The Problem Before LDAP
Once upon a time, every organisation had many systems in the world of computers and networks. There were email systems, file-sharing tools, company applications, and more.
The user should create a username and password for Every Application and the system.
As users create multiple passwords, they feel frustrated.
- "Users should remember ten different passwords."
- "if users change their job roles again, they need to update every system manually."
Even IT teams felt the pain and frustration because they had to Manage so many credentials and user accounts.
How do we ensure secure and centralised control of who can access what?"
Then here comes the problem solver : LDAP
What is LDAP?
LDAP stands for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol.
This protocol is used to access and manage directory information.
There would be a centralised directory storing all employee details, usernames, passwords, job roles, and permissions.
Instead of every system maintaining its list, they all just refer to LDAP.
Think of it as the reception desk at a large office building:
- The reception desk knows who works in the building (usernames and roles).
- When someone walks in and says, "I need access to the Sales department," the receptionist checks their credentials and lets them in.
- If they're not authorised, the receptionist says, "Sorry, you can't go there."
LDAP does the same for systems—it's the receptionist that manages access across the network.
LDAP works:
A Central Directory: LDAP created a single database that stored everything about users: their login credentials, groups they belonged to, and permissions.
- Example: If you're "Lucy," LDAP knows you're on the sales team, your email is "Lucy.doe@company.com," and your password is "Super123."
LDAP allows applications to query this central directory whenever needed.
- For instance, when you try to log into your company's intranet, the system asks LDAP, "Hey, is this John Doe? Is his password correct?"
LDAP then became a game changer because
It Simplifies:
- Instead of managing accounts in multiple places, everything is managed in one central directory.
- Employees log in once and can access email, shared drives, and apps seamlessly.
It is lightweight and flexible.
- It uses a fast, simple protocol that works efficiently over networks. This made LDAP perfect for both large and small organisations.
It Improves Security:
- As this is Centralised, IT teams can enforce strong password policies, track activity, and disable access instantly when needed.
It's Compatible with Everything:
- LDAP isn't tied to a specific platform. Whether you're using Windows, Linux, or cloud apps, LDAP works everywhere.
While LDAP started as a hero for on-premises systems, cloud computing introduced new challenges. Today, tools like Azure AD and Okta extend LDAP's capabilities for modern, cloud-based applications. But the original idea of a central, lightweight directory remains the same.
