Apply Bitlocker to OS drive or Active Directory Server
We have Active Directory (2008R2) servers at 35 branch locations. We store sensitive data on these servers. We have bitlocker protecting our desktops at these locations but not the servers. Does anyone know of any problems bitlocking the OS drive of Active Directory servers?
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From my understanding - there are no complications. You're basically just encrypting the HDD that houses the recovery partition and OS partition.
The link below shows how you would do this for Server 2012 R2. I however recommend looking into virtualizing your DCs using VMware ESX where you don't need to be concerned about physical tampering.
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj612864.aspx
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windowsserver/en-US/c52ffc7d-f822-4b61-b633-46f8e04eac80/bitlocker-for-domain-controller
The link below shows how you would do this for Server 2012 R2. I however recommend looking into virtualizing your DCs using VMware ESX where you don't need to be concerned about physical tampering.
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj612864.aspx
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windowsserver/en-US/c52ffc7d-f822-4b61-b633-46f8e04eac80/bitlocker-for-domain-controller
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pjam: full versions of 2008. I discounted EFS since I don't want issues with certs. If the server can talk to the rootca then there is no problem there but if the WAN link is down this may not always be the case. THose sensitive files need to be accessed even if they can't talk to the mother ship.
Raymond: these are at branch offices and need to stay as a physical. Putting in a hyperV (we don't use vmWare, hyperV only) environment for them is not really feasible. We have virtualized DCs at both hot sites but the branch offices are staying physical.
McKnife: Thanks for the feedback. I figured it was ok to do but couldn't find a definitive answer anywhere. We are bitlocking a test DC now. Thanks for the confirmation.
Raymond: these are at branch offices and need to stay as a physical. Putting in a hyperV (we don't use vmWare, hyperV only) environment for them is not really feasible. We have virtualized DCs at both hot sites but the branch offices are staying physical.
McKnife: Thanks for the feedback. I figured it was ok to do but couldn't find a definitive answer anywhere. We are bitlocking a test DC now. Thanks for the confirmation.
Have you considered EFS for sensitive data folders or volumes?
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc721923%28v=ws.10%29.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396