A tailored course, built for your situation
Windows Hardening & Secure Automation for Enterprise Systems
A 12-module mastery path to lock down Windows environments and automate compliance at scale
$199 one-time
24-hour access provisioning
30-day money-back guarantee
Hand-built implementation playbook
12 modules. 12 chapters per module. 144 chapters total.
12 modules, each with 12 chapters (144 chapters total), text-based, plus downloadable templates and a hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Managing global Windows systems without a standardized, automated security baseline leaves critical gaps, even with SCAP in place.
The situation this course is for
As a Global Windows Systems Administrator, you're expected to secure systems at scale while balancing compliance, patch cycles, and audit demands. Manual configurations don't scale. Default settings aren't secure. And reactive fixes erode trust. The pressure isn't just technical, it's operational and reputational. Without a repeatable, auditable framework, every change introduces risk.
Who this is for
Enterprise systems administrators responsible for securing and standardizing Windows environments across global teams and hybrid infrastructure.
Who this is not for
This is not for entry-level admins, desktop support staff, or those only managing local servers without automation or compliance mandates.
What you walk away with
- Implement zero-trust configuration baselines across all Windows systems
- Automate compliance checks using SCAP-aligned benchmarks and PowerShell
- Reduce attack surface by eliminating default services and insecure protocols
- Build repeatable, version-controlled security playbooks for rapid deployment
- Accelerate audit readiness with documented, automated evidence collection
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Foundations of Windows Security Hardening
Establish core principles of least privilege, defense in depth, and secure configuration for Windows Server and Workstation.
12 chapters in this module
- Principle of least privilege
- Secure boot process explained
- Role-based access control
- Local vs domain policies
- Baseline threat model
- Secure configuration lifecycle
- Default services audit
- Insecure protocols overview
- Patch management fundamentals
- Group Policy best practices
- Secure logging setup
- Initial hardening checklist
Module 2. SCAP and Compliance Automation
Leverage Security Content Automation Protocol to standardize and validate system compliance across environments.
12 chapters in this module
- SCAP framework components
- Using OpenSCAP tools
- Importing CIS benchmarks
- Automated policy evaluation
- Remediating SCAP failures
- Customizing baselines
- SCAP scoring interpretation
- Scheduled compliance scans
- Reporting compliance status
- Integrating with SIEM
- Handling exceptions safely
- Maintaining SCAP accuracy
Module 3. Secure Configuration with PowerShell
Automate secure configuration using PowerShell scripts that enforce policy and reduce manual error.
12 chapters in this module
- PowerShell execution policy
- Script signing basics
- Enforcing secure settings
- Automated registry fixes
- User rights assignment
- Disabling insecure features
- Scheduled script execution
- Logging script actions
- Error handling patterns
- Version control integration
- Idempotent script design
- Secure credential handling
Module 4. Privilege Management and Access Control
Minimize risk by enforcing just-enough, just-in-time access across systems and administrative roles.
12 chapters in this module
- Admin account segregation
- Just-in-time access
- Just-enough privilege
- Local admin restrictions
- Elevated access workflows
- Audit local group membership
- Secure RDP access
- Session time limits
- Break-glass account setup
- Access request logging
- Reviewing access logs
- Automated access reviews
Module 5. Network Security for Windows Systems
Harden network stack and services to reduce exposure and prevent lateral movement.
12 chapters in this module
- Disable NetBIOS
- Secure SMB configuration
- Firewall rule design
- Inbound filtering basics
- Outbound filtering strategy
- DNS over HTTPS setup
- Disable LLMNR
- Disable WPAD
- Secure WinRM settings
- Port reduction techniques
- Network segmentation roles
- Host-based firewall policies
Module 6. Patch and Vulnerability Management
Implement reliable, automated patching workflows that balance security and uptime.
12 chapters in this module
- WSUS architecture overview
- Patch approval workflows
- Automated deployment groups
- Reboot scheduling logic
- Missing patch detection
- Critical vs optional
- Third-party patching
- Vulnerability scanning sync
- Patch compliance reporting
- Emergency patch process
- Rollback procedures
- Zero-day response planning
Module 7. Logging, Monitoring, and Detection
Configure comprehensive logging to detect anomalies and support forensic investigations.
12 chapters in this module
- Enable security auditing
- Critical event IDs
- Log size and retention
- Forwarded event collection
- SIEM integration basics
- Detecting brute force
- Suspicious account activity
- Abnormal PowerShell use
- Log integrity protection
- Centralized log storage
- Alert threshold setting
- Automated log analysis
Module 8. Secure Software Deployment and Execution
Control what runs on systems using AppLocker, WDAC, and execution policies.
12 chapters in this module
- AppLocker basics
- Rule collection design
- Whitelist trusted paths
- Deny unknown executables
- Windows Defender Application Control
- Code integrity policies
- Signing requirements
- Script execution control
- Installer restriction
- DLL load protection
- Audit-only to enforce
- Policy troubleshooting
Module 9. Active Directory Integration and Security
Secure domain-joined systems and enforce policies through Group Policy Objects.
12 chapters in this module
- Secure GPO permissions
- Baseline GPO structure
- Staging GPO changes
- GPO version control
- Domain controller hardening
- Secure LDAP settings
- Kerberos policy tuning
- Trust relationship audit
- Domain join security
- Computer account policies
- Group membership review
- GPO replication monitoring
Module 10. Incident Response and Recovery
Prepare systems for rapid response and recovery when compromise occurs.
12 chapters in this module
- Isolation procedures
- Forensic data collection
- System snapshot strategy
- Secure backup access
- Rebuild from baseline
- Post-incident review
- Log preservation
- Containment automation
- Recovery validation
- Root cause documentation
- Communication protocols
- Lessons learned process
Module 11. Automated Compliance Playbooks
Build and maintain self-updating playbooks that ensure continuous compliance.
12 chapters in this module
- Playbook structure
- Modular design
- Version control setup
- Automated testing
- Change impact analysis
- Peer review workflow
- Documentation standards
- Integration with CI/CD
- Scheduled validation
- Remediation automation
- Audit readiness checks
- Stakeholder reporting
Module 12. Scaling and Governance
Operationalize hardening practices across teams, regions, and cloud environments.
12 chapters in this module
- Governance framework
- Change approval process
- Regional policy variation
- Cloud hybrid settings
- Automated drift detection
- Compliance dashboard
- Stakeholder reporting
- Training handoff
- Third-party audit prep
- Continuous improvement
- Feedback integration
- Policy sunset process
How this maps to your situation
- Hardening global Windows infrastructure
- Automating compliance with SCAP and PowerShell
- Reducing attack surface through configuration
- Preparing for audits and incident response
Before vs. after
Before
Managing Windows security manually or with inconsistent automation, leading to configuration drift, audit findings, and response delays.
After
Running a standardized, automated, and auditable security program that scales globally and responds rapidly to threats.
What's included with your purchase
- 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters)
- Downloadable templates and worked examples for every module
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Delivery and format
- Course and learning environment access provisioned within 24 hours of purchase
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
Format: Text-based modules and chapters in the Art of Service learning environment, plus downloadable templates and worked examples for every chapter, plus the hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Time investment: Approximately 3 hours per module, designed for hands-on implementation alongside learning.
If nothing changes
Without a structured, automated approach, your environment remains exposed to misconfigurations, undetected vulnerabilities, and compliance failures that could lead to breaches or audit penalties.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic security courses, this program focuses exclusively on Windows hardening and automation with SCAP, PowerShell, and enterprise policy, no theory, only actionable, proven steps tailored to global administrators like you.
Frequently asked
Who is this course for?
Enterprise Windows administrators responsible for securing and standardizing systems at scale with automation and compliance requirements.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes, 30-day money-back guarantee if the course doesn't meet expectations.
$199 one-time. Approximately 3 hours per module, designed for hands-on implementation alongside learning..
Within 24 hours your account in the learning environment is provisioned and the tailored implementation playbook is delivered alongside it.
30-day money-back guarantee·
144 chapters·
Hand-built playbook included·
Account access within 24 hours