AWS re:Inforce 2022 - Deploy and secure Active Directory with AWS Managed Microsoft AD (IAM203)

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to deploy AWS Managed Microsoft Active Directory (AD) and secure it to meet compliance requirements. As organizations modernize their infrastructure, migrating Active Directory-dependent workloads to the cloud is essential. This guide will help you extend Active Directory across multiple AWS Regions and implement the necessary security configurations.

Step 1: Set Up AWS Managed Microsoft AD

1. Access the AWS Management Console

   • Log in to your AWS account.
   • Navigate to the AWS Directory Service.

2. Launch AWS Managed Microsoft AD

   • Click on "Create Directory."
   • Select "AWS Managed Microsoft AD."
   • Choose your directory size (Standard or Enterprise) based on your workload requirements.

3. Configure Directory Settings

   • Specify the directory name and description.
   • Choose the VPC and subnets for deployment.
   • Select the desired Region for your directory.

4. Complete the Creation Process

   • Review your settings and click "Create Directory."
   • Wait for the directory to be created, which may take several minutes.

Step 2: Extend AWS Managed Microsoft AD to Multiple Regions

1. Create a Directory in Additional Regions

   • Repeat the steps in Step 1 for each additional Region.
   • Ensure that the directory names are consistent across Regions for easier management.

2. Establish Networking Connections

   • Set up a VPN or AWS Direct Connect to enable secure communication between the Regions.
   • Ensure that security groups and network ACLs allow traffic between the directories.

3. Configure Active Directory Trust Relationships

   • Go to the AWS Managed Microsoft AD console.
   • Create trust relationships between the directories to enable cross-region access.

Step 3: Implement Security Configurations

1. Set Up Security Groups

   • Create security groups to control access to the directory.
   • Define inbound and outbound rules based on your security requirements.

2. Configure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

   • Implement MFA for users accessing the Active Directory.
   • Use AWS IAM policies to enforce MFA for sensitive operations.

3. Monitor and Audit Directory Activity

   • Enable AWS CloudTrail for logging directory activity.
   • Set up Amazon CloudWatch alarms for critical metrics and events.

Step 4: Leverage Existing Active Directory Users

1. Sync Existing Users

   • Use AWS Directory Service for Microsoft Active Directory to synchronize users from your on-premises Active Directory.
   • Configure Azure AD Connect if using Azure AD.

2. Manage User Access

   • Assign permissions and roles to the synchronized users based on their job functions.
   • Regularly review and audit user permissions for compliance.

3. Educate Users on Security Best Practices

   • Train your users on security awareness, including recognizing phishing attempts and using secure passwords.

Conclusion

Deploying and securing AWS Managed Microsoft Active Directory is crucial for modernizing your infrastructure. By following the outlined steps, you can effectively set up, extend, and protect your Active Directory environment in the cloud. Remember to continuously monitor your directory and educate users on security best practices. As a next step, consider exploring additional AWS services that can integrate with your Active Directory, such as AWS Single Sign-On or AWS IAM.