With Azure AD Connect, companies can easily link their internal Active Directory with Microsoft’s cloud-based identity management service. Office 365, Microsoft Intune, and other Microsoft cloud services may be accessed by users with their on-premises credentials. Password synchronization is a function of Azure AD Connect. It enables users to log in to both on-premises and cloud resources using the same set of credentials.
Advantages that firms might reap from utilizing password sync with Azure AD Connect
Streamlined interface design
Password sync in Azure AD Connect allows users to access both on-premises and cloud services. Just with a single set of credentials rather than requiring them to remember and input different credentials for each. As a result, production rises and user dissatisfaction falls.
Greater safety
The potential for security breaches is reduced. Especially when several users use the same set of credentials. This is the case with a single sign-on system, which is what password synchronisation facilitates. It also enables firms to implement stringent password standards for all systems, which boosts the company’s overall security.
IT teams may save time and effort by not having to keep track of various sets of user credentials. The password sync feature of Azure Active Directory Connect reduces the workload placed. Especially on IT staff by centralising the management of user credentials.
How the password synchronisation service in Azure AD Connect operates
Azure AD Connect password sync utilises a tool named “forefront identity manager” to synchronise user data between on-premises Active Directory and Azure AD. At regular intervals (every 2 minutes, on average), Azure Active Directory is synchronised. It does so with the on-premises Active Directory to reflect any changes. Changes made to user information in Azure AD will be mirrored in the on-premises Active Directory. But, also vice versa due to the bidirectional nature of the synchronisation process.
When a password is updated locally, Azure AD Connect password sync encrypts. It does so using the SHA-256 method and creates a new password hash for synchronisation. After the new hash is generated, it is synced with Azure AD. That way users may use the same password for both on-premises and cloud resources. During authentication, Azure Active Directory checks the user’s credentials. It does so by comparing the hashed version of the password with a stored one.
Further, ensure the safety of your passwords while they are kept in Azure AD. You should know that they are hashed and encrypted many times. Password hash synchronization is the safeguard that keeps credentials safe even if the Azure Active Directory database is breached.
Password Writeback
In addition to syncing password hashes, Azure AD Connect now enables password writeback. That enables users to alter their passwords in Azure AD and have the changes reflected in their on-premises Active Directory. For businesses whose hybrid infrastructure still includes certain on-premises components, this functionality can be especially helpful.
Password writeback allows users to update their passwords in Azure Active Directory. All while still retaining the ability to utilise those passwords with on-premises applications and data. You may use either the Azure AD portal or the Microsoft Authenticator app to do this.
Users working from a distance may appreciate being able to utilise their updated Azure AD password to access data stored locally.
When you’re ready, follow these steps to set up password sync for Azure AD Connect:
Prerequisites
There are a few things that must be in place before you can set up password syncing with Azure AD Connect.
You’ll need an on-premises Active Directory, Azure AD Connect, and an active Azure Active Directory subscription to get started.
The Azure AD Connect configuration account also needs the ability to create and manage objects in both the on-premises Active Directory and the cloud-based Azure AD.
Installing the Azure AD Connect Server
With this easy-to-follow instruction, Installing and configuring the Azure AD Connect server, setting up the synchronisation parameters, and testing the synchronisation are all necessary stages in setting up password sync with Azure AD Connect. You can get started with Azure AD Connect by reading the online documentation.
Starting out, you’ll need a Windows Server-based PC that can connect to both your on-premises Active Directory and Azure AD so you can set up the Azure AD Connect server. Following installation, the server must be set up with the necessary parameters, such as the Azure AD tenant, the on-premises Active Directory domain, and the synchronisation options.
Password synchronisation can then be enabled on the server. Either use the Azure AD Connect wizard or the portal itself to adjust the synchronisation settings. Password hashes will be synced to Azure AD when password synchronisation is enabled.
There are a few different troubleshooting procedures that may be followed if difficulties arise during setup or with the password sync later. For problems, you may examine the event logs, run the Azure AD Connect Health tool, and verify the synchronisation status in the Azure AD Connect portal.
Considerations for successful password sync with Azure AD Connect
User data that is both current and accurate: Password synchronisation relies on correct and up-to-date user information being stored in both the on-premises Active Directory and the cloud-based Azure AD. Users’ login credentials, email addresses, and membership in various security groups are all parts of this picture.
Businesses should implement strict password regulations to safeguard company data from unauthorised access. Password complexity requirements, password expiration policies, and log monitoring for unauthorised access are all examples of measures that may be taken.
Controlling and checking up on things: Businesses can more easily recognise and fix problems with the password synchronisation process if it is monitored and audited. The Azure AD Connect site allows for this, as it offers access to comprehensive logs and data on the synchronization’s current state.
Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, the password sync feature in Azure AD Connect is an excellent resource for organisations seeking to strengthen the safety and convenience of their systems for employees and visitors alike. Password sync makes it easier for IT departments to manage user passwords and reduces the burden on end users to remember multiple passwords. Password sync through Azure AD Connect is simple to set up, and it can be used with additional capabilities like password writeback for an even more streamlined experience. Businesses should think about using Azure AD Connect password sync so they may reap its numerous benefits.