# Scope Configure certificates for LDAP over SSL in Active Directory Domain Services in observed AD/DNS state > Use Configure certificates for LDAP over SSL in Active Directory Domain Services to review this narrow operational decision without extending the source beyond its stated scope. - Canonical URL: https://update.dsesecurity.com/updates/scope-configure-certificates-for-ldap-over-ssl-in-active-directory-domain-services-in-observed-ad/ - Publisher: Detection Systems & Engineering (DSE Security) - Author: DSE Security Editorial Team - Published: 2026-08-27T17:06:55+00:00 - Modified: 2026-08-27T17:07:31+00:00 - Last reviewed by DSE: 2026-08-27 - Resource type: Briefing - DSE priority: Advisory - Topics: Cybersecurity, Microsoft 365 & Identity, Networks & Infrastructure - Reading time: 3 minutes ## What you need to know Use Configure certificates for LDAP over SSL in Active Directory Domain Services to review this narrow operational decision without extending the source beyond its stated scope. ## Potentially affected Teams, systems, services, or facilities within the stated scope of Configure certificates for LDAP over SSL in Active Directory Domain Services ## DSE recommendation Compare the observed state with the cited official source, document applicability and exceptions, and test any approved change with rollback safeguards. ## Article Use this document to resolve one bounded operational decision: Scope Configure certificates for LDAP over SSL in Active Directory Domain Services in observed AD/DNS state. Only the official source and traced locations below supply facts. Confirm applicability before acting. ## Source fact: The official [Configure certificates for LDAP over SSL in Active Directory Domain Services](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/configure-ldap-signing-certificates) from Microsoft supports the following bounded statements: - At Introduction below H1, Microsoft states: “LDAP over SSL (LDAPS) encrypts LDAP communications between clients and domain controllers using SSL/TLS certificates.” The research record locates this support at Introduction below H1. - At Introduction below H1, Microsoft states: “This article shows you how to create, install, and verify SSL certificates for LDAPS on domain controllers using either Microsoft certification authorities or third-party certificate providers.” The research record locates this support at Introduction below H1. Only the traced statements above are asserted as source facts. Apply the review to forests, domains, controllers, directory partitions, trusts, sites, replication links, service accounts, and delegated roles after confirming that the source and deployed context match. ## What the source does not establish The cited page and retained statements do not establish the current state of any DSE or customer environment, prove that the documented configuration is applicable, or authorize a production change. Confirm supported versions, dependencies, and the current live source before use. No current deployment state or change approval follows from the source alone. Validate Windows DNS, time synchronization, network reachability, PKI, backups, virtualization safeguards, and privileged identity, and treat examples or options as conditional inputs rather than defaults. ## Applicability questions - For source statement 1 at Introduction below H1, which observable configuration, record, or test can confirm applicability here? - For source statement 2 at Introduction below H1, which observable configuration, record, or test can confirm applicability here? - Within forests, domains, controllers, directory partitions, trusts, sites, replication links, service accounts, and delegated roles, which versions, roles, and configuration states define the review population? - Could Windows DNS, time synchronization, network reachability, PKI, backups, virtualization safeguards, and privileged identity invalidate the test, hide a failure, or change applicability? - Who owns the decision, and which observation requires stopping, escalation, or rollback? ## DSE recommendation: DSE recommends using the cited source as the evidence anchor for this decision. Begin by recording scope and current state before deciding whether a change is warranted. Record the source location, examined part of forests, domains, controllers, directory partitions, trusts, sites, replication links, service accounts, and delegated roles, observed and expected states, owner, and reason for deviation. If the review warrants change, use a bounded implementation with prerequisites, test population, monitoring, abort criteria, and a rehearsed reversal. Sequence checks for Windows DNS, time synchronization, network reachability, PKI, backups, virtualization safeguards, and privileged identity and sanitize protected material before retention. ## Verification and evidence Build a reproducible chain from Introduction below H1; Introduction below H1 to the observed environment. Useful domain evidence includes directory and policy exports, replication and locator tests, event logs, trust state, role ownership, and controlled authentication tests; label every item with scope, timestamp, collector, and stable identifier. Label this evidence set DSE-20260827-031 so observations, approvals, exceptions, and later rechecks cannot be substituted from another source review. Preserve both successful and failed observations, along with approval and rollback evidence. Avoid uncontrolled production experiments. Assign an expiry or event-driven recheck so the conclusion is not treated as permanent. ## Official references - [Configure certificates for LDAP over SSL in Active Directory Domain Services](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/configure-ldap-signing-certificates) — Microsoft ## Primary reference - Name: Configure certificates for LDAP over SSL in Active Directory Domain Services - Authority: Microsoft Learn - URL: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/configure-ldap-signing-certificates - Source publication date: Not stated by the source ## Citation and use Preferred citation: “Scope Configure certificates for LDAP over SSL in Active Directory Domain Services in observed AD/DNS state,” DSE Security, https://update.dsesecurity.com/updates/scope-configure-certificates-for-ldap-over-ssl-in-active-directory-domain-services-in-observed-ad/ Publishing principles: https://update.dsesecurity.com/updates/dse-updates-editorial-methodology/ Usage and citation policy: https://update.dsesecurity.com/usage/ Copyright © 2026 Detection Systems & Engineering. 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