentication process
• NTLM authentication process
• AD replication and its components (High Watermark, UTC Table, Invocation ID, GUID, etc.)
• Group Policy components and Group Policy Engine
• AD trusts and their usage
• AD security concepts

Migration and Transition (DC, DHCP & DNS)

• Hands-on experience with transition and migration-related activities
• End-to-end knowledge of Domain Controller upgrade process

Troubleshooting Skills

• Strong troubleshooting skills in:
• Kerberos
• NTLM
• Time sync
• Lingering objects
• Replication issues

Directory Services

• Proficient in:
• LDAP
• Global Catalog
• SPNs

Scripting and Automation

• Good command of PowerShell scripting

Advanced Active Directory Concepts

• Detailed understanding of:
• SID filtering
• SID quarantine
• Selective authentication
• Strict replication
• Metadata cleanup process and requirements

Replication and Group Policy

• In-depth knowledge of:
• AD replication and its components (High Watermark, UTC Table, Invocation ID, GUID, etc.)
• FRS and DFSR
• Thorough knowledge of Group Policy processing

Windows Time Synchronization Configuration

• NTP Server Setup: Configure and manage Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers to provide accurate time synchronization.
• Client Configuration: Set up client devices to synchronize with the NTP server.
• Stratum Management: Ensure NTP servers are configured with appropriate stratum levels for optimal accuracy.
• Time Source Selection: Choose reliable time sources, such as external time servers or GPS.
• Leap Second Handling: Implement mechanisms to handle leap seconds and prevent time discontinuities.
• Security Configuration: Secure NTP servers against unauthorized access and tampering.
• Monitoring and Logging: Monitor NTP server performance and log synchronization events.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve time synchronization issues, such as clock drift and synchronization failures.

Domain Name System (DNS)

• DNS Server Configuration: Set up and manage DNS servers to resolve domain names to IP addresses.
• Zone Management: Create and manage DNS zones, including primary and secondary zones.
• Record Management: Maintain DNS records (A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, etc.) for accurate name resolution.
• Dynamic Updates: Implement dynamic DNS updates for automated record management.
• Failover and Load Balancing: Implement DNS failover and load balancing for high availability.
• Security and Compliance: Protect against DNS-based attacks (e.g., DDoS, DNS spoofing).
• Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Monitor DNS services and resolve name resolution issues.

Problem Analysis and Documentation

• RCA (Root Cause Analysis) preparing skills
• Documentation skills

Disaster Recovery and Backup

• Knowledge of:
• Disaster recovery
• AD backup and restore concepts, process, and different ways

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

• DHCP Server Configuration: Automate IP address assignment.
• Scope Management: Manage address pools and lease durations.
• Reservation Management: Ensure consistent IP for specific devices.
• Failover and Load Balancing: Implement high availability.
• Lease Monitoring: Optimize IP address usage.
• Security and Compliance: Protect against unauthorized access.
• Troubleshooting: Resolve IP conflicts and connectivity issues.

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

• CA Deployment and Management: Issue and manage digital certificates.
• Certificate Templates: Create templates for various uses.
• Certificate Enrollment: Implement enrollment processes.
• Certificate Revocation: Manage revocation lists.
• Key Management: Securely manage private keys.
• PKI Integration: Integrate with security solutions.
• Policy Management: Enforce PKI policies and compliance.
• Monitoring and Auditing: Monitor PKI security and performance.
• Troubleshooting: Resolve certificate and key issues.

Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS)

• Federation Configuration: Design and manage ADFS for SSO.
• Claims-Based Authentication: Configure secure authentication policies.
• Trust Relationships: Establish and maintain trust with partners.
• Token Signing Certificates: Manage certificates for token security.
• ADFS Integration: Integrate with other identity solutions.
• Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Ensure ADFS performance and resolve issues.

Microsoft Intune

• Device Management: Enroll and manage devices (mobile, desktop, and IOS) using Intune's MDM and MAM capabilities.
• Policy Configuration: Create and enforce device compliance policies, configuration profiles, and security baselines.
• Application Management: Deploy, update, and manage applications across various platforms.
• Conditional Access: Implement conditional access policies to control access to corporate resources based on device compliance and user risk.
• Endpoint Security: Understand endpoint security settings, including antivirus, firewall, and threat protection.
• Remote Actions: Perform remote actions like wiping, locking, or resetting device passcodes.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor device status, compliance, and security events, and generate reports for insights.
• Integration: Integrate Intune with other Microsoft 365 services and third-party solutions for enhanced functionality.
• User Support: Provide user support for device enrollment, policy compliance, and application issues.

Expertise on Identity & Access Management – Entra ID

• Microsoft Entra ID (Azure Active Directory): Configure and manage Azure AD for user authentication, authorization, and directory services.
• Microsoft Entra External ID: Set up and manage external identities for partner collaboration and customer access.
• Microsoft Entra ID Governance: Implement identity governance features for access reviews, entitlement management, and lifecycle workflows.
• Microsoft Entra ID Protection: Configure and monitor identity protection policies to detect and mitigate identity-based risks.
• Microsoft Entra Internet Access: Manage access to internet resources and applications through secure gateways.
• Microsoft Entra Private Access: Secure access to private networks and resources using VPN and other secure connectivity solutions.
• Microsoft Entra Permissions Management: Manage and audit permissions across applications and services to ensure least privilege access.
• Microsoft Entra Verified ID: Implement verified ID solutions for enhanced identity verification and trust.
• Microsoft Entra Workload ID: Manage and assign identities specifically for workloads and applications within Microsoft Entra.
• Microsoft Entra Domain Services: Provide managed domain services for legacy applications and seamless integration with Azure AD.
• Azure Key Vault: Securely store and manage cryptographic keys, secrets, and certificates.

Key Responsibilities:

• Policy Configuration: Develop and enforce identity and access management policies across all Entra services.
• User and Group Management: Manage user accounts, groups, and roles for efficient access control.
• Security Monitoring: Monitor identity and access activities for anomalies and potential security threats.
• Compliance and Auditing: Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and conduct regular audits of identity and access configurations.
• Integration: Integrate Entra services with other Microsoft and third-party solutions for comprehensive identity and access management.
• User Support: Provide support for identity and access-related issues, ensuring a smooth user experience.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of identity and access management configurations, policies, and procedures.