Cybersecurity · Intermediate level

Intermediate level · Module 2 of 6 · 16 guided hours

System Hardening and Access Management

Reduce attack surface on computers and accounts with secure configuration, patch management and least privilege.

Learning objectives

  • Apply secure configuration to Windows computers
  • Run a patch management process
  • Manage accounts with least privilege

Topics

  • secure baselines
  • removing unneeded software
  • patch management
  • standard vs administrator accounts
  • account lifecycle
  • shared accounts

Lessons

  1. Lesson 1 Secure Configuration

    Reduce what an attacker can use on each computer.

    attack surfacesecure baselineunneeded softwaremacro and script settings

  2. Lesson 2 Patch Management

    Keep every system updated through a reliable process.

    inventorypatch schedulecritical updatesend-of-life software

  3. Lesson 3 Least Privilege and Account Lifecycle

    Give people only the access they need, for only as long as they need it.

    least privilegestandard and admin accountsjoiners-movers-leaversshared accounts

Practical activity

Harden a lab Windows computer against a checklist, set up standard user accounts and write a patch and account lifecycle procedure.

Expected outcomes

  • Hardened systems
  • Controlled privileged access

Assessment

Hardening checklist, account set-up and procedures reviewed.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.