Microsoft Security Fundamentals from Udemy

Welcome to the Microsoft Security Fundamentals course from Alton Hardin, which was designed, based on the Microsoft Technical Associate (MTA) 98-367 Security Fundamentals certification.

This course was originally designed for the Microsoft MTA 98-367 certification and successfully prepared hundreds of my former students to prepare and successfully pass the MTA exam. Microsoft retired all of its MTA certifications on June).

Because this has been such a successful course, and it provides a lot of value to aspiring and entry-level IT professionals, I’ve updated it to be a non-certification beginner’s Microsoft security fundamentals course.

WHAT YOU' I made notes as I went along, and booked the exam for this evening. I wrote the exam at 5pm Eastern tonight and passed with a 90%. Thank you so much for the great course. I'm sure there are others who would join with me saying, 'We hope you educate us with more courses'."

-Mike

"I wasn't aware of this course until 2 days before my scheduled exam. I went through and selectively watched topics I was weak on and took most of the quizzes and practice test. The instructor was very professional and spoke very clearly. I supplemented this with the official practice exam software through MeasureUp. In all, I studied a week or so and passed the exam with a score of 811."

-Dave

"Great course. Passed my MTA 98-367 exam on the first try. "

-Darius

"I found your course 3 days before my exam. I literally went through all the lectures and the quizzes. I have taken the exam before and failed, this time I was keen on passing. Honestly your lectures really helped put everything together. Very nicely done. I would highly recommend this for anyone taking the MTA Security Fundamental exam. It’s totally worth it. Thank you so much for helping me. "

-Amanda

So What Are You Waiting For? Enroll Today.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the fundamentals of information security
Learn windows operating system security fundamentals

Have a working understanding of the many aspects of it security
Be prepared for more advanced information security courses

Understand the fundamentals of information security
Learn windows operating system security fundamentals
Have a working understanding of the many aspects of it security
Be prepared for more advanced information security courses

Syllabus

Course Introduction

Welcome to the Course

Why Learn from Me?

Course Prerequisites

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers core security principles like the CIA Triad, defense in depth, and least privilege, which are foundational for anyone entering the IT security field

Explores risk management and attack surface analysis, which are essential skills for identifying and mitigating potential security threats in an organization

Includes live demonstrations of Windows Server 2016 RADIUS server, NTFS permissions, and Active Directory configurations, offering practical experience for managing Windows environments

Requires learners to download Windows Operating System ISO files, create virtual machines, and set up a sandbox internal LAN, which may require some technical proficiency

Focuses on older wireless encryption standards like WEP, WPA, and WPA2, but also includes WPA3, which is the latest and most secure standard

Uses Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016, which are not the latest versions, but still relevant for understanding core Microsoft security concepts

Reviews summary

Solid microsoft security fundamentals

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in security fundamentals. Many found the instructor's explanations clear and appreciated the helpful live demos and labs for practical understanding. While originally designed for the retired MTA 98-367 exam (which many reviewers successfully passed using this course), it remains an excellent starting point for beginners in IT security. Some note that the course focuses solely on fundamental concepts and doesn't delve into advanced topics, suggesting it's best suited for those new to the field.

Primarily covers basic concepts, not advanced topics.

"While great for beginners, it doesn't go deep into any single topic, just the fundamentals."

"If you have some prior security knowledge, this might feel too basic for you."

"It's an excellent overview, but you'll need other resources for advanced understanding."

"The course covers a lot of ground quickly, staying at a fundamental level."

Historically effective preparation for MTA 98-367.

"Passed my MTA 98-367 exam on the first try thanks to this."

"Used this course specifically to study for the MTA and found it very effective."

"Highly recommend this for anyone taking the MTA Security Fundamental exam."

"I wasn't aware of this course until 2 days before my scheduled exam. I went through and selectively watched topics I was weak on and took most of the quizzes... passed the exam..."

Practical demos solidify theoretical knowledge.

"Setting up the virtual environment was straightforward and the labs were practical."

"The live demos were extremely helpful for seeing concepts in action on Windows systems."

"I appreciated the step-by-step demonstrations of security configurations."

"Seeing how to configure things like permissions and policies added significant value."

Instructor presents complex ideas clearly.

"The instructor was very professional and spoke very clearly."

"Honestly your lectures really helped put everything together. Very nicely done."

"Everything was explained simply and concisely, making it easy to follow."

"I understood concepts I struggled with before thanks to the clear teaching."

Excellent starting point for IT security basics.

"This course is perfect for someone just starting out in IT security."

"It provides a great introduction to essential security fundamentals."

"I felt I gained a solid understanding of the basics after finishing this course."

"This was a good overview before diving into more complex cybersecurity topics."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Microsoft Security Fundamentals with these activities:

Review Networking Fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of networking concepts, which are foundational to understanding network security principles covered in the course.

Browse courses on Networking Fundamentals

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Review key networking concepts like TCP/IP, DNS, and routing.
Practice subnetting and network address translation (NAT).
Familiarize yourself with common network devices like routers and switches.

Read 'Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead'

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Gain a broader and deeper understanding of security concepts by studying a well-regarded security certification study guide.

View CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to the course syllabus.
Complete the practice questions at the end of each chapter.
Review the key terms and concepts.

Practice Windows Permissions Configuration

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Reinforce your understanding of Windows permissions by practicing configuring NTFS and share permissions in a virtualized environment.

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Set up a virtual machine with Windows Server.
Create several users and groups in Active Directory.
Configure NTFS permissions on various folders and files.
Test the effective access for different users and groups.

Four other activities

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Read 'Hacking: The Art of Exploitation'

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Gain a deeper understanding of security vulnerabilities and exploitation techniques by studying a classic hacking book.

View Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to buffer overflows and network sniffing.
Experiment with the code examples provided in the book.
Research the latest exploitation techniques and vulnerabilities.

Create a Security Awareness Presentation

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Solidify your understanding of security principles by creating a presentation aimed at educating end-users about common security threats and best practices.

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Research common security threats like phishing and malware.
Develop a presentation outlining these threats and how to avoid them.
Include practical tips for creating strong passwords and identifying suspicious emails.
Present your presentation to a small group or record a video.

Build a Home Network Security Plan

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Apply your knowledge of security principles by designing a comprehensive security plan for a home network, including hardware and software recommendations.

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Assess the current security posture of your home network.
Identify potential vulnerabilities and threats.
Develop a plan to mitigate these risks, including firewall configuration, password management, and software updates.
Document your plan and implement the recommended security measures.

Volunteer at a Local Non-Profit

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Gain practical experience by assisting a local non-profit organization with their IT security needs, such as setting up firewalls or training employees on security awareness.

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Identify a local non-profit organization that needs IT support.
Offer your services to help them improve their security posture.
Assist with tasks such as setting up firewalls, configuring antivirus software, or training employees on security awareness.

Career center

Learners who complete Microsoft Security Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst is responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from threats. This role involves monitoring for security breaches, implementing security measures, and responding to incidents. The Microsoft Security Fundamentals course helps build a foundation in essential security principles, operating system security, and various aspects of IT security, all of which are core competencies for an Information Security Analyst. The course's coverage of topics like user authentication, permissions, and password policies provide practical knowledge directly relevant to this role. Concepts such as the CIA triad and defense in depth are also essential for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Administrator

A Security Administrator is responsible for implementing and maintaining an organization's security policies and procedures. This covers managing user access, monitoring security systems, and responding to security incidents. The Microsoft Security Fundamentals course is a fit for those pursuing this role. The course's exploration of Windows operating system security, user authentication, and password policies, combined with its coverage of Active Directory and group policy, provide a great base of knowledge for a Security Administrator. The course also helps build an understanding of audit policies and security layering, which are particularly important.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Administrator

Endpoint Security Specialist

An Endpoint Security Specialist focuses on securing endpoints such as laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. This involves implementing security measures, monitoring for threats, and responding to incidents. The Microsoft Security Fundamentals course helps build a strong base of knowledge in securing systems. The course's coverage of Windows operating system security, user authentication, permissions, password policies, and physical security are all essential to this role. The numerous practical, live demonstrations, such as creating an Active Directory, building new virtual machines, and running through various administrative tasks will be useful for an Endpoint Security Specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Endpoint Security Specialist

Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator manages an organization's computer systems ensuring they are running efficiently and securely. A systems administrator is often tasked with installing and configuring software, managing user accounts, and troubleshooting technical issues. This Microsoft Security Fundamentals course is an excellent starting point for this kind of a career, providing a solid understanding of operating system security, user authentication, and network security principles. The numerous live demonstrations within the course, such as setting up an Active Directory, and configuring a DHCP server, help prepare you to take on the responsibilities of a Systems Administrator. The study of NTFS permissions and auditing policies are especially useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst monitors computer networks for security breaches, responds to cyber incidents, and helps implement security measures. The Microsoft Security Fundamentals course is relevant to this role since it covers the fundamentals of information security, operating system security, and various aspects of IT security, areas that are all essential for a Cybersecurity Analyst. The course's focus on defense in depth, risk management, and understanding threats helps prepare an individual interested in this career. Topics such as authentication, authorization, and accounting are covered in detail and will also be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator is responsible for maintaining the computer networks that allow an organization's systems to communicate and share resources. This often involves installing and configuring networking hardware and software, monitoring network performance, and implementing security measures. Taking the Microsoft Security Fundamentals course may be useful for anyone wanting to explore the basics in network security. It covers authentication, access control and the understanding of wireless security protocols including WEP, WPA, WPA2 and WPA3, which are all vital for a Network Administrator. The sections on Active Directory and DHCP are also very pertinent to network administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Network Security Engineer

A Network Security Engineer designs and implements security measures to protect an organization's computer networks. This includes configuring firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security devices. The Microsoft Security Fundamentals course may be helpful for someone starting in the field. It provides a solid understanding of networking and security concepts, which can be built upon to achieve expertise. The course's coverage of wireless security protocols and network security principles is directly applicable to the work of a Network Security Engineer. A familiarity with active directory, and an understanding of the various authentication methods such as RADIUS will prove useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Security Consultant

A Security Consultant advises organizations on how to improve their security posture. They assess risks, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend security solutions. The Microsoft Security Fundamentals course helps provide a theoretical and practical foundation in core security principles, operating system security, and risk management, which are all necessary for a Security Consultant. The course's coverage of topics such as risk and threats, attack surface analysis, and social engineering helps prepare learners to provide effective guidance and recommendations for their clients. The in depth look at access control and password policies will also greatly benefit a Security Consultant.

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IT Auditor

An IT Auditor evaluates an organization's IT systems and processes to ensure they are secure, efficient, and compliant with regulations. This role requires an understanding of security principles, risks, controls and auditing techniques. The Microsoft Security Fundamentals course is useful for someone wishing to pursue the career of an IT Auditor. This course provides an essential understanding of core security mechanisms, operating system security, and various aspects of IT security that are crucial for an IT Auditor. The inclusion of concepts such as the CIA triad, defense in depth, and password and audit policies are particularly valuable in preparing someone for this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Cloud Security Specialist

A Cloud Security Specialist is responsible for implementing and maintaining security measures in cloud environments. This includes configuring security settings, monitoring for threats, and ensuring compliance with security policies. The Microsoft Security Fundamentals course is a solid starting point for this role, providing essential fundamental knowledge in security. The in-depth coverage of core security principles, operating system security, and also the introduction to the many facets of IT security, provides a strong starting place for a career as a Cloud Security Specialist. The course's discussion of authentication, authorization, and access control provides a solid foundation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Specialist

Help Desk Technician

A Help Desk Technician provides first-line support to users experiencing technical issues. They respond to requests, troubleshoot problems, and attempt to resolve issues with hardware and software. The Microsoft Security Fundamentals course may be useful for an individual beginning a career as a Help Desk Technician. The course's focus on Windows operating system security fundamentals, user authentication, and permissions can be invaluable to this role. A familiarity with the Windows operating system, along with a basic understanding of security principles, is essential for effectively supporting users and maintaining system security.

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Compliance Analyst

A Compliance Analyst ensures an organization's IT systems and processes comply with industry regulations and internal policies. They assess risks, identify gaps in compliance, and implement corrective actions. The Microsoft Security Fundamentals course may be beneficial for a Compliance Analyst. The course introduces numerous security principles, operating system security, and IT security best practices that are critical to any compliance framework. The topics of risk management, audit policies, and access control are particularly important in the field of compliance.

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Penetration Tester

A Penetration Tester simulates cyber attacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks, reporting back to clients. This role requires a solid grasp of security principles, attack methods, and risk management strategies. The Microsoft Security Fundamentals course may be useful to someone pursuing the role of a Penetration Tester, as the course delivers foundational knowledge in IT security, operating system security, and risk management. The course's coverage of security principles, risk and threat analysis, and attack surface analysis helps build a crucial understanding of how systems can be compromised, and gives an advantage to anyone looking to begin a career as a tester of penetration.

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IT Support Specialist

An IT Support Specialist provides technical assistance to computer users. This individual troubleshoots issues, sets up new systems, and ensures the smooth operation of technology within an organization. The Microsoft Security Fundamentals course may be useful for anyone starting out as an IT Support Specialist. The course provides an introduction to core security principles and operating system security including topics such as user authentication, permissions, and password policies. A person in this role will benefit from having a working understanding of the Windows operating system, as well as a familiarity with physical security, and understanding of how to set up a virtual machine.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist

Security Awareness Trainer

A Security Awareness Trainer educates employees about security risks and best practices. This involves creating and delivering training programs to help employees recognize and prevent security threats. The Microsoft Security Fundamentals course may be helpful for anyone seeking a career as a Security Awareness Trainer. The course thoroughly reviews core security principles, operating system security, and common security threats that a person in this role would need to understand, making it useful in creating effective training programs. The course's coverage of social engineering and password policies is also especially pertinent for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Awareness Trainer

Microsoft Security Fundamentals

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Solid microsoft security fundamentals

Activities

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