Sunday 14 September 2025
As we navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape, it’s become increasingly clear that securing our online identities is more crucial than ever. With cybercriminals constantly adapting their tactics to exploit vulnerabilities, it’s a cat-and-mouse game where one misstep can have devastating consequences.
One of the most critical components in this security arms race is Active Directory (AD), the backbone of many enterprise networks. AD serves as the central authentication and authorization hub, managing user access and permissions across an organization’s digital infrastructure. However, its very centrality makes it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to wreak havoc.
Researchers have long recognized the importance of segmenting AD to limit lateral movement – essentially, preventing attackers from jumping between systems once they’ve gained initial foothold. But implementing these security measures effectively has proven challenging, as it requires careful consideration of user permissions and access controls without disrupting business operations.
Enter a team of experts who’ve developed an innovative solution: Active Directory Tiering (ADT). This approach divides AD into three distinct tiers, each with its own set of permissions and access controls. The first tier, Tier 0, contains the most sensitive systems, such as domain controllers and identity management tools. The second tier, Tier 1, comprises shared infrastructure like file servers and application servers. Finally, the third tier, Tier 2, includes user-facing assets like workstations and mobile devices.
By segmenting AD in this way, ADT significantly reduces the blast radius of a compromised system. Even if an attacker gains access to a Tier 2 device, they’ll be unable to move laterally to more sensitive systems without first compromising the relevant permissions and access controls. This creates a much narrower attack surface, making it harder for malicious actors to cause widespread damage.
But ADT isn’t just about limiting lateral movement; it’s also designed to simplify administrative tasks while enhancing security. By providing separate identities for each tier, administrators can manage their workloads more efficiently without compromising security. Additionally, the tiered structure allows for easier auditing and compliance with regulatory requirements.
The implications of ADT are far-reaching, particularly in industries where data confidentiality and integrity are paramount. Healthcare organizations, financial institutions, and government agencies, for instance, could benefit greatly from this approach.
While implementing ADT may require significant upfront effort, the long-term benefits are undeniable.
Cite this article: “Segmenting Active Directory: A New Approach to Enhanced Security and Simplified Administration”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Active Directory, Cybersecurity, Security, Authentication, Authorization, Permission, Access Control, Tiering, Segmentation, Lateral Movement, Compliance
