Install Appendix C

This Appendix covers IIS Security Considerations. When configuring security for an Application Pool in Internet Information Services (IIS) that requires access to Active Directory resources within the domain, it’s crucial to follow best practices to ensure both functionality and security. The information provided below includes some of the most important security considerations.

 

Use a dedicated service account for the Application Pool. This account should have the necessary permissions to access Active Directory resources but should be restricted to the minimum required privileges.

Set the identity of the Application Pool to use the service account you've designated. Ensure that Integrated Windows Authentication is enabled if the application needs to authenticate users against Active Directory.

Grant appropriate permissions to the service account within Active Directory. This may include read-only access to specific organisational units (OUs) or groups, depending on the needs of the application.

Implement access controls within Active Directory to restrict what resources the service account can access. This helps minimize the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Ensure that the server running IIS is properly secured against unauthorized access. This includes firewall configurations, network segmentation, and regular security updates.

If the application communicates with Active Directory over the network, use SSL/TLS encryption to secure the communication channel and protect against eavesdropping and tampering.

Implement logging and monitoring mechanisms to track access to Active Directory resources by the Application Pool. This helps detect and respond to any suspicious or unauthorized activity.

Conduct regular security audits to review the configuration of the Application Pool. In addition, ensure compliance with security policies, and identify any potential vulnerabilities or misconfigurations.

 

Implementing the above security measures will ensure that your Application Pool can access Active Directory resources securely and will minimize the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches occurring. More information on IIS and the items discussed above can be found in the FAQs and User Guide topics.