State of Active Directory Security Report 2026

This research report discusses the current state of Active Directory (AD) security and identifies key risks organizations must monitor in 2026. It highlights that AD is often overlooked in cybersecurity, making it a target for attackers exploiting misconfigurations and excessive permissions. The report outlines ten critical risk factors associated with AD security, including inactive accounts, admin users, permission changes, and failed logons. It documents the business and compliance impacts of poor AD hygiene, which can lead to significant financial losses and operational disruptions. The report emphasizes the importance of enforcing least privilege, automating user lifecycle management, and strengthening password policies. Furthermore, it presents findings from a recent assessment revealing that a substantial percentage of organizations have users with excessive permissions and outdated password practices. The report concludes by urging organizations to address these vulnerabilities to mitigate the risk of breaches and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.