Last week, Microsoft released the first version in the 2,0 branch of Azure AD Connect: v2.0.3.0. There are a couple of things that you should be aware of with this version. I’m sharing them with you in this blogpost. Azure AD Connect is Microsoft’s free Hybrid Identity bridge product to synchronize objects and their attributes … Continue reading "Five Things You should know about Azure AD Connect version 2"
Category: Systems Administration
Systems Administration
Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) is back
Microsoft released a new version of Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) this week. This version, released as part of the SysInternals suite, solves a critical vulnerability and allows admins in Microsoft-oriented networks to enjoy remote desktop connections again (relatively) safely. About Remote Desktop Connection Manager RDCMan used to be a popular tool to collect, categorize … Continue reading "Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) is back"
Preparing Active Directory for Windows 10 version 21H1
Microsoft has released a new version of Windows 10, dubbed version 21H1. This version brings new functionality that many organizations are eager to utilize. In many organizations, Windows-based devices are joined to Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), so devices can be managed centrally and end-users can sign-in on any domain-joined device of their liking. … Continue reading "Preparing Active Directory for Windows 10 version 21H1"
HOWTO: Create a Group Policy Central Store
The Group Policy Central Store in Active Directory’s System Volume (SYSVOL) share optimizes Group Policy authoring and replication. The group policy central store is a central location to store all the Group Policy template (*.admx) and Group Policy Language (*.adml) files. The Central Store eliminates the loading and opening of Group Policy template files on systems … Continue reading "HOWTO: Create a Group Policy Central Store"
Keeping up to date as an organization: Track Microsoft 365 Message Center messages in Planner
One of the questions I ask every new colleague is how they are keeping up with the new and changed features in Azure and Microsoft 365. For individuals, it’s hard to keep up, but in many organizations, the IT department is having an even harder time doing so. This might have multiple reasons: They’re overwhelmed … Continue reading "Keeping up to date as an organization: Track Microsoft 365 Message Center messages in Planner"
HOWTO: Find out the capabilities Domain Controllers may offer your device
One of the hard nuts to crack in Active Directory is meeting the requirements for the infrastructure features your organization’s business needs to operate reliably, securely and smooth. About Active Directory requirements Throughout Microsoft’s recent history, features have been introduced in all sorts of products that have certain Active Directory requirements. The perfect example is … Continue reading "HOWTO: Find out the capabilities Domain Controllers may offer your device"
From the field: The Case of the Unstable AD FS Farm
Troubleshooting stories from the field are the best. That’s why I like writing them down. Although, sometimes they might appear as straight cases of schadenfreude, I feel there are lessons to be learned for anyone, if you’re willing to look closely and listen carefully. Last month, I experienced an issue with an AD FS farm, … Continue reading "From the field: The Case of the Unstable AD FS Farm"
Mainstream support for Microsoft Advanced Threat Analytics (ATA) ends in three months
We’ve helped organizations embrace Microsoft’s Advanced Threat Analytics (ATA) solution to protect their Active Directory environments from attacks. On January 12th, 2021, mainstream support for this product ends. ATA version 1.9.3, released on September 14th, 2020 is the final update as part of mainstream support. It’s time to move on to Microsoft Defender for Identity. … Continue reading "Mainstream support for Microsoft Advanced Threat Analytics (ATA) ends in three months"
Choosing the right Passwordless sign-in method for your colleagues
Passwordless is Microsoft’s strategy to improve enterprise security and enable end-user convenience at the same time. The era of passwords is slowly coming to an end and Microsoft offers readily-available solutions for your colleagues to sign-in to their devices and services. However, with its many passwordless methods, Microsoft isn’t making it easy for identity admins … Continue reading "Choosing the right Passwordless sign-in method for your colleagues"
I’m presenting three webinars with Netwrix focusing again on the best recipes from the AD Administration Cookbook
On April 22nd, 28th and 30th, 2020, I’ll present three 1-hour webinars with Netwrix. Tune in to get the best in Active Directory security, Hybrid Identity and Azure AD Hardening demonstrated from me and Netwrix’ Jeff Melnick! About the webinars I feel webinars are a great way to show people the potential of technology. … Continue reading "I’m presenting three webinars with Netwrix focusing again on the best recipes from the AD Administration Cookbook"