Identity-focused security is a fundamental aspect of cyber-security.

Identities are the access plane used in cloud solutions, and most enterprises are still in a state of having hybrid identity solutions in place whilst their cloud journey matures. Securing these identities and being able to react quickly when they appear to be compromised should be high up on any security leader’s list of priorities.

In an ongoing commitment to fortify identity protection across hybrid environments, Microsoft Defender for Identity has expanded its capabilities to support installation on Entra Connect servers; the server responsible for synchronizing on-premises Active Directory to Microsoft Entra.

Until now, the Defender for Identity sensor could be installed on Domain Controllers, AD FS servers and AD Certificate servers. This new enhancement underscores Microsoft’s dedication to providing comprehensive security solutions that empower Security Operations Centers (SOCs) with advanced tools for threat detection and response across hybrid environments.

Key Features and Benefits:

1. Comprehensive Monitoring: The integration of the new sensor with Entra Connect servers enables detailed monitoring of synchronization activities between Entra Connect and Active Directory. This ensures that any unusual or potentially malicious activities are promptly detected, providing an additional layer of security.
2. Enhanced Security Alerts (in Public Preview): Microsoft Defender for Identity now offers specific security alerts tailored for Entra Connect servers. These alerts include detections for suspicious interactive logins, which are often indicative of credential theft attempts. By identifying these threats early, organizations can take swift action to mitigate risks.
3. Proactive Threat Detection: The sensor is designed to identify abnormal logins and unauthorized password reset attempts on critical accounts. This proactive approach helps prevent privilege escalation attacks that target both cloud and on-premises environments, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.
4. Improved SOC Visibility: By expanding coverage to include Entra Connect servers, SOCs gain a more holistic view of the identity landscape. This enhanced visibility enables faster and more effective threat response, as security teams can now monitor and analyze activities across a broader range of systems.
5. Seamless Integration: The new sensor integrates seamlessly with existing Microsoft Defender for Identity deployments, allowing organizations to leverage their current infrastructure without the need for extensive reconfiguration. This ensures a smooth transition and immediate benefits from the enhanced security features.
6. Operational Efficiency: With the added capabilities, SOCs can streamline their operations by consolidating threat detection and response activities within a single platform. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces the complexity of managing multiple security tools.

Conclusion: The expansion of Microsoft Defender for Identity to include Entra Connect servers represents a pivotal advancement in identity protection. By providing comprehensive monitoring, enhanced security alerts, proactive threat detection, and improved SOC visibility, this integration empowers organizations to safeguard their identity fabric more effectively. As always, the goal is to deliver robust security solutions that enable organizations to operate with confidence in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

Talk to Quorum Cyber if you’ve got any questions around this recent announcement, or need any help installing, configuring or tuning Microsoft Defender for Identity.