Due to these weaknesses, Microsoft replaced LM and NTLM protocols with AD starting with Windows 2000 Server operating systems (OSs). Although NTLM - which succeeded LM - had some security enhancements around the strength of cryptography, it couldn’t provide mutual authentication and smart card authentication services.

AD authentication is a successor to LAN Manager (LM) and NT LAN Manager (NTLM), protocols which were easily exploitable.įor example, LM used a fragile cryptographic scheme that modern processors could easily crack. It also provides single sign-on (SSO) functionality, allowing users only to authenticate once and then seamlessly access any corporate resource in the domain for which they’re authorized. IT teams can use AD authentication to streamline user and rights management while achieving centralized control over devices and user configurations through the AD Group Policy feature. What Is Active Directory Authentication?ĪD authentication is a Windows-based system that authenticates and authorizes users, endpoints, and services to Active Directory. Learn more about AD authentication, how it works, and how JumpCloud can help you improve its operations.

When deployed, Active Directory authentication can simplify IT administration and enhance the overall security posture of the enterprise. To effectively use enterprise resources and remain productive, organizations must develop access control measures.Īctive Directory (AD) authentication is one such measure you can use to manage users, applications, and other assets within the organization.

Every organization has a well-defined structure that defines employees’ roles and responsibilities in various departments such as sales, marketing, and IT.

Active directory authentication