Book Image

Mastering Windows Security and Hardening

By : Mark Dunkerley, Matt Tumbarello
Book Image

Mastering Windows Security and Hardening

By: Mark Dunkerley, Matt Tumbarello

Overview of this book

Are you looking for effective ways to protect Windows-based systems from being compromised by unauthorized users? Mastering Windows Security and Hardening is a detailed guide that helps you gain expertise when implementing efficient security measures and creating robust defense solutions. We will begin with an introduction to Windows security fundamentals, baselining, and the importance of building a baseline for an organization. As you advance, you will learn how to effectively secure and harden your Windows-based system, protect identities, and even manage access. In the concluding chapters, the book will take you through testing, monitoring, and security operations. In addition to this, you’ll be equipped with the tools you need to ensure compliance and continuous monitoring through security operations. By the end of this book, you’ll have developed a full understanding of the processes and tools involved in securing and hardening your Windows environment.
Table of Contents (19 chapters)
1
Section 1: Getting Started
6
Section 2: Applying Security and Hardening
13
Section 3: Protecting, Detecting, and Responding for Windows Environments

Introducing Windows Update for Business

One of the major differences between Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and Windows Update for Business is a direct connection from the computer endpoint to the Windows Update service when it's configured using the Windows Update for Business policies. Updates are no longer approved and deployed granularly according to "what" type or KB, as is the case with WSUS, but managed to the level of "when" they are deployed. Windows Update for Business, also sometimes referred to as WufB, can be configured by Intune or Group Policy. Let's take a look at a few key concepts to understand the types of updates delivered and the servicing channels that determine "when" updates will be available to devices:

  • Feature Updates are released twice a year, usually around the end of Q1 and Q3. These are the major build releases in Windows, and they offer the latest updates in security features and UI enhancements.
  • ...