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Integrating Windows Server on AWS with Microsoft Entra Domain Services

Windows

A wind energy startup specializing in developing autonomous flight control software manages a complex IT environment with a hybrid cloud infrastructure. They host critical applications and databases on AWS, including SQL Server instances, while using Microsoft Entra Domain Services (formerly Azure Active Directory Domain Services) for identity management. To streamline operations and enhance security, Ryval-X designed and integrated their Ec2/SQL Server instances on AWS with Microsoft Entra Domain Services.

Objectives:

  • Centralized Authentication: Enable SQL Server on AWS to use Microsoft Entra Domain Services for authentication.
  • Enhanced Security: Improve security by leveraging domain-based authentication and group policies.
  • Operational Efficiency: Simplify user management and access control by centralizing authentication.
  • Seamless Integration: Ensure a smooth and reliable integration process without disrupting existing services.

Implementation:

Planning and Preparation:
  • Assessment: Conducted an assessment of the current environment, including the configuration of SQL Server instances on AWS and the setup of Microsoft Entra Domain Services.
  • Requirements: Defined the requirements for network connectivity, security policies, and authentication mechanisms.
Network Configuration:
  • VPN/Direct Connect: Established a secure network connection between AWS and Microsoft Entra Domain Services using AWS Direct Connect or a VPN.
  • VPC Peering: Configured VPC peering to ensure that the AWS VPC hosting SQL Server could communicate with the network where Microsoft Entra Domain Services was hosted.
Domain Joining:
  • Domain Controller Setup: Deployed a domain controller on AWS and configured it to join the Microsoft Entra Domain Services domain.
  • SQL Server Configuration: Configured SQL Server instances on AWS to join the Microsoft Entra Domain Services domain. This involved updating DNS settings and configuring the SQL Server to use domain authentication.
Authentication and Authorization:
  • Windows Authentication: Enabled Windows Authentication for SQL Server instances, allowing users to authenticate using their Microsoft Entra Domain Services credentials.
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Implemented RBAC policies to manage user permissions and access levels based on their domain roles and groups.
Testing and Validation:
  • Connectivity Testing: Verified network connectivity between AWS and Microsoft Entra Domain Services.
  • Authentication Testing: Tested domain-based authentication for SQL Server to ensure users could log in using their Microsoft Entra credentials.
  • Security Testing: Conducted security testing to verify that the integration adhered to GlobalTech’s security policies and standards.
Monitoring and Maintenance:
  • Monitoring: Set up monitoring tools to track authentication requests, login attempts, and network connectivity.
  • Maintenance: Established procedures for regular maintenance, including updates to domain controllers, SQL Server instances, and security policies.

Results:

Centralized Authentication:
  • SQL Server instances on AWS successfully used Microsoft Entra Domain Services for authentication, centralizing user management and access control.
Enhanced Security:
  • Leveraging domain-based authentication improved security by enforcing consistent policies and reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Seamless Integration:
  • The integration was completed without disrupting existing services, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of operations.

The Ryval-X Impact:

Improved Security Posture:
  • Enhanced security through centralized authentication and consistent application of security policies.
  • Reduced risk of credential compromise by using strong domain authentication mechanisms.
Simplified User Management:
  • Reduced complexity in managing separate authentication systems.
  • Improved auditability and compliance by centralizing authentication logs and policies.
Operational Efficiency:
  • Streamlined user provisioning and deprovisioning processes, reducing the administrative burden.
  • Improved user experience by allowing single sign-on (SSO) capabilities across different environments.
Scalability:
  • The solution provided a scalable authentication framework that could grow with GlobalTech’s expanding cloud infrastructure.

What Customer Realized:

By integrating SQL Server instances on AWS with Microsoft Entra Domain Services, the energy startup achieved a more secure, efficient, and scalable authentication framework. This integration not only enhanced security and operational efficiency but also streamlined user management and improved the overall user experience. The successful implementation serves as a model for other organizations looking to integrate cloud-based databases with centralized identity management solutions.

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