Full definition
AD structure: forest > domain > organizational unit (OU) > objects (user, computer, group, GPO). Authentication via Kerberos with TGT and TGS tickets. Centralized configuration via Group Policy Objects (GPO). DCs (domain controllers) replicate the AD database via MSRPC. The KRBTGT account is special: its hash is the master key for all Kerberos tickets in the domain. AD is a priority ransomware target. KRBTGT compromise enables a golden ticket (authentication as any user, including Domain Admin, indefinitely). Ransomware response with golden ticket requires resetting KRBTGT twice (24h apart) and often domain rebuild. Immutable AD backup is critical.
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