> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.futurex.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Microsoft ADCS

> Overview and configuration guidance for integrating HSMs with Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services.

This document provides information regarding configuring our HSMs with the Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services certificate authorities. These directions apply to Windows Server 2012 and later. For additional questions related to your HSM, see the relevant user guide.

## About Microsoft AD CS

Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) provides management of certificates through a server that acts as a certificate authority (CA). With our support of an AD CS, a network-connected Vectera Plus can manage certificate authorities in a scalable manner and enable secure storage, encryption, and signing through the Futurex CNG library.

## Guardian integration

The Guardian Series 3 introduces mission-critical viability to core cryptographic infrastructure, including:

* Centralization of device management
* Elimination of points of failure
* Distribution of transaction loads
* Group-specific function blocking
* User-defined grouping systems

See the applicable guide in the Futurex Portal for configuring HSMs with the Guardian Series 3, including PKCS #11 and CNG configuration.