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:

Configure Windows securely by implementing robust security settings and policies
Harden Active Directory at a basic level, securing the core of their Windows environment, and protecting critical applications such as IIS and MSSQL
Manage effective patching strategies to promptly mitigate vulnerabilities

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One of three system administration Learning Paths

UNIX System Administration Foundations

Web System Administration Foundations

Windows System Administration Foundations

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

View full syllabus

Windows System Administration Foundations

modules

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