Secure your Windows infrastructure: Strengthen your system administration proactively
OffSec Learning Path: Windows System Administration Foundations
Modern IT environments rely heavily on Windows systems, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. This hands-on learning path will equip learners with the essential skills to secure and harden their Windows infrastructure, significantly reducing their organization's risk profile. Learners will:
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Configure Windows securely by implementing robust security settings and policies
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Harden Active Directory at a basic level, securing the core of their Windows environment, and protecting critical applications such as IIS and MSSQL
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Manage effective patching strategies to promptly mitigate vulnerabilities
One of three system administration Learning Paths
Protect your Windows environments by developing fundamental security expertise
This Learning Path strengthens Windows system administration competency, enhancing the foundational knowledge of this critical technology and reducing risks associated with inexperienced administration or vulnerable configurations. By learning and practicing with OffSec, learners can streamline Windows management, improve security posture, and proactively address potential issues caused by improper system configurations.
Who are these Learning Paths for?
- Windows system administrators seeking to enhance their security expertise
- Security analysts specializing in the protection of Windows environments
- IT professionals responsible for securing Windows-based infrastructure
Learning objectives
- Harden Active Directory by developing secure domain controller configuration and management skills
- Understand Windows security, grasping key concepts and attack vectors
- Utilize PowerShell to automate security tasks and configuration audits
Key modules in Windows System Administration Foundations Learning Path
Introduction to AD Certificate Services
- Introduction to the concept of PKI and how Microsoft deliver that in the form of AD Certificate Services. Explanation of the role of certificates and certificate templates in supporting public key cryptography, and an insight into the vulnerabilities and mitigations of AD Certicficate Services.
Secure Configuration of MSSQL
- Explanation of how MSSQL should be setup in a corporate environment to allow for best scaling and with security in mind. This includes service account, configurations and hardening.
Patching Windows I
- Introduction to Windows patching, including Windows updates, update release cycles, managing updates and workflow.
Patching Windows II
- Introduction to Windows patching, including Windows updates, update release cycles, managing updates and workflow
Powershell Scripting Basics
- Introduction to PowerShell scripting, including cmdlets, variables, loops, branches and functions
Windows System Administration Foundations
8
modules
60
hours of content (approx.)
27+
skills
Earning an OffSec Learning Badge
Showcase your growing web administration proficiency! Upon completing 80% of the Web System Administration Foundations Learning Path, you'll receive an exclusive OffSec badge signifying:
- Secure Windows administration proficiency: Proven knowledge of Windows administration and practical security implementations
- Industry recognition: Adds a valuable OffSec credential to your skillset
- Hands-on skill: Demonstrated ability to effectively implement Windows security measures and harden system attacks at the fundamental level
Why train your team with OffSec?
Reduce attack surface
Minimize vulnerabilities and potential entry points
Hands-on practice
Learn Windows Administration in a safe lab environment, avoiding potential issues on sensitive infrastructure
Hinder attack progress
Make it more difficult for adversaries to succeed
Start learning with OffSec
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$5,799/year
Unlimited OffSec Learning Library access plus unlimited exam attempts for one year.
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Flexible terms and volume discounts available.
Learn Unlimited provides individuals and organizations with unlimited access to the OffSec Learning Library. This includes all courses, content and learning paths. Learners also receive unlimited exam attempts and time in any of our hands-on lab environments.
What’s included
1 year of access to unlimited courses & content
Unlimited exam attempts during your subscription
365 days of lab access
1 year of unlimited access to all fundamental content and OffSec curated Learning Paths
PEN-103 + unlimited KLCP exam attempts
PEN-210 + unlimited OSWP exam attempts
3 downloads of course material
FAQ
- Introduction to AD Certificate Services
- Secure Configuration of MSSQL
- Patching Windows I
- Patching Windows II
- Powershell Scripting Basics
- Access Control
- Backup and Recovery
- Common Tools: IT Generalist
- Common Tools: System Administrator
- Cryptographic Issues
- Data Transformation and Storage
- Encryption and Cryptography
- Enterprise Network and Systems
- Identity and Access Management
- Logging and Monitoring
- Network Security
- Operating Systems Internals
- Password Attacks
- Scalability
- Scripting and Automation
- Scripting for System Administrators
- Secrets Management
- Security and Compliance
- System Hardening
- Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting for System Administrators
- User Behaviour Analysis
- Windows Admin
- Windows Attacks
- Windows System Administration
- Hands-on practice in realistic lab environments
- In-depth exploration of Windows security concepts, vulnerabilities, and hardening techniques
- Developing the attacker mindset to anticipate and defend against threats
Start your journey today
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