Is it true that Read Only Domain Controllers need at least one member of the domain administrators group?

Read Only Domain Controllers (RODCs) are designed to enhance security and performance in Active Directory environments. They operate under different constraints compared to standard writable Domain Controllers. RODCs allow organizations to deploy domain controllers in locations where physical security cannot be guaranteed and where the risk of unauthorized access is considered high.

Importantly, RODCs do not need to have any members of the Domain Administrators group for their basic functionality. They are specifically designed to operate securely in an environment where they do not require full administrative privileges. Instead, the RODC can authenticate users and replicate directory information without having a writable copy of the Active Directory data.

The misconception often lies in understanding that while RODCs can need domain accounts that have appropriate permissions to perform specific tasks, this does not equate to needing members of the Domain Administrators group. Instead, administrators can configure specific user accounts to perform needed tasks without conferring overarching administrative permissions.

Thus, noting that RODCs don’t need at least one member of the Domain Administrators group aligns with their designed functionalities and security protocols, making this accurate.