How can you enforce a password policy in Active Directory?

Enforcing a password policy in Active Directory is effectively achieved by configuring Group Policy settings. These settings allow administrators to define crucial elements of password management, such as length, complexity requirements, password history, and expiration periods. By applying these configurations through Group Policy, an organization can establish consistent security measures across all user accounts.

Utilizing Group Policy ensures that all users within the domain adhere to the same standards, thereby reducing the risk of weak passwords and potential security breaches. This system is integrated with Active Directory, making it a streamlined and efficient way to manage password policies across a network. Other methods, such as manual password settings or relying on separate third-party software, do not provide the same level of uniform enforcement and are less scalable as they require individual handling or additional integration efforts.