What you'll learn:
- Build a basic Windows security lab environment with VirtualBox, Windows Server 2016, and Active Directory to follow along with demonstrations
- Understand BitLocker and BitLocker To Go encryption through hands-on demonstrations
- Learn about AppLocker and Software Restriction Policies and see them configured in live demonstrations
- Understand NTFS permissions, share permissions, inheritance, and effective access through guided demonstrations
- Learn Active Directory security fundamentals including groups, organizational units, delegation, and basic Group Policy configuration
- Understand Windows password policies, account lockout policies, and audit policies through demonstrations
- Learn about Windows Encrypting File System (EFS) and see encryption concepts demonstrated
- Understand Windows Firewall configuration and the difference between hardware and software firewalls
- Learn about network isolation techniques including VPNs, IPSec, VLANs, and perimeter networks
- Understand Windows hardening using User Account Control (UAC), Windows Defender, and security best practices
- Learn about RADIUS authentication through live demonstrations
- Understand the Windows Registry and its role in system security
- See DNSSec and secure dynamic DNS updates demonstrated on Windows Server
- Learn to analyze network traffic with Wireshark to understand protocol security and common attacks
- Understand encryption fundamentals including symmetric, asymmetric, hashing, and digital certificates
LEARN MICROSOFT WINDOWS SECURITY FROM ONE OF UDEMY'S TOP IT INSTRUCTORS
Are you an IT professional who needs to understand how to secure Windows systems and networks? Do you want hands-on experience with BitLocker encryption, AppLocker policies, Active Directory security, and Windows hardening techniques? If so, this comprehensive course is exactly what you need.
Windows remains the dominant operating system in enterprise environments, powering over 70% of business desktops and servers worldwide. Understanding how to properly secure Windows systems, configure encryption, manage permissions, and defend against attacks is essential for anyone working in IT security, system administration, or technical support.
In this 13-hour comprehensive course, I'll teach you Microsoft Windows security fundamentals through 30+ live demonstrations and hands-on labs. You'll build a complete lab environment and learn security skills you can apply in your organization.
WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING
"Well structured course, hitting the fundamentals in an easy to understand way." — Steven C ★★★★★
"Great content on security and tools that should be used to infra protection." — Vinicius ★★★★★
"Instructor was very knowledgeable and easy to listen to, with good video slides to reinforce the topics." — Anthony J ★★★★★
"Very easy to follow and packed full of useful information. Would definitely recommend!" — Eirean ★★★★★
HANDS-ON LEARNING WITH 30+ LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS
This isn't a theory-only course. You'll build a complete Windows lab environment and follow along with live demonstrations covering real-world security configurations and hardening techniques. You'll work with Windows 10 Enterprise (same security architecture as Windows 11), Windows Server 2016, Active Directory, and essential security tools.
Built with Windows 10, Fully Applicable to Windows 11: This course uses Windows 10 Enterprise for demonstrations, but the underlying Windows security architecture remains the same for Windows 11. BitLocker encryption, AppLocker policies, NTFS permissions, Active Directory security, Group Policy, Windows Firewall, and all core security concepts work identically across both operating systems. Whether you're securing Windows 10 or Windows 11 environments, you'll gain the same hands-on skills.
WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE IN THIS COURSE
13 Hours of HD Video Lectures & Live Demonstrations
30+ Hands-On Labs Including BitLocker, AppLocker, Active Directory Security, and Windows Hardening
Complete Lab Setup Guide (VirtualBox, Windows Server 2016, Active Directory Domain Environment)
15 Section Quizzes to Reinforce Your Learning
PDF Lectures of All Course PowerPoint Slides
Downloadable Course Videos for Offline Viewing with Udemy Mobile App
KEY COURSE TOPICS
Core Security Principles & Risk Management
CIA Triad, Defense in Depth, Least Privilege, Risk Management, Attack Surface Analysis
Physical & Wireless Security
Physical site security, removable device security, keyloggers, wireless encryption (WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3)
Windows Authentication & User Security
Authentication fundamentals, smart cards, RADIUS server configuration, Run As administrative tasks
Windows Permissions & Access Control
NTFS permissions (basic and advanced), share permissions, inheritance, Active Directory groups and OUs, Registry security, Group Policy management
Password Policies & Account Security
Microsoft password policies, account lockout policies, password attack methods, auditing, and compliance
Encryption & Data Protection
Symmetric and asymmetric encryption, hashing algorithms, digital certificates, Windows EFS (Encrypting File System), BitLocker, and BitLocker To Go, software restriction policies
Malware Defense
Understanding malware types (viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, rootkits), buffer overflows, and zero-day attacks
Firewall & Network Security
Windows Firewall configuration, hardware vs. software firewalls, stateful vs. stateless filtering
Network Isolation & Segmentation
Perimeter networks, VLANs, honeypots, NAT, VPN, IPSec, server and domain isolation
Protocol Security
Protocol spoofing, network sniffing with Wireshark, and DNSSec implementation
Client & Server Hardening
User Account Control (UAC), AppLocker policies, Windows Defender, software updates, server hardening, separation of services, Read-Only Domain Controllers (RODC)
BY THE END OF THIS COURSE, YOU'LL BE ABLE TO:
Understand how BitLocker encryption works and follow along with demonstrations configuring it in a lab environment
Learn what AppLocker policies are and how they control application execution in Windows environments
Understand Active Directory security fundamentals, including groups, organizational units, delegation, and Group Policy basics
Follow along with demonstrations of NTFS permissions and share permissions to understand Windows file security
Understand how Windows Firewall works and learn basic network isolation techniques
Learn about password policies, account lockout policies, and audit policies for Windows compliance
Understand Windows Encrypting File System (EFS) and encryption fundamentals through hands-on demonstrations
Learn Windows client and server hardening best practices and security configurations
Build and configure a basic Windows security lab environment to practice along with the course
PERFECT FOR IT PROFESSIONALS AT ALL LEVELS
Whether you're a help desk technician advancing into security, a system administrator needing Windows security expertise, or a security analyst working with Windows environments, this course provides the foundation you need. Basic Windows knowledge is helpful but not required—I walk you through everything step-by-step.
ORIGINALLY DESIGNED FOR MTA 98-367, CORE CONCEPTS REMAIN ESSENTIAL
This course was originally created as comprehensive preparation for Microsoft's MTA 98-367 Security Fundamentals certification (retired June 2022). While that certification is no longer available, the fundamental Windows security concepts, hands-on skills, and security architecture covered in this course remain essential for IT professionals working with Windows systems and Active Directory environments.
WHY LEARN WINDOWS SECURITY NOW?
Windows security skills are in constant demand. Organizations need IT professionals who can properly configure encryption, manage permissions, defend against malware, and harden systems. Whether you're protecting on-premises infrastructure or securing hybrid cloud environments, understanding Windows security fundamentals is essential.
PREVIEW OVER 2 HOURS OF THIS COURSE FOR FREE
Scroll down and click the blue "Preview" button on any of my 20 free sample lectures. See my teaching style and hands-on approach before you enroll.
READY TO MASTER WINDOWS SECURITY?
Join over 220,000 students who've taken my IT and cybersecurity courses. Start building your Windows security skills today.
See you inside the course!
Alton
