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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

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

Windows SystemAdministration

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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FAQ

Syllabus

  1. Introduction to AD Certificate Services
  2. Secure Configuration of MSSQL
  3. Patching Windows I
  4. Patching Windows II
  5. Powershell Scripting Basics

What prerequisites are necessary for this Learning Path?

What skills will I develop?

Is this Learning Path suitable for beginners?

How is OffSec's Web Administration different?


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