Local administrator accounts are commonly used in Active Directory/internal networks to manage individual computers. These accounts have full control over the local computer, which can be a security risk if used carelessly. The use of local administrator accounts should be minimized to reduce the potential security vulnerabilities they pose to the network.
One of the main reasons for reducing the use of local administrator accounts is to prevent unauthorized access to the network. When local administrator accounts are used, the credentials are stored locally on each computer. If an attacker gains access to a local administrator account, they can potentially gain access to all the computers on the network that use that account. This can lead to significant data breaches and other security issues. Furthermore, a local administrator may be able to gather credentials that are stored on the computer, leading to further compromise of network assets.
Another reason for minimizing the use of local administrator accounts is to improve auditing capabilities. By reducing the number of local administrator accounts, it becomes easier to track changes made to the network. When a local administrator account is used to make changes, it can be difficult to determine who made the changes and when they were made. By using domain-level accounts, all changes can be easily tracked and audited.
In addition to improving security, reducing the use of local administrator accounts can also improve overall network performance. When local administrator accounts are used, each computer on the network must maintain a separate set of credentials. This can lead to increased network traffic and slower performance. By using domain-level accounts, credentials are stored centrally, reducing network traffic and improving overall performance.
Minimizing the use of local administrator accounts is essential for improving the security and performance of an internal network. By using domain-level accounts, the potential for unauthorized access is reduced, auditing capabilities are improved, and the scope of attacks is limited. While local administrator accounts may be necessary in certain situations, they should be used sparingly and with caution to ensure the security of the network.