LDAP Active Directory & FILETIME Timestamp Conversion Tool

LDAP and Active Directory timestamps are crucial components in managing and monitoring user activities and account details within a Windows environment. These timestamps, often in the 18-digit LDAP/FILETIME format, represent the number of 100-nanosecond intervals since January 1, 1601. Converting these timestamps to human-readable dates is essential for system administrators and IT professionals to effectively manage and audit system activities.

Historical Background

The LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) and Active Directory timestamps have their origins in the Windows NT time format, also known as Win32 FILETIME or SYSTEMTIME. These timestamps are integral to various Active Directory attributes such as pwdLastSet, accountExpires, LastLogon, and LastLogonTimestamp. Understanding and converting these timestamps is vital for maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with security policies.

Calculation Formula

The formula to convert an 18-digit LDAP/FILETIME timestamp to a human-readable date is as follows:

1. Convert to Epoch Time: \[ \text{Epoch Time} = \left(\frac{\text{LDAP Timestamp}}{10,000,000}\right) - 11,644,473,600 \]

2. Convert Epoch Time to Date: \[ \text{Human-Readable Date} = \text{Date}( \text{Epoch Time} \times 1,000 ) \]

Example Calculation

Given an 18-digit LDAP timestamp of 133850419500000000:

1. Convert to Epoch Time: \[ \text{Epoch Time} = \left(\frac{133850419500000000}{10,000,000}\right) - 11,644,473,600 = 12,740,534,550 \]

2. Convert to Human-Readable Date: \[ \text{Date} = \text{Date}(12,740,534,550 \times 1,000) = \text{Thu, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT} \]

Importance and Usage Scenarios

LDAP and Active Directory timestamps are used extensively in system auditing and user account management. Converting these timestamps to human-readable dates is crucial for:

• Audit Trails: Ensuring accurate records of user activities.
• Security Policies: Enforcing password expiration and account lockout policies.
• Compliance: Meeting regulatory requirements for access logs and system monitoring.

Common FAQs

1. What is an 18-digit LDAP/FILETIME timestamp?

   • It is a timestamp used in Microsoft Active Directory, representing the number of 100-nanosecond intervals since January 1, 1601.

2. How do I convert an 18-digit LDAP timestamp to a human-readable date?

   • Use the formula provided above or an online converter tool to transform the timestamp into a readable date.

3. Why are LDAP timestamps important?

   • They are essential for monitoring user activities, enforcing security policies, and maintaining audit trails in Active Directory environments.

This converter tool assists system administrators and IT professionals in transforming complex timestamps into understandable dates, ensuring effective system management and security compliance.