Advanced File Services

What are Advanced File Services?

Definition Use Cases Primary Goals

Advanced File Services They can be used to Advanced File Services

are solutions that provide improve collaboration, aim to make file
enhanced and scalable simplify data backup and management more
capabilities for managing recovery, provide efficient, secure, and
files across organizations seamless remote access, cost-effective.
of all sizes. and optimize storage
utilization.
Benefits of Advanced File Services

Increased Productivity Cost Efficiency Greater Security

Advanced File Services By increasing productivity and Advanced File Services offer
simplify file storage and reducing storage costs, robust security features such
sharing, so you can easily Advanced File Services as encryption, role-based
access relevant data and provide a significant return on access control, and data loss
information. This leads to investment. prevention, so you can rest
greater agility and efficiency. assured that your files are
always secure.
Common Use Cases
Advanced File Services can be used in many different contexts. Here are some of the most
common use cases:

• Team Collaboration
• Data Backup and Recovery
• Remote Access
• Storage Optimization
• Compliance Management
Security Considerations

Data Encryption Role-Based Access Control Data Loss Prevention

Files are encrypted both when Implement access restrictions Protect your files against data
they are in transit and at rest, based on job function, so that loss by implementing disaster
to protect them against theft only authorized individuals can recovery plans and backup
and unauthorized access. access certain files. schedules.
Configure NFS data store
We will explore the benefits of using NFS as a data store, considerations for
configuration, step-by-step guide, performance tuning tips, and
troubleshooting common issues.
What is NFS and why use it?
Network File Why use NFS? How does NFS work?
System (NFS)
It simplifies data It uses client-
It's a protocol that storage and access server architecture
allows a computer as data doesn't in which a server
to share files over need to be stored provides access
a network as if on every device. It and a client
they were on its also provides better accesses shared
local hard drive. security and files over the
flexibility. network.
Benefits of using NFS as a data store

Easy data storage Better security Flexible file access

Multiple servers can access a NFS integrates with Kerberos Users can access shared files
shared file and can write authentication and encryption from any device on the
simultaneously to prevent data to secure data. network.
loss.
Considerations for configuring NFS

1 Networking infrastructure

Ensure a reliable and fast network to

reduce latency and data transfer
Server hardware 2 errors.
Choose hardware with ample CPU,
RAM, and disk space to ensure
3 NFS version
optimal performance.
Choose the appropriate NFS protocol
version depending on your network
infrastructure and requirements.
Step-by-step guide to
configuring NFS data store
1 Step 1: Install NFS server and client

Ensure server and clients have the necessary packages installed.

2 Step 2: Configure exports file

Create an exports file to define which directories should be shared.

3 Step 3: Start NFS services

Start and enable necessary NFS services for both server and clients.

4 Step 4: Test NFS connectivity

Verify that shared directories are accessible from all clients.

NFS performance tuning tips
Tip 1: Use UDP instead of TCP

Tip 2: Increase the size of the read and write buffer

Tip 3: Use NFS v4.1 or higher for better performance

Tip 4: Use the noac option to reduce network traffic

Troubleshooting common issues with
NFS data store
NFS client cannot Server crashes or NFS performance
access shared stalls frequently is slow
files
Check for file system errors Check network resources
Check client settings and
and hardware issues and optimize NFS settings
access privileges
Configure BranchCache
Discover the power of BranchCache and learn how to configure it on both the
server and client sides. Boost your network performance and efficiency.
Introduction to BranchCache
BranchCache is a feature in Windows Server that
provides faster access to centralized data by creating a
local cache at branch offices.

With BranchCache, remote clients can quickly access

data without consuming a significant amount of
bandwidth, enhancing productivity and reducing
network costs.
Server-side Configuration
Enabling BranchCache Configuring Content Retrieval

Activate BranchCache on your Choose between Hosted Cache

server to start taking advantage mode or Distributed Cache
of its caching capabilities. mode to optimize content
delivery to your clients.
Client-side Configuration
Enabling BranchCache Configuring Content Retrieval

Enable BranchCache on client Configure the client's content

machines to ensure they can retrieval settings to determine
participate in the caching how data is obtained and
process. cached.
Testing and Verifying
BranchCache Configuration
Validate your BranchCache setup to ensure smooth operation and verify that
the caching mechanism is working efficiently.

• Perform network speed tests to measure the impact of BranchCache

on data transfer.
• Monitor network traffic to confirm reduced bandwidth utilization.
• Inspect(check) the cache status to verify data availability.
Troubleshooting
BranchCache Issues
Address potential challenges in BranchCache implementation to ensure
optimal performance and minimize disruptions.

• Analyze event logs and error messages to identify specific issues.

• Check connectivity and firewall settings to ensure proper communication.
• Update BranchCache and other related software to the latest versions.
Best Practices
BranchCache is a valuable tool for optimizing network performance and
reducing bandwidth usage in distributed environments.

Remember these best practices:

• Regularly monitor and maintain the BranchCache infrastructure.

• Train administrators and end-users on BranchCache functionality.
• Take advantage of caching exclusions to prioritize critical data.
Configure File Classification (FCI) using
File Server Resource Manager (FSRM)
We will explore the benefits,
configuration process,
customization options, and best
practices of FCI with FSRM.
Introduction to File
Classification Infrastructure
(FCI)
File Classification Infrastructure (FCI) is a powerful
feature that helps organizations gain control over their
data by classifying and organizing files based on
specific criteria. With FCI, you can easily identify
sensitive documents, manage storage resources
efficiently, and streamline file management processes.
Benefits of Using FCI to Manage File
Servers
Simplified Data Enhanced Security Improved Storage
Management Optimization
By applying file
With FCI, you can classification, you can FCI helps you identify and
automate the classification identify and protect remove redundant, stale,
and organization of files, sensitive data, enabling or low priority files, freeing
reducing manual effort better data governance up valuable storage space
and ensuring consistency and compliance with and improving overall
across your file servers. regulatory requirements. performance.
Overview of File Server
Resource Manager (FSRM)
File Server Resource Manager (FSRM) is a Windows
Server feature that provides powerful tools for
managing and classifying files on file servers. FSRM
enables you to define file classification properties,
create rules, generate reports, and enforce storage
quotas.
Step-by-Step Guide to Configuring
FCI with FSRM

1 Step 1: Install and Configure FSRM

Start by enabling FSRM on your file server and configuring the necessary settings for
file classification and management.

2 Step 2: Define Classification Properties

Create custom classification properties based on your organization's needs, such as

sensitivity levels, document types, or departmental categories.

3 Step 3: Create Classification Rules

Establish rules that automatically classify files based on specific conditions, such as file
name patterns, content, or file properties.
Customizing Classification Properties
and Rules
Unlock the full potential of FCI by customizing the classification properties
and rules. Tailor the classification criteria to match your organization's
unique requirements and automate the file classification process with
precision.
Monitoring and Reporting
on File Classification
Results
• Utilize built-in monitoring tools to track the file
classification process and identify any potential
issues or discrepancies.
• Leverage the reporting capabilities of FSRM to
generate detailed reports on file classification
results, enabling informed decision-making and
compliance auditing.
Best Practices and Common Challenges
when Implementing FCI with FSRM

1 Start with a Clearly Defined 2 Regularly Review and Update

Classification Strategy Classification Rules

Prioritize and define the classification Stay proactive by keeping your

criteria and categories that align with classification rules up to date to
your organization's data management effectively manage new file types or
objectives. changing business needs.

3 Ensure Adequate Storage and 4 Establish Data Governance Policies

System Resources
Implement comprehensive data
Consider the impact on storage and governance policies to safeguard
system performance when implementing sensitive information and ensure
FCI and FSRM, ensuring sufficient compliance with data protection
resources are available. regulations.
Configure file access
auditing
We will learn about file access auditing, how to

configure it, its benefits, and best practices to follow.

This information is crucial to enhance your security and

prevent unauthorized access.

What is file access auditing?
Definition Purpose

File access auditing tracks the activity The primary purpose of file access

and changes to files and folders on a auditing is to protect information

system. It provides a way to monitor confidentiality, integrity, and availability

and record access to sensitive and by recording any access attempts and

confidential data. unauthorized changes.

How to configure file access auditing

1 Selecting the appropriate tools

There are several tools available to

Setting up auditing on 2 configure file access auditing, such
different operating systems
as the Windows Event Viewer, third-
Each operating system has different
procedures to enable file access party tools, and PowerShell scripts.

auditing. For example, in Windows, Choose the one that fits your
you can configure auditing through
requirements and budget.
the Group Policy or Local Security
Policy. In Linux, you can use Auditd
or SELinux.
 Benefits of file access auditing

Enhancing security Detecting unauthorized access

File access auditing can detect suspicious activities With file access auditing, you have a complete record of
and unauthorized access, allowing you to take who accessed a file, at what time, and what actions
immediate action and mitigate potential risks. were taken. This helps protect against insider threats
and external attackers.
Challenges and considerations
1 Performance impact

File access auditing can cause performance issues, especially when

auditing many files and folders. You need to balance monitoring with
maintaining system performance.

2 Managing and analyzing audit logs

File access auditing generates a large quantity of logs, which can be

challenging to manage and analyze. Establish a log retention policy
and regularly review logs.
Best practices for file access auditing

1 Determining the right audit

policies

Regularly reviewing and 2 Define which files and folders need

analyzing audit logs
auditing, what events to audit and

Review logs regularly to detect and which users or groups should be

respond to unauthorized access. audited. Avoid auditing unnecessary

Analyze audit data to identify trends, files to reduce the number of logs

potential issues, and opportunities for generated.

process improvement.
Implement Dynamic
Access Control (DAC)
Dynamic Access Control (DAC) is a security feature that allows

administrators to create access policies based on the identity of the

user or device accessing the resource. It's a powerful tool that can

help protect your organization's data from unauthorized access.

How DAC Works

DAC works by evaluating the attributes of the user or device accessing a

resource and comparing them to the access policies set by the

administrator. These policies can take into account things like job title,

department, location, and device type, among others. If the attributes

match the policy, the user or device is granted access to the resource.
Benefits of Using DAC
Improved Security Simplified Greater Flexibility
Administration
DAC allows for more DAC allows for dynamic
granular control over By centralizing access access control based on
access to resources, policies in a single real-time data, giving
reducing the risk of location, DAC makes it administrators more
unauthorized access. easier to manage and flexibility to adapt to
update security settings. changing circumstances.
Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing DAC

1 Define Access Policies

Determine which attributes will be

used to determine access to each
Create Access Rules 2 resource.
Create rules based on the policies
defined in the previous step. Enable DAC
3
Enable DAC on your file server and
apply the access rules to your
resources.
Considerations for Implementing DAC

Compliance Requirements User Adoption Resource Definition

Ensure that your access Consider how your users will Ensure that your resources
policies comply with any react to the new security are properly defined and
regulatory requirements. measures and provide classified to enable accurate
adequate training. access control.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
1 Overly Complex 2 Insufficient Testing 3 Scope Creep
Policies
Thoroughly test your Start with a small set of
Keep policies simple policies and rules in a resources and policies
and focused on the non-production to ensure successful
most important environment to ensure implementation before
attributes to avoid they function as expanding to additional
confusion. expected. resources.
Configure User and Device
Claim Types (DAC)
Now here, we will learn about the different types of user and device claim
types in DAC and how to configure them. Discovering best practices for
managing DAC and what steps to take next.
User Claims in DAC
1 Identity

These claims identify the user and include information such as their name,
email, and phone number.

2 Role

These claims identify the user's role or job title and their level of access to resources.

3 Group

These claims identify the groups or teams the user belongs to and their level of
access to resources.

4 Custom

These claims are specific to your organization and can include any information
you choose to define.
Device Claims in DAC

Device Type Device Status Device Authentication

Identify whether the device is Identify whether the device is Identify biometric information
a computer, smartphone, or authorized to access such as fingerprint or facial
other device. resources or not. recognition to authenticate a
device.

Device Location

Identify the physical location of the

device to determine access to specific
resources.
Configuring User Claims in DAC

1 Step 1: Define Claims

Identify the claims you need to

support your organization's security
Step 2: Add Claims to DAC 2 policies and procedures.
Add the claims to the DAC and define
the attributes for each claim.
3 Step 3: Assign Claims to Users

Assign the appropriate claims to

users and groups that require access
to specific resources.
Configuring Device Claims in DAC
Define Device Types Define Device Status

Identify the types of devices that require Define the different states of a device and
access to resources. the access granted based on the status.

Define Security Policies Implement Access Controls

Define the security policies for users and
Implement the access controls to enforce
devices to grant and restrict access to
the security policies established.
resources.
Best Practices for Managing DAC

Limit Access Monitor Access Centralize Management

Limit access to resources to Monitor access to resources Centralize management of

only those who need it to do and change access rights as DAC to ensure consistency
their jobs. needed. across the organization.
Revolutionize Your Workflow with
Policy Changes and Staging

Now here, we will explore the benefits and importance of a reliable

policy change process. With the help of DAC, easily deploy, author,

and control changes to transform your workflow.

A Closer Look at DAC
In this section, we'll explore more about the Deploy, Author, Control lifecycle and its importance in
better managing policy changes. DAC provides an end-to-end solution to streamline updates and make
reviewing faster.

Author Deploy Control

Create, update, and Automate deployment Establish guardrails and

collaborate on policies that workflows to ensure changes customize approvals to
align with business goals. are rolled out quickly and monitor compliance with
efficiently. policies.
The Importance of Efficient Policy
Changes and Staging
With the right approach to policy changes, organizations can operate more effectively and experience
many benefits. DAC ensures greater alignment between policy and processes and enables cross-team
collaboration.

Greater Visibility Improved Management Enhanced Efficiency

Provide transparency DAC allows organization Speed up change

between teams and leaders to view and implementation and
reduce compliance risk. manage compliance risks reduce costs with
in real-time. automation.
Deploy - How to Implement Changes
Effectively

1 Define the Change

Identify the specific goal of the

change and its impact on the process
Plan for Deployment 2 and/or workflow.
Prepare a detailed rollout plan and
schedule, assign team roles, and
3 Manage Change with DAC
identify impact stages.
Deploy changes in a controlled
environment with a streamlined and
Monitor and Optimize 4 automated process.
Track and evaluate progress during
the implementation phase and
optimize as needed.
Author - How to Create Policies that
Align with Business Goals
In this section, we'll examine how to create policies that align with widely-accepted business goals. This
ensures successful implementation and fosters greater organizational alignment.

Gather Input from Key Track Progress with Collaborate Across Teams
Players Clear Metrics
Encourage communication
Include subject matter experts Develop metrics to monitor between departments to
to gather accurate insights adherence to policy and properly align policies with
and identify potential ensure business goals are business goals and best
roadblocks. achieved. practices.
Control - How to Monitor and Enforce
Policies

1 Monitor Progress Regularly

Implement automated tools to

monitor key metrics for compliance
Customize Approvals 2 and continuously evaluate progress.
Define custom guardrails and
approvals to ensure compliance is
met while maintaining agility. 3 Enforce Policies Efficiently

Block or limit noncompliant activities

and enforce policies with granular
policy controls.
Best Practices for Successful
Implementation of Policy Changes
and Staging
Follow these best practices to ensure successful deployment of policy changes and staging using DAC.

1 Encourage 2 Continuously 3 Document and

Cross- Monitor and Train Effectively
Department Evaluate
Collaboration Progress Establish clear
Involve stakeholders Regularly evaluate documentation and
early in exploring, progress and adjust as training protocols to
implementing, and necessary in order to reduce errors and
deploying changes to succeed long term. increase compliance.
achieve greater
organizational
alignment.
The Evolution of Policy - Where Do
We Go From Here?
As technology continues to evolve, so does the way we manage policy changes. The future holds many
possibilities for enhancing the DAC process and revolutionizing the way we work.

Automated Compliance AI and Machine Learning Interactive Approvals

With greater automation, Machine learning, AI and Virtual reality deployments

compliance enforcement will predictive intelligence will offer and approvals will optimize
become more efficient and greater insights and control and streamline processes to
effective. over policy changes. increase productivity.
Managing Central
Access rules and
policies
Now here, we'll explore everything you need to know to create effective
policies that ensure secure and seamless access to your company
resources.
Central Access rules and policies:
definition and purpose
What are Central Why are they What's at stake?
Access rules and important?
policies? Failures in access control
They help ensure can result in breaches,
Central Access rules and
regulatory compliance, theft of sensitive data, and
policies provide a
reduce security risks, and loss of client trust.
centralized and consistent
simplify administration of
way to control access to
access control.
resources within an
organization's Active
Directory.
Different Types of Central Access
rules and their configuration

1 Standard user or group-based rules

Once you have created resource properties, you can create a Central Access rule in
the AD in the following steps: Create a user, group, or computer object.Create a
resource property.Define a new Central Access rule that leverages the resource
property.

2 Attribute-based rules

You can create an attribute-based Central Access rule by using the Active Directory
Administrative Center to create a Dynamic Access Control resource property. Then,
you can create a Central Access rule that is based on the new property and attribute.

3 Claims-based rules

You can use claims-based rules in environments where there is a trusted environment
with a directory service.
How to Create Resource Properties in
Active Directory

Steps:
Create a new resource property:
Open the Active Directory
Administrative Center and navigate Choose whether to return attributes

to Dynamic Access Control or keywords for your object and

then select "Next".

Add a tag or an attribute to the file:

For tags, select the "Keywords"

option. For attributes, choose
"Attributes".
Ways to Create and Configure
Resource Lists

1 Dynamic Access Control Groups

These groups allow you to grant access to files or folders by using existing group
memberships or criteria that is defined in user attributes (such as department or
manager).

2 Create or modify an existing resource property

You can create Central Access policies that have basic user or group-based access
control, or you can create Conditional Access policies that have advanced access
control rules that define access based on multiple conditions.

3 Create claims-based rules

For a more complex environment, you can use Central Access policies with claims-
based rules and custom policies to control access to resources.
Combining Resource Properties and
Lists in Access Policies

Use a top-down approach: Create and test the policy:

Begin at the root of the Active Directory, and Once you have all the elements together, test
delegate control for specific areas of the the policy on a small set of systems and users to
directory to individuals or teams. Also, it's make sure that it is working correctly. After that,
essential to keep the policy simple and scalable you can roll it out to the rest of the organization.
so that no one has to maintain more than 30
policies.
Testing and Troubleshooting Central
Access policies
1 Run the Effective 2 Use the AD 3 Use the Audit
Permissions Tool events log Policy or
GPResult
This tool shows you The AD events log is a These tools are great
what permissions a great tool to monitor the for auditing policy
user has for specific interaction between the compliance and
files and folders. It can Central Access policies troubleshoot issues
also be used to and the Active Directory related to Group Policy.
troubleshoot objects. It can also help
permissions issues. troubleshoot issues
related to Active
Directory.
Best Practices for Managing Central
Access Rules and Policies
Keep policies simple and scalable Secure the environment
Too many policies can lead to confusion and Implement security best practices like strong
inconsistency. passwords, multi-factor authentication, and
firewalls to protect AD resources.
Regularly review policies
Monitor your environment
People and resources change, so it's essential
to keep policies up to date. Monitor the AD environment regularly using
tools like Azure's Advanced Threat Protection
Use reporting tools to detect and prevent security threats.

Reporting tools can help track policy

Regularly backup AD
compliance, monitor user activity, and detect
suspicious behavior. Backing up AD can serve as a safety net in
case of unintended modifications or disastrous
events.