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

The 10 most important to-dos

To finish the book, we wanted to highlight what we believe to be 10 of the most important areas covered within this book. These items are not listed in any priority order, but we feel they should be the focus of attention for your security program.

Implementing identity protection and privileged access

In a world that has shifted to the internet for an anywhere-at-any-time access model, identities have become the target of attention and are fundamental for gaining access to your environment. Because of this, it is critical that your identity protection program has multiple layers of protection and preventative measures in place.

Proper identity protection will require implementing account and access management tools and enforcing the principle of least privilege. A user must only be provided access to the specific data, applications, and systems that are necessary for their job role. Use role-based access control (RBAC) to streamline access...