---
title: "Off-Network Security for Active Directory"
description: "Secure off-network access to Active Directory with UserLock."
locale: "en"
updated_at: "2026-04-15T13:37:13.107Z"
canonical: "https://www.isdecisions.com/en/userlock/solutions/off-network-security"
---

# Off-network security for Active Directory

_Use Case_

Prevent unauthorized access even when users don’t connect to the corporate network or use a VPN**. **With UserLock, enforce off-network security to maintain access rules everywhere, all the time.

## Why off-network access causes security gaps

Employees working from home or while traveling don’t always connect to the network. Many cyber insurance and [cybersecurity compliance standards](/compliance/) require strong access controls all the time, even in off-network scenarios.

The logon might be truly offline (no internet, no network connection), or there's an internet connection but no network connection.

Without the right tools, IT teams face: 

- Unauthorized access that goes undetected
- No MFA enforcement off-VPN or off-domain
- Gaps in audit logs for off-network activity

## How UserLock delivers secure off-network access

Apply security policies everywhere, even when there's no network connectivity. No cloud dependency, no need for a virtual private network (VPN).

- Maintain granular MFA policies
- Apply contextual access restrictions
- Limit concurrent sessions and logins
- Block suspicious behavior

UserLock sits at the Active Directory authentication layer thanks to a Windows credential provider. Built for AD, UserLock lets IT set access policies by AD user, group, and OU.

To [manage logons without a network connection](/userlock/docs/reference/server-settings/general#logons-without-userlock-connection), configure the UserLock Anywhere app (included for all UserLock subscribers).

## Comprehensive off-network login security

### Enforce MFA for off-network logins

Apply [Active Directory MFA](/userlock/features/multi-factor-authentication-mfa-active-directory) even when users don’t connect to the network or to a VPN. When the device has an internet connection but isn't connected to the network, UserLock Anywhere maintains granular MFA policies. For connections without internet, set a global offline MFA policy that overrides existing MFA policies for AD users, groups, or OUs.

### Apply context-based controls

Enforce contextual logon requirements to limit user account access by location, time, device, and concurrent logins.

### Monitor and manage logon sessions

See all Active Directory network access as it happens. Set up alerts to detect and remotely respond to threats.

### Audit protected Windows access

Get accurate insights on all AD account access with tamper-proof, searchable audit logs.

### Prove compliance

Produce clear reports of who accessed what, when, and from where, no manual logs required.

## Why security teams chose UserLock for off-network scenarios

#### Always-on MFA

Maintain MFA policies consistently, even on access that originates outside the corporate LAN or without a VPN connection.

#### Context-aware policies

Go beyond MFA to block logons outside of set time restrictions, known IP addresses, approved geos, or corporate devices.

#### Concurrent logon limits

Ensure a single user can't log on concurrently, even when off-network.

#### Remote access security

Close remote work security gaps and bring remote access under IT's control.

#### Lateral movement protection

Block, log off, or disable an account to avoid risky access.

#### Compliance-ready audit logs

Capture every successful or failed Windows login in tamper-proof, searchable reports.