Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract of Forescout Platform Administration and Deployment:
According to the Forescout User Directory Plugin Configuration Guide, to allow Active Directory credentials to authenticate console logins, the "Use for console login" option must be configured.
Three Key Checkboxes in User Directory Configuration:
According to the User Directory plugin documentation:
When configuring a User Directory server (such as Active Directory), three important checkboxes are available:
Use as directory - Allows LDAP queries for user information
Use for authentication - Allows user authentication via AD credentials
Use for console login - Allows AD credentials to authenticate console logins
"Use for console login" Purpose:
According to the documentation:
"When checked, this option enables Forescout Console administrators to log in using their Active Directory (or other configured directory server) credentials."
This checkbox specifically enables:
Administrators to use their Active Directory usernames and passwords
Console authentication via the configured directory server
Elimination of the need for separate Forescout Console accounts
Separate Functions of Each Checkbox:
According to the configuration guide:
Checkbox
Purpose
Use as directory
LDAP queries for user properties and group membership
Use for authentication
802.1X, RADIUS, and other authentication protocols
Use for console login
Console login authentication for Forescout administrators
Each serves a distinct purpose and must be configured independently.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
A. Include Parent groups - This relates to group hierarchy, not console login authentication
B. Authentication - This is the protocol/method name, not a specific configuration checkbox
C. Use as directory - This enables LDAP queries for user information, not console login authentication
D. Target Group Resolution - This is not a standard configuration option for User Directory plugins
Console Login Workflow with Active Directory:
According to the documentation:
When "Use for console login" is enabled:
Administrator enters username and password at Forescout Console login screen
Credentials are sent to the configured Active Directory server
Active Directory validates the credentials
If valid, administrator is granted console access
No separate Forescout password needed
Referenced Documentation:
User Directory Plugin - Name and Type Step configuration
User Directory readiness section
User Directory server configuration documentation