AZ-800 Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure Exam

Select, Establish, and Validate Trust Relationships

Forest trusts and domain trusts let organizations link different Active Directory environments, whether on-premises or in Azure. These trust relationships allow users in one domain or forest to access resources in another without separate logons. Establishing the right trust type is critical for security and seamless authentication. IT teams often combine these trusts to support hybrid networks and simplify resource management.

There are several trust types to choose from, each with its own direction and scope. Key options include:

• Two-way transitive trusts: Allow users in both domains or forests to access each other’s resources.
• One-way incoming or outgoing trusts: Control access so only one side can authenticate to the other.
• External trusts: Connect to domains outside the forest when a full forest trust is not needed.
• Shortcut trusts: Improve performance by reducing authentication paths within a forest.

Before creating a trust, you must configure DNS so that each forest can resolve names in the other. This often involves setting up conditional forwarders or secondary zones. Next, use the Active Directory Domains and Trusts console or PowerShell cmdlets like New-ADTrust to define the trust relationship. In hybrid scenarios, Azure AD Connect can also be used to synchronize accounts and establish trusts between on-premises AD DS and Azure environments.

After setup, it’s important to validate and monitor trust health regularly. Tools such as nltest and Test-ComputerSecureChannel help verify that secure channels are active. You can also review event logs on domain controllers to spot issues like replication failures or credential mismatches. Regular checks ensure the trust remains secure and that users continue to have reliable access across domains.

Conclusion

Configuring and managing forest and domain trusts is essential for hybrid infrastructures that span on-premises and Azure environments. By choosing the appropriate trust type, setting up proper DNS resolution, and using tools like PowerShell and Azure AD Connect, administrators can establish robust links between directories. Ongoing validation with diagnostic tools and event logs helps maintain secure and efficient cross-domain authentication. Together, these practices ensure that users have seamless access to resources while preserving the overall security of the infrastructure.