Microsoft Security Fundamentals

Learn the Fundamentals of Information Security for the Windows Operating System

Master Windows Security Fundamentals

This comprehensive 13-hour course provides essential IT security knowledge for Windows environments. Originally designed for the Microsoft MTA 98-367 Security Fundamentals certification, this course has successfully prepared hundreds of students to understand core security concepts and Windows-specific security implementations.

While Microsoft retired the MTA certifications in June 2022, this course remains highly valuable for aspiring and entry-level IT professionals who need to understand security fundamentals in Microsoft environments. Whether you're starting your IT career, transitioning into cybersecurity, or managing Windows systems, this course covers the essential security concepts you need to know.

What You'll Learn

Core Security Principles: Understand fundamental security concepts that apply across all IT environments, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Physical & Network Security: Learn physical security measures, internet security, wireless security, firewalls, network isolation, and protocol security.
Windows Security Implementation: Master user authentication, Windows permissions, password policies, audit policies, and how to properly secure Windows environments.
Threat Protection: Understand malware threats, encryption, client protection, email protection, and server protection strategies.
Hands-On Learning: Follow along with optional activities using Windows 10 and Server 2016 virtual machines to practice security concepts in real environments.

Course Includes

13 hours of lecture and live demonstration videos
15 section quizzes to test your knowledge
Downloadable PDF versions of all lecture slides
Optional hands-on activities with Windows virtual machines
Lifetime access to all materials and future updates

Course curriculum

1. Introduction
  FREE PREVIEW
2. Virtualization Requirements and Install Overview
3. Download Windows OS ISO Files from My Website
4. Download Windows OS ISO Files from Microsoft's Evaluation Center
5. Creating Virtualbox Virtual Machines
6. Some Additional Virtual Machine Settings
7. Installing Windows 10 Enterprise Operating System
8. Installing Windows Server 2016 Operating System
9. Installing Windows Updates
10. Setting Up Our Sandbox Internal LAN
  FREE PREVIEW
11. Introduction to Active Directory
12. Active Directory Installation & Configuration
13. DHCP Installation & Scope Configuration
14. Adding Windows 10 PC to Our Active Directory Domain
1. Domain 1 Overview
  FREE PREVIEW
1. Section Introduction
2. Introduction to Access Control
3. Physical Site Security
4. Computer Equipment Physical Security
5. Removable & Mobile Device Security
6. Keyloggers
7. Understanding Physical Security Quiz
1. Section Introduction
2. Wireless Encryption Standards Overview
3. Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
4. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
5. Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
6. Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3)
7. WPA Personal versus Enterprise Mode
8. Live Demo: Wireless Router Configuration
9. Understanding Wireless Security Quiz
1. Domain 2 Overview
1. Section Introduction
2. Authentication Basics
3. Physical and Virtual Smart Cards
4. Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS)
5. Live Demo: Windows Server 2016 RADIUS Server
6. Live Demo: Using Run As to Perform Administrative Tasks
7. Understanding User Authentication Quiz
1. Section Introduction
2. Basic NT File System (NTFS) Permissions
3. NTFS Advanced Permissions
4. NTFS Inheritance
5. Permissions Behavior when Moving and Copying Files
6. Share Permissions
7. Active Directory Groups
8. Active Directory Organizational Units
9. The Registry
10. Live Demo: The Registry
11. Live Demo: Basic NTFS Permissions
12. Live Demo: Inheritance and Changing Ownership
13. Live Demo: Effective Access
14. Live Demo: Advanced NTFS Permissions
15. Live Demo: Network Share and NTFS Permissions
16. Live Demo: Moving and Copying Files and Folders
17. Live Demo: Active Directory Groups
18. Live Demo: Active Directory AD OUs, Delegation and Group Policy Management
19. Live Demo: Active Directory Permissions
20. Understanding Permissions Quiz
1. Section Introduction
2. Understanding Microsoft Password Policies
3. Understanding Microsoft Account Lockout Policies
4. Common Password Attack Methods
5. Live Demo: Password and Account Lockout Settings Demonstration
6. Understanding Password Policies Quiz
1. Section Introduction
2. Introduction to Auditing
3. What Can Be Audited
4. Saving and Securing Audit Information
5. Auditing Best Practices and Recommendations
6. Live Demo: Auditing
7. Understanding Audit Policies Quiz
1. Section Introduction
2. Introduction to Cryptography
3. Symmetric Encryption
4. Asymmetric Encryption
5. Hashing Algorithms
6. Digital Certificates and Certificate Authorities
7. Live Demo: Digital Certificates
8. Email Encryption Use Cases
9. Windows Encrypting File System (EFS) Overview
10. Live Demo: Windows EFS
11. Live Demo: Moving and Copying Files/Folders with EFS
12. BitLocker and BitLocker To Go Overview
13. Live Demo: BitLocker
14. Software versus Hardware Based Encryption
15. Security Token Devices
16. Live Demo: Run Only Trusted Applications via Software Restriction Policies
17. Understanding Encryption Quiz
1. Section Introduction
2. Introduction to Malware
3. Buffer Overflows
4. Viruses & Polymorphic Viruses
5. Worms
6. Trojan Horses
7. Spyware and Adware
8. Ransomeware
9. Rootkits
10. Backdoors
11. Zero Day Attacks
12. Understanding Malware Quiz
1. Domain 3 Overview
1. Section Introduction
2. Hardware Firewalls
3. Stateful versus Stateless Firewalls
4. Using Hardware versus Software Firewalls
5. Live Demo: Windows Firewall
6. Understanding Dedicated Firewalls Quiz
1. Section Introduction
2. Understanding Network Isolation
3. Perimeter Networks
4. Switch VLANs
5. Routers
6. Honeypots
7. Network Address Translation (NAT)
8. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
9. IPSec
10. VPN, IPSec and Network Isolation
11. Live Demo: Server and Domain Isolation
12. Understanding Network Isolation Quiz
1. Section Introduction
2. Protocol Spoofing
3. Live Demo: Network Sniffing with WireShark
4. Common Attack Methods
5. DNSsec
6. Live Demo: Enabling DNSsec on Windows Server 2016
7. Understanding Protocol Security Quiz
1. Domain 4 Overview
1. Section Introduction
2. User Account Control (UAC)
3. Live Demo: How to Adjust UAC Settings in Windows
4. Live Demo: AppLocker & Software Restriction Policies
5. Live Demo: Windows Defender Antivirus
6. Keeping Windows OS and Software Updated
7. Live Demo: Encrypting Offline Folders
8. Understanding Client Protection Quiz
1. Section Introduction
2. Email Spam, Spoofing, Phishing and Pharming
3. Dealing with Unwanted Emails
4. Client versus Server Protection
5. Understanding Email Protection Quiz
1. Section Introduction
2. Server Hardening
3. Separation of Services
4. Keeping Servers Updated
5. Secure Dynamic Domain Name System (DNS) Updates
6. Live Demo: Secure Dynamic DNS
7. Read-Only Domain Controllers (RODC)
8. Understanding Server Protection Quiz
1. Congratulations & Thank You!

About this course

$99.95
164 lessons
13 hours of video content

Ready to Build Your Windows Security Foundation?

13 hours of comprehensive Windows security training. 15 quizzes, hands-on demonstrations, lifetime access, 14-day money-back guarantee.

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Common Questions

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for aspiring IT professionals, anyone interested in Windows-based security concepts, entry-level cybersecurity professionals, and anyone wanting to learn about information security in Microsoft environments. No prior IT security experience required.

What are the prerequisites?

You should have a firm understanding of fundamental computer networking concepts and a basic understanding of the Windows operating system. For optional follow-along activities, you'll need the ability to download and install Windows 10 and Server 2016 as virtual machines.

Is this course still relevant after the MTA certification was retired?

Absolutely. While Microsoft retired the MTA 98-367 certification in June 2022, the security concepts and Windows security fundamentals taught in this course remain highly relevant for anyone working with Windows systems or pursuing a career in IT security.

How long will it take to complete?

The course contains 13 hours of video content. Most students complete it in 3-4 weeks, but you have lifetime access so you can learn at your own pace.

What if I'm not satisfied?

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, you may request a refund within 14 days of the original purchase date.