title: Authenticating against Active Directory with Java on Linux
body: <p>I have a simple task of authenticating against Active Directory using Java. Just verifying credentials and nothing else. Let's say my domain is "fun.xyz.tld", OU path is unknown, and username/password is testu/testp. </p>
  
  <p>I know there's a few Java libraries out there that simplify this task, but I wasn't successful at implementing them. Most examples that I've found addressed LDAP in general, not specifically Active Directory. Issuing LDAP request means sending an OU path in it, which I don't have. Also, the application that issues LDAP request should be already bound to Active Directory in order to access it... Insecure, since the credentials would have to be stored someplace discoverable. I would like a test bind with test credentials, if possible - this would mean that account is valid.</p>
  
  <p>Last, if possible, is there a way to make such authentication mechanism encrypted? I know that AD uses Kerberos, but not sure if Java's LDAP methods do.</p>
  
  <p>Does anyone has an example of working code? Thanks.</p>