What is the Delegation Model?

The Delegation Model is a comprehensive framework for securing Active Directory environments by implementing role-based access control (RBAC) and administrative boundaries. It addresses the fundamental security challenge of privileged access management in enterprise environments.

Traditional Active Directory implementations often grant excessive permissions to administrators, creating security risks when those accounts are compromised. The Delegation Model solves this by:

  • Separating privileges - Different roles have specific, limited permissions
  • Creating administrative boundaries - Clear separation between tiers and roles
  • Implementing least privilege - Users get only the permissions they need
  • Enabling secure delegation - Tasks can be delegated without granting domain admin rights

The model is built around three core components:

Tier Model

Physical and logical separation of assets into security tiers (Tier0, Tier1, Tier2) with strict access controls and network segmentation.

Delegation Model

Role-based access control system that grants specific administrative permissions without using privileged groups like Domain Admins.

Privileged Access Management

Comprehensive controls for managing, monitoring, and securing privileged accounts and administrative access across the environment.

Implementation Phases

Building the Delegation Model requires a systematic approach divided into three main phases. Each phase builds upon the previous one, ensuring a secure and properly structured administrative environment.

Phase 1: Building Admin Area (Tier0)

Create the foundational structure for secure administration. This phase establishes the Admin Area (Tier0) as the control plane for all privileged operations.

  • Organizational Units creation and security hardening
  • Moving privileged objects to secure containers
  • Creating Global and Domain Local security groups
  • Implementing Fine Grained Password Policies
  • Group nesting and AdminSDHolder modifications
  • Default container redirection
    • Start Building ?

    Phase 2: Delegating Admin Area (Tier0)

    Configure role-based access control by delegating specific permissions to different administrative roles while maintaining security boundaries.

  • Semi-Privileged User Management (UM)
  • Semi-Privileged Group Management (GM)
  • Privileged User Management (PUM)
  • Privileged Group Management (PGM)
  • Privileged Infrastructure Services Management (PSIM)
  • Privileged Access Workstation Management (PAWM)
  • Service Account Management (PSAM)
  • Group Policy and Directory Replication rights
    • Configure Delegation ?

    Phase 3: Configuring Admin Area (Tier0)

    Apply Group Policy Objects, security restrictions, and access controls to maintain Tier0 integrity and enforce administrative boundaries.

  • Monolithic GPO strategy and creation
  • Importing security baselines and templates
  • Setting logon restrictions by tier
  • Domain, Domain Controller, and Admin Area restrictions
  • Network logon and interactive session controls
    • Apply Configuration ?

    Prerequisites

    Before implementing the Delegation Model, ensure you have:

    • Active Directory Domain - Functional AD DS environment
    • Domain Admin privileges - For initial setup and configuration
    • PowerShell execution - Administrative PowerShell access
    • EguibarIT.Delegation module - Custom PowerShell module for automation
    • Security baselines - Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit or CIS benchmarks
    • Change management process - Approved process for AD changes

    Benefits of Implementation

    Implementing the Delegation Model provides significant security and operational benefits:

    Enhanced Security

    Reduce attack surface by implementing least privilege and administrative boundaries.

    Operational Efficiency

    Streamline administrative tasks through proper role delegation and automation.

    Compliance

    Meet regulatory requirements for privileged access management and audit trails.

    Getting Started

    Ready to implement the Delegation Model? Follow this recommended sequence:

    1. Review current state - Assess your current AD administrative model
    2. Plan your implementation - Define roles, tiers, and security boundaries
    3. Start with Phase 1 - Build the foundational Admin Area structure
    4. Implement Phase 2 - Configure delegations and role-based access
    5. Complete Phase 3 - Apply policies and restrictions
    6. Test and validate - Verify functionality and security controls
    7. Monitor and maintain - Establish ongoing monitoring and maintenance procedures

    Note: Each phase includes detailed PowerShell scripts and step-by-step instructions. The implementation is designed to be performed in a test environment first, then carefully deployed to production with proper change management.

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