PHS is a crucial feature within Azure AD Connect that improves the preservation of consistent identity information across systems. Implementing PHS and managing it efficiently is imperative for both the robustness and the security of hybrid identity deployments. Moreover, PHS is an important topic covered in the SC-300 Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator exam.
Understanding Password Hash Synchronization (PHS)
PHS acts as a sign-in method that helps users to sign in with the same password on both on-premises and cloud environments. PHS works by synchronizing a hash, or a mathematical representation, of the users’ on-premises Active Directory (AD) password with Azure AD. The primary advantage is that it does not require the actual password to be kept in Azure AD.
The PHS process involves:
- Extraction of password hashes from the on-premises AD.
- Synchronization of these hashes to Azure AD.
- Validation of user sign-ins against these hashes in Azure AD.
The synchronization process typically occurs every 2 minutes, allowing for timely updates and maintaining consistency in systems.
Implementing Password Hash Synchronization
Here’s a high-level approach to implementing PHS with Azure AD Connect.
- Install Azure AD Connect: Azure AD Connect is the tool that facilitates the synchronization process. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft website and must be installed on your on-premises server.
- Enable Password Hash Synchronization: During the Azure AD Connect setup, select the “Password Hash Synchronization” option as your sign-in method. This step enables PHS.
- Configure Synchronization Settings: Define the OUs (Organizational Units) to synchronize, and customize the attribute mapping if necessary.
- Verify Synchronization: Once the configuration is complete, ensure the hashes are being synchronized correctly. This can be done by checking the synchronization service manager.
Managing Password Hash Synchronization
Effective management of PHS involves regular monitoring, timely troubleshooting, and understanding the features and limitations of PHS.
- Monitoring: Regular checks on the synchronization process are a best practice to identify and correct any misalignments early. Azure AD provides monitoring and notifications that help in this regard.
- Troubleshooting: If a synchronization issue arises, it can be handled with the aid of Azure AD reports, logs, and troubleshooting guides. Regular health checks with Azure AD Connect Health can also aid in troubleshooting.
- Knowledge: Understanding the intricacies of PHS is essential. For instance, knowing that password changes in on-premises AD might take up to 2 minutes to get reflected in Azure AD due to PHS’s synchronization schedule.
In conclusion, the implementation and management of PHS are critical for maintaining a robust hybrid identity system. It is one of the key focus areas within the SC-300 Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator exam. Understanding PHS will not just aid in your preparation for the certification but also equip you with essential skills for managing hybrid identity systems. Understanding the process, implementing it correctly, effectively maintaining the system, and adeptly troubleshooting issues are the key competency areas to focus on.
Practice Test
True or False: Password Hash Synchronization (PHS) is a feature of Azure AD Connect that synchronizes user passwords from on-premise Active Directory to Azure AD.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Password Hash Synchronization is indeed a feature of Azure AD Connect that enables users to use the same password on-premise and in the cloud.
Which of the following is not a pre-requisite for using Password Hash Synchronization?
- A. Azure AD Connect
- B. Azure AD Premium
- C. Active Directory Domain Services
- D. Global administrator or equivalent permissions
Answer: B. Azure AD Premium
Explanation: The usage of Password Hash Synchronization does not require Azure AD Premium. It functions with the free version of Azure AD.
True or False: PHS cannot be enabled simultaneously with another sign-in method.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: PHS can be co-existent with federation. In fact, it’s recommended to use PHS as a backup for other sign-in methods.
The Password Hash Synchronization process can be scheduled to occur at certain intervals.
- A. True
- B. False
Answer: B. False
Explanation: PHS is not a service that can be directly scheduled. By default, PHS runs every 2 minutes.
What occurs if a user changes their password while their account is locked out in PHS?
- A. The password change is not synchronized.
- B. The password change is synchronized, but the account remains locked.
- C. The password change is synchronized and the account lockout is reset.
- D. The password is not changed and the account remains locked.
Answer: C. The password change is synchronized and the account lockout is reset.
Explanation: If a user changes their password during a lockout in PHS, the new password will sync and effectively unlock the account.
When does Password Hash Synchronization stop for a particular user?
- A. If the user is disabled
- B. If the user’s password is reset
- C. If the user is removed from the sync scope
- D. All of the above
Answer: C. If the user is removed from the sync scope
Explanation: If a user is removed from the sync scope, Password Hash Synchronization will stop for that user.
In case of a disaster, Password Hash Synchronization provides a seamless sign-in experience for users.
- A. True
- B. False
Answer: A. True
Explanation: PHS can provide seamless sign-in continuity for users in case a disaster impacts an on-premises server with Active Directory federation services.
The synchronization of password hashes cannot be manually triggered.
- A. True
- B. False
Answer: B. False
Explanation: Although Password Hash Synchronization runs automatically every 2 minutes, it can also be triggered manually using PowerShell commands.
True or False: During Password Hash Synchronization, the actual password of a user is transmitted from on-premises AD to Azure AD.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Only the hash of the password is transmitted, not the actual password. This ensures that user passwords remain secure.
Can PHS work in environments with Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS)?
- A. Yes, it can work alongside ADFS
- B. No, it can’t work alongside ADFS
Answer: A. Yes, it can work alongside ADFS
Explanation: PHS can co-exist with active ADFS. It’s often used as a backup for ADFS, enabling users to authenticate even if ADFS servers experience outage.
Interview Questions
What is Password Hash Synchronization (PHS)?
Password Hash Synchronization (PHS) is a sign-in method in Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). It synchronizes a hash of a user’s on-premises Active Directory password with Azure AD.
What is a password hash?
A password hash is a mathematical transformation of a user’s actual password. It is stored, not the plain text password. This makes it significantly harder to recover if the hash gets compromised.
How does Password Hash Synchronization provide a seamless user experience?
Password Hash Synchronization allows users to sign in to both on-premises and cloud-based applications using the same password. This provides a smooth, integrated, and easy-to-use experience.
How often does PHS occur after it’s enabled?
Once enabled, Password Hash Synchronisation occurs approximately every two minutes.
Is it possible to select specific accounts for Password Hash Synchronization (PHS)?
No, the Azure AD connect tool does not allow specific user selection for PHS. It is either enabled or disabled for the entire directory.
What are the prerequisites for implementing PHS?
The prerequisites for implementing PHS are an Azure AD tenant, an on-premises Active Directory, Azure AD Connect, and the permission to organize the on-premises Active Directory and the Azure AD tenant.
Why should PHS be combined with Seamless Single Sign-On?
Combining PHS with Seamless Single Sign-On allows users to have a seamless user experience while accessing applications on their corporate machines inside your corporate network without needing any VPN.
Can PHS be considered as a fallback option if Federation (ADFS) goes down?
Yes, you can use Password Hash Synchronization as a backup for sign-ins if the federation service fails to respond, since PHS allows users to sign in to Azure AD services with their password.
Is the plain text password ever transmitted or stored in the cloud during PHS?
No, only a hash of the hashed password is synchronized with Azure AD. The plain text password is not transmitted or stored.
What is Same sign-on?
Same sign-on means users must provide the same password for cloud and on-premises resources. But unlike single sign-on, the user might have to sign in again to access respective resources.
Does enabling PHS affect the performance of your on-premises domain controllers?
No, enabling PHS does not cause significant load on your on-premises domain controllers and does not have any noticeable performance impact.
How do you enable Password Hash Synchronization?
PHS is enabled through Azure AD Connect during setup. Administrator can also enable it post-installation through Azure AD Connect wizard.
Do I still need Azure AD Premium licenses if I enable Password Hash Synchronization (PHS)?
No, PHS is a free feature of Azure Active Directory and does not require Azure AD premium licenses.
What is the cryptographic algorithm used in the PHS process?
During PHS, the on-premises password hash is combined with a random number, or “salt,” and then hashed again with the cryptographic hash function SHA256.
Is password hash synchronization required for Seamless Single Sign-On to work?
Yes, in a hybrid environment, you require to enable password hash synchronization for Seamless Single Sign-On to function correctly.
extutorials.com