Watching over user accounts and groups, especially in something like Active Directory, is very important. Many data leaks actually come from inside a company, not from outside hackers. That’s where Access Rights Management (ARM) tools come in. These tools show you who has access to what information, making it easier to spot unusual changes quickly and help you follow security rules without extra stress.
1. Download the Solarwinds Access Rights Manager
As the need for access rights management software grows, so does the number of vendors and products available on the market. This can make it challenging to choose the right tool for your needs. But finding the right solution shouldn’t be difficult, especially with trusted names in IT. Solarwinds is one of the most well-known vendors in network and system management, often recognized for their reliable and user-friendly products. Solarwinds Access Rights Manager (download here) is a great example of their commitment to quality. Thanks to its intuitive interface, Solarwinds ARM makes managing access rights much easier. The tool presents information in clear ways, helping you quickly identify the root cause of any issues. Monitoring your Active Directory and Microsoft Exchange servers is straightforward, thanks to the range of useful functions included. For this guide, we’ll be using the Solarwinds Access Rights Manager tool. Make sure to download and install the tool on your system. You can try out the fully functional trial version, which gives you a chance to evaluate all features for a limited time. During the installation process, you’ll be asked to choose the type of setup. If you want to use an existing SQL server, select Advanced Installation. If you prefer a quicker setup, Express Installation includes its own SQL server and all the necessary components.
2. Run the Access Rights Manager Configuration Wizard
Once you’ve installed the tool, you’ll need to set it up before you can use all its features. The configuration process involves steps like providing your Active Directory credentials, setting up a database for the ARM server, and more. We’ll guide you through these steps so you don’t have to worry. When you launch the tool for the first time—or after finishing the installation—the configuration wizard should open automatically. If it doesn’t, just open Access Rights Manager from your start menu and the wizard should appear. When prompted, log in using the credentials for the account that installed the product.
How to Track the Action History of a User Account in Active Directory
Now that you’ve installed and set up the tool, you’re ready to track the action history of a user account in Active Directory. Each user account or group has its own activity history, which is why it’s useful to review them regularly.
