Securing privileged Active Directory accounts with Okta

In today’s hybrid IT landscape, Active Directory (AD) remains a cornerstone for Identity management. However, privileged AD accounts present a significant security risk if not managed properly. 

That’s why we’re pleased to announce that AD integration with Okta Privileged Access is now available in Early Access. With this feature, organizations can reduce risks associated with undermanaged privileged AD accounts, leveraging Okta’s existing and powerful AD Agent. 

Why securing privileged Active Directory accounts matters

Privileged AD accounts have elevated permissions, allowing users to make critical changes to systems and applications. Without strict security controls, these accounts become prime targets for cybercriminals and malicious insiders. 

Compromised privileged credentials can lead to data breaches, compliance violations, and reputational damage. 

Key benefits of Okta Privileged Access for Active Directory

That’s where Okta Privileged Access steps in, delivering a secure and efficient way to manage privileged AD account passwords without adding operational complexity. Below, we’ll highlight four key benefits of the integration.

1. Seamless integration with existing Okta AD Agent

There’s no need for additional infrastructure — Okta Privileged Access integrates directly with your existing Okta AD Agent. This means faster deployment, reduced complexity, and a streamlined security approach that works across hybrid environments.
 

2. Centralized auditing for compliance and visibility

Compliance is a top priority for many organizations, and Privileged Access Management makes it easier to meet regulatory requirements, such as GDPR, SOX, and ISO 27001. In Okta Privileged Access, every privileged access request, credential checkout, and user action is logged in a detailed audit trail, helping security teams monitor usage and detect anomalies.

3. Automated credential management for enhanced security

Okta Privileged Access automates the management of privileged AD account passwords, automatically rotating them based on schedules or checkout policies. To prevent unauthorized reuse, Okta Privileged Access ensures that privileged AD credentials are time-limited. Once a user checks out a password, it’s valid only for the approved session, after which it’s automatically rotated.

4. Phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication and approvals

Security isn’t just about passwords. With Okta Privileged Access, organizations can enforce strong authentication policies, requiring phishing-resistant MFA before privileged AD accounts are accessed. Approvals can also be required prior to account access for situations that require a human to decide if access should be granted.
 

Future-ready: Expanding capabilities into the future

This Early Access phase of Okta Privileged Access for AD focuses on secure password management and access control. But there’s more to come. In the coming months we’ll introduce seamless Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) access using AD accounts with click-to-connect functionality. This further reduces security risks while improving usability.

Why Okta for privileged access management

Okta Privileged Access is a modern privileged access management (PAM) solution that helps protect an organization's critical infrastructure, SaaS applications, and hybrid IT environments. Okta unifies security across the spectrum of access, governance, privileged access, and posture to centralize and tightly integrate every aspect of Identity. Okta Privileged Access:

• Pre-integrated, building upon the Okta Integration Network and AD Agent to manage privileged accounts within SaaS applications, and now AD means it “just works” with what you already have from Okta.
• Lightning fast to deploy. Highly advanced yet elegant, easy to implement and support. Reduces PAM burden and enables your IT staff to focus on projects that grow your business.
• Frictionless user experience without security trade-offs. Turn end-users into security advocates by extending the Okta SSO experience your users know and love, along with easy-to-use Access Request Approvals and industry-leading FastPass MFA to privileged resources.

Reach out to your Account Executive or Customer Success Manager to schedule a demo of Okta Privileged Access.