Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) is a Windows server operating systems component. It enables you to use a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to issue and renew public key certificates. AD CS also revokes and distributes public key certificates. However, this post discusses the basic steps for deploying AD CS. Deploying an AD CS is easy if you follow the proper steps. We have listed the different steps needed to deploy an AD CS. Keep reading!
The Concept of Active Directory Certificate Services
AD CS is an acronym for Active Directory Certificate Service. It is a server role that issues and manages digital certificates. These certificates work for several purposes. Some of them include authenticating users and devices and encrypting communications.
Among the features of AD CS is the certificate authority (CA). The CA handles issuing, revoking, and renewing digital certificates. It is of two types; a stand-alone CA and an enterprise CA.
The enterprise CAs must be domain members to perform their job. However, a stand-alone CA doesn’t need Active Directory Domain Services to work. It can work offline, so it’s unnecessary to link it to a network.
Companies use AD CS to improve security by linking a person or device’s identity to a similar private key. AD CS also helps businesses to manage the distribution and use of certificates. This method is safe, efficient, and doesn’t cost much money.
Further, AD CS gives a company the PKI for using digital certificates to secure web servers. A COMPANY without AD CS would rely on a third party to provide these services.
Some companies install AD CS, but some prefer to hire services that offer active directory certificate services best practices. We can’t overemphasize the importance of AD CS, whichever way you choose as an organization.
6 Steps to Install Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS)
Open the Server Manager
The first step while installing an AD CS is opening the server. To get to the server manager on the computer, open the Start menu. Then, type “server manager” into the search bar and press Enter.
This will open the Server Manager console. From here, you can manage your server and its settings. Select Add Roles and Features under the Manage tab in the Server Manager console. Then, click Next.
However, note that a button on the page says “skip this page by default.” It automatically directs you to the next page if you have selected that.
Click Role-based or Features-based
The next page takes us to the Installation type screen, where you’ll see two different options. These options are Role-based or feature-based installation and the Remote Desktop Services Installation.
The Role-based installation allows you to configure a single server by adding roles. However, the other option allows you to install required role services for VDI.
But you should select the first option; Role-based or feature-based installation. Then, click Next.
Click on Server from the Server Pool
If you have followed the previous procedures correctly, you’ll see a page of two options. The first option, “Select a server from the server pool,” has been selected by default. But it’s best to double-check to be sure. Then, click Next.
Choose Active Directory Certificate Services
The next step is on the Server Roles screen, and you’ll come across many options on this screen. But click on the Active Directory Certificate Services.
However, a notice on the screen says you need to select one or more roles to install the selected server. These roles include domain services, lightweight directory services, and federation services. After choosing these roles, click on ‘Add Features’ and ‘Next.’
And on the ‘Select Features’ stage, click on the features you need during the installation. Then, click ‘Next.’
Active Directory Certificate Services Information
On the next page, there’s some information about AD CS, explaining its purposes. Ensure that you read this piece of information carefully. Once you’re done reading, click ‘Next.’
Then, it shows the ‘Roles Services’ page. Here, it shows different features, including Certificate Authority (CA). While most will choose CA, you should choose a feature based on your needs.
Here’s a brief explanation of what each feature means.
- Certification Authority issues certificates to people or devices. It also manages a certificate’s authenticity.
- External clients can use the Certificate Enrollment Web Service to connect to a CA.
- Online Responder receives and processes requests for certificate status information. It also returns signed responses with the requested certificate status information.
- Routers can use the Network Device Enrollment Service to get certificates.
- The Certificate Enrolment Policy Web Service enables users and devices to get information about their certificate enrollment policy.
Installation Process
Look over the information on the Confirm installation selections screen, then click Install. You’ll see the installation progress on the screen. After the installation, the “Server Manager” home page will show the AD CS role.
Procedures After Installation
After installation, select the link ‘Configure AD CS’ on the destination server. When this configuration opens, read the information carefully and add an account’s credentials. Then, click ‘Next.’
You’ll see ‘Certification Authority on the next page. Click on it and then click ‘Next.’ Root CA is the type of CA you should choose, and click the Next button. Also, ensure that you choose the option to Create a new private key and click the Next button.
On the Cryptography for CA page, leave the cryptographic provider, key length, and hash algorithm settings as they are.
Note that you can change the length of the key for your deployment. Keys with longer lengths offer more security but may slow down the server.
On the CA Name page, type in a Common name for this CA for easy identification. Don’t change the default values for the Distinguished name suffix. Then, choose a validity period for the CA certificate. Also, decide where to store the Certificate database and Certificate database logs.
Further, note that leaving these settings as defaults is the recommended method.
The last step is to click Configure to use the settings shown on the page. Then click the Close button to end the wizard. Then, Active Directory Certificate Services have been installed on your Windows Server.
Conclusion
AD CS is the service that allows your network to have a secure identity and access management. This blog post has explained the steps to install active directory certificate services. We hope it was helpful, and as always, we look forward to your thoughts in the comments section below.
