Top 5 Azure Active Directory Attacks to Watch Out for in 2025.

Azure Active Directory (AD) is the backbone of identity and access management in the Microsoft-dependent enterprise—controlling who gets access to your data, applications, and cloud services. But this critical asset is under constant attack. With hybrid identity models now the norm—blending traditional on-premises AD with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD)—the attack surface has expanded dramatically.

The stakes are high. Compromise your AD, and attackers can gain control over your entire environment—moving laterally, stealing data, and delivering ransomware with surgical precision.

At US Cloud, we help enterprises secure, monitor, and support their Microsoft environments with confidence—without being locked into bloated Unified Support contracts. This guide will walk you through the top five AD attacks we’re seeing in 2025, the real-world impact, and what your team can do to stay ahead of the threat.

According to the Australian Signals Directorate as a part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, Active Directory compromises play a role in nearly every major ransomware event—including the catastrophic Change Healthcare breach in 2024.

Azure Active Directory isn’t just a component—it’s the attacker’s golden ticket. Neglecting AD security exposes your organization to:

• Credential theft and privilege escalation
• Lateral movement and full domain compromise
• Business disruption, downtime, and regulatory penalties
• Breaches that cascade from on-prem to cloud identities

With the right expertise and proactive support, these risks are preventable. Unfortunately, many organizations rely solely on Microsoft Unified Support, where security concerns are too often buried in slow response times and offshored escalations.

AD breaches typically follow a predictable kill chain:

1. Initial Access: Via phishing, stolen VPN creds, or unpatched systems
2. Discovery: Mapping the environment using native Windows tools
3. Privilege Escalation: Using techniques like Kerberoasting or Pass-the-Hash
4. Domain Dominance: Gaining domain admin access and persistence
5. Impact: Ransomware, data theft, or operational sabotage

Stopping attackers early in this chain is critical. But to do that, IT leaders need fast, expert support and real-time visibility across hybrid environments—something US Cloud delivers at 2x the speed and 30–50% lower cost than Microsoft.

Attack progression from access to impact.

Attackers are becoming more sophisticated, and Azure AD continues to be a prime target—especially in hybrid environments. Thats because misconfigurations and legacy protocols often widen opportunities for attacks.

Understanding how these threats operate is the first step in building a more resilient identity infrastructure. Below are the top five AD attack methods enterprises must defend against in 2025—and practical ways to stop them before damage is done.

1. LLMNR Poisoning: Stealing Credentials Quietly

What Is LLMNR Poisoning?

LLMNR (Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution) poisoning exploits outdated protocols to trick machines into sending password hashes, which are then cracked offline.

Why prevention matters: This low-noise attack is often the first step in broader domain compromise.

How to Defend Against LLMNR Poisoning

• Disable LLMNR and NBT-NS organization-wide
• Enforce strong password policies
• Monitor network traffic for suspicious resolution attempts

2. SMB Relay Attacks: Hijacking Authentication

What Is a SMB Relay Attack?

Attackers intercept and relay server message block (SMB) traffic to impersonate users and gain unauthorized access.

Why prevention matters: This attack enables lateral movement and AD privilege escalation at shocking speed.

How to Defend Against SMB Relay Attacks

• Require SMB signing; disable outdated versions like SMBv1
• Network segmentation and access controls
• Apply patches promptly

3. IPv6 Relay (MITM6): A Modern Man-in-the-Middle

What Is an IPv6 Relay?

Exploits Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) settings to intercept Windows’ New Technology LAN Manager (NTLM) authentication traffic.

Why prevention matters: Most organizations enable IPv6 by default but leave it unmonitored, accidentally creating a stealthy backdoor.

How to Defend Against IPv6 Relays

• Favor IPv4 or secure IPv6 with RA/DHCPv6 guard
• Detect rogue devices and abnormal IPv6 traffic
• Enforce strong authentication mechanisms like LDAP/S and SMB signing

4. Pass the Hash Attack: Lateral Movement Without Passwords

What Is a Pass the Hash Attack?

Attackers extract password hashes and use them to authenticate across the network.

Why prevention matters: Bypasses traditional authentication and grants attacker immediate lateral movement and escalation.

How to Defend Against Pass the Hash Attacks

• Enable Windows Defender Credential Guard
• Use privileged access workstations and MFA for admins
• Limit and monitor domain admin privileges

5. Kerberoasting: Cracking Service Accounts

What Is Kerberoasting?

Exploits weak service account passwords via offline cracking of Kerberos tickets.

Why prevention matters: Many service accounts have elevated privileges—and are often overlooked in audits.

How to Defend Against Kerberoasting

• Use strong, unique passwords and rotate them
• Implement Group Managed Service Accounts (gMSA)
• Monitor Kerberos service ticket activity

Attack methods ranked by enterprise risk.

Hybrid identity—on-prem AD paired with Microsoft Entra—is now the norm. But inconsistent policies and misconfigurations between environments create blind spots that attackers exploit.

If you rely solely on Microsoft for security support, you’re left with delays, unclear accountability, and reactive remediation. That’s why more enterprises are turning to US Cloud for proactive Microsoft identity and security support—without the Unified baggage.

We’ve put together a list of reminders to help you stay on top of security for your Azure Active Directory. Use these tips to stay ahead of today’s evolving threats:

• Harden the foundation: Disable legacy protocols like NTLM and SMBv1, reduce unnecessary privileges
• Segment your network: Isolate domain controllers and sensitive systems
• Deploy advanced monitoring: Watch for signs of lateral movement and privilege escalation
• Regularly back up AD: And test your disaster recovery process
• Educate your users: Especially around phishing and social engineering
• Patch fast, patch often: Prioritize identity infrastructure

A compromised AD environment puts your entire business at risk. US Cloud helps enterprises harden identity infrastructure, respond faster to threats, and break free from Microsoft’s costly support monopoly.

Don’t wait for a breach—or for Microsoft to decide your future.

You don’t need to be locked into another year of bloated Unified Support costs just to keep your Active Directory safe. US Cloud is the only third-party support provider focused solely on fully replacing Microsoft Unified—with faster response times, lower cost, and better outcomes.

Here’s why enterprises are choosing US Cloud for third-party Microsoft Support:

• 30–50% guaranteed savings vs. Microsoft Unified
• <15-minute response times with financially-backed SLAs
• 24/7/365 access to senior US-based engineers
• Support for Active Directory, Entra ID, Azure, M365, Windows, SQL—and more

US Cloud delivers faster, cheaper support.

If you’re responsible for AD security, the time to act is now. Microsoft often waits until the last minute to lock you into a renewal—with no time to evaluate alternatives. But you do have a choice.

Request your free support quote today and gain the transparency, expertise, and control you deserve.

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