ASD ISM 1844 Prevent non-controller accounts from delegating services
What it says
Computer accounts that are not Microsoft AD DS domain controllers are not trusted for delegation to services.
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What it means
In plain EnglishEnsure non-domain controller accounts can't be used to delegate services in Active Directory.
This control is about ensuring that computer accounts which are not managing the overall network (non-domain controllers) don't have permission to sneakily use services they shouldn't in your organisation through Microsoft Active Directory. If we're not careful here, someone might exploit these accounts to access sensitive information or even disrupt your business operations.
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Why it matters
If non-domain controller computer accounts are trusted for delegation, attackers can impersonate services, escalate privileges and move laterally.
How to implement
IT team should review all computer accounts: Go through each account in your Active Directory that's not a domain controller and check their delegations.
Make sure they don't have unnecessary permissions that allow them to act on behalf of legitimate accounts.
System administrator should update delegation settings: Ensure only domain controllers have the right to delegate services.
You can do this by accessing the properties of non-controller accounts in Active Directory and adjusting any settings that allow delegation.
Manager should schedule regular training: Ensure staff understand why only domain controllers should delegate services.
Hold a session where you explain, using examples, how improper settings can lead to security risks.
IT team should implement monitoring tools: Use monitoring tools to alert the team when a non-controller account is granted delegation rights.
This can be set up within your Active Directory system or with an external monitoring tool that flags these changes.
Security officer should establish a review policy: Set up a policy that includes regular checks on delegation settings as part of your security practices.
This policy should specify who checks, what they check, and how frequently.
Keep it running
Audit AD delegation (Trusted for delegation/Constrained) and ensure only domain controllers are permitted; remove delegation from all others.
Evidence and audit
- Check 1 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
The delegation permissions report: Request a recent export of delegation settings for all non-controller accounts.
Look at
The specific permissions given to each account.
Good evidence
Is that no unnecessary delegation permissions are listed for non-controller accounts.
- Check 2 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
Documentation of delegation setting changes: Request logs showing any changes made to delegation rights for non-controller accounts.
Look at
The dates and details of the changes.
Good evidence
Shows only authorised changes made by the IT team.
- Check 3 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
The training records: Request the attendance records for any training sessions about delegation rights.
Look at
Dates, topics covered, and attendees.
Good evidence
Is recent and includes all relevant staff, showing they understand the importance.
- Check 4 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
Procedures on handling delegation alerts: Request documents outlining steps to follow when a delegation alert is raised.
Look at
The step-by-step process.
Good evidence
Is detailed and shows clear accountability and rapid response actions.
- Check 5 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
To see the policy review schedule: Request the schedule and results of recent reviews of delegation settings.
Look at
The frequency and thoroughness of reviews.
Good evidence
Includes recent, regular reviews and clear documentation of findings.
Mappings
Closest match in ISO/IEC 27001: A.5.15, Access control policies and procedures, which this control partially meets.
ISO/IEC 27001: 1 mapping
This control partially meets A.5.15.
Annex A 5.15 requires rules and procedures that control logical access to systems and associated services. ISM-1844 enforces a specific Active Directory trust/authorisation rule by preventing non-domain controller computer accounts from being trusted for delegation to services. This is a narrow technical access/authorisation restriction that would be governed under the broader access control policy and procedural requirements of Annex A 5.15.
Mappings show how controls relate across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.




