Microsoft Security Fundamentals

Learn Windows Security: Windows Hardening, Firewalls, NTFS Permissions, Active Directory, AppLocker, BitLocker and More

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