Implementing Active Directory Certificate Services in Windows Server 2016 from Pluralsight

Active Directory Certificate Services allow you to use certificates and the public key infrastructure to safeguard your business. This course will teach you how to implement an AD CS infrastructure and implement smart cards.

Security is more important than ever to a business. Assuring that your data is safe, your communications are protected, and your workers can be safely identified can prevent a catastrophic breach of security that could adversely affect an enterprise. In this course, Implementing Active Directory Certificate Services in Windows Server 2016, you'll learn how to properly use this technology and have the peace of mind knowing you are providing the protection of your infrastructure deserves. First, you'll explore how to set up and administer a certification authority. Next, you'll discover how to use certificates for your business and security needs. Finally, you'll learn how to implement smart cards. By the end of this course, you'll know how to secure your network, your data, your connections, and your users by using certificates in your environment.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Understanding the AD CS Infrastructure

Building the Lab Environment

Deploying the Root CA

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Gary Grudzinskas, who are recognized for their work in this industry

Explores Active Directory Certificate Services, which is standard in IT industry

Teaches how to implement an AD CS infrastructure and implement smart cards, which helps students work with security technologies

Teaches skills and knowledge that are highly relevant to IT professionals

Covers unique perspectives and ideas that may add color to other topics and subjects

Requires students to come in with extensive background knowledge first

Reviews summary

Practical ad cs implementation in windows server 2016

According to students, this course offers a clear and practical guide to implementing Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) in Windows Server 2016. Learners frequently praise the hands-on lab environment and step-by-step deployment instructions, making complex PKI concepts accessible. While it provides a solid foundational understanding suitable for IT professionals new to AD CS, some learners suggest it may be too basic for advanced users seeking deep dives. The content is specific to Windows Server 2016, which is a neutral point as core PKI concepts remain relevant, but modern integration isn't covered.

Content is focused on Windows Server 2016, which is important to note.

"It's strictly Windows Server 2016, so if you're looking for more modern Azure integration or 2019/2022 specific features, this isn't it."

"While 2016 specific, the core PKI concepts are timeless and well-explained."

Requires familiarity with Windows Server administration concepts.

"Just be aware, it assumes a fair bit of prior knowledge in Windows Server administration. Not for absolute beginners to IT."

"As someone with extensive server experience, I didn't gain much new insight. It's really geared towards those new to AD CS."

It offers a strong starting point for IT professionals new to AD CS.

"This course was exactly what I needed to get started with AD CS."

"Good foundational course on implementing AD CS."

"I learned a lot about securing PKI and understanding the AD CS infrastructure much better."

Complex AD CS concepts are broken down into understandable, actionable steps.

"The instructor explains complex concepts clearly, and the labs are practical and easy to follow."

"This course clarifies many common ambiguities around PKI. A must-take for server admins."

"Clear, concise, and straight to the point. The instructor gets right into the technical details without unnecessary fluff."

The course provides invaluable practical experience through detailed lab setups.

"The 'Building the Lab Environment' section was invaluable. I could follow along and successfully deploy AD CS in my test environment."

"The labs are practical and easy to follow. I feel confident now in deploying a basic PKI infrastructure."

"The step-by-step approach for deploying the root and subordinate CAs was very helpful."

May not provide sufficient depth for very experienced professionals.

"My only minor feedback is that some advanced troubleshooting scenarios could be included."

"I found it a bit too basic. As someone with extensive server experience, I didn't gain much new insight."

"It's a good starting point but I found I needed to research more on my own for complex scenarios."

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 Implementing Active Directory Certificate Services in Windows Server 2016 with these activities:

Compile a list of resources on Active Directory Certificate Services

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Strengthen knowledge base by creating a comprehensive list of resources related to AD CS, including documentation, tutorials, and forums.

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Search for resources on Active Directory Certificate Services
Evaluate the resources
Organize the resources into a list

Review Kerberos authentication basics

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Review Kerberos concepts to strengthen understanding of the Active Directory Certificate Services infrastructure.

Browse courses on Kerberos Authentication

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Read the Microsoft documentation on Kerberos authentication
Watch a video tutorial on Kerberos
Take a quiz on Kerberos

Lab Techniques Review

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This activity will help you improve your laboratory skills, reinforcing techniques that are essential for both this course and the field of toxicology.

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Pull up your notes from relevant prior courses on lab techniques.
Review those notes and identify the top five techniques you will need for this course.
Find and/or create practice problems that test your understanding of each of the five techniques.
Complete the practice problems.
Review the correct answers and go back to your notes if there are any items you got wrong.
Set up a study group with some classmates to quiz each other on the five techniques.

Six other activities

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Participate in a study group on Active Directory Certificate Services

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Engage in collaborative learning by joining a study group focused on AD CS, enhancing understanding through discussions and shared knowledge.

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Find a study group on Active Directory Certificate Services
Attend the study group meetings
Participate in discussions

Follow a tutorial on deploying a root CA

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Gain practical experience in deploying a root CA to strengthen understanding of the implementation process.

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Find a tutorial on deploying a root CA
Follow the steps in the tutorial
Test the root CA

Create a self-signed certificate

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Practice creating and managing certificates to solidify understanding of the AD CS infrastructure.

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Open the Windows Certificate Manager
Create a new self-signed certificate
Configure the certificate settings
Install the certificate

Attend a workshop on smart cards

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Deepen understanding of smart card implementation by attending a workshop that covers their use and benefits.

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Find a workshop on smart cards
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop

Create a presentation on the benefits of using certificates

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Demonstrate understanding of the advantages of certificates by creating a presentation that outlines their benefits.

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Research the benefits of using certificates
Create an outline for the presentation
Develop the presentation
Practice delivering the presentation

Participate in a hackathon that focuses on implementing AD CS

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Challenge problem-solving skills and deepen understanding of AD CS by participating in a hackathon that tests implementation abilities.

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Find a hackathon that focuses on implementing AD CS
Register for the hackathon
Attend the hackathon
Implement an AD CS solution

Career center

Learners who complete Implementing Active Directory Certificate Services in Windows Server 2016 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Security Architect

A Security Architect is an architect who specializes in security. They design, implement, and manage security solutions for organizations. Understanding public key infrastructure like AD CS can be a useful skill for a Security Architect since it allows one to secure data, communications, and user identities.

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Security Consultant

A Security Consultant is a consultant who specializes in security. They provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their security posture. A Security Consultant may work with clients to implement AD CS to enhance their security infrastructure.

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Network Security Engineer

A Network Security Engineer is an engineer who specializes in network security. They design, implement, and manage network security solutions for organizations. Having foundational knowledge of AD CS can help a Network Security Engineer to better understand the cybersecurity landscape.

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IT Security Manager

An IT Security Manager is a manager who is responsible for the security of an organization's IT systems. They develop and implement security policies and procedures, and oversee the implementation of security technologies. An IT Security Manager who has a good knowledge of AD CS can leverage it to protect their organization's assets.

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Security Analyst

A Security Analyst is an analyst who specializes in security. They analyze security data and trends, and identify and mitigate security risks. A Security Analyst may use AD CS as part of their security infrastructure to help protect their organization from cyber threats.

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Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator is an administrator who is responsible for the maintenance and operation of an organization's computer systems. They may be responsible for implementing and managing AD CS as part of their role.

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Network Administrator

A Network Administrator is an administrator who is responsible for the maintenance and operation of an organization's computer networks. They may be responsible for implementing and managing AD CS as part of their role.

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IT Manager

An IT Manager is a manager who is responsible for the management of an organization's IT systems. They may be responsible for implementing and managing AD CS as part of their role.

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IT Director

An IT Director is a director who is responsible for the management of an organization's IT systems. They may be responsible for implementing and managing AD CS as part of their role.

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CTO

A CTO is a technology executive who is responsible for the management of an organization's technology strategy. They may be responsible for implementing and managing AD CS as part of their role.

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CIO

A CIO is a technology executive who is responsible for the management of an organization's technology strategy. They may be responsible for implementing and managing AD CS as part of their role.

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Information Security Officer

An Information Security Officer is an officer who is responsible for the management of an organization's information security program. They may be responsible for implementing and managing AD CS as part of their role.

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Chief Information Security Officer

A Chief Information Security Officer is a senior executive who is responsible for the management of an organization's information security program. They may be responsible for implementing and managing AD CS as part of their role.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst is an analyst who specializes in cybersecurity. They analyze cybersecurity data and trends, and identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks. A Cybersecurity Analyst may use AD CS as part of their cybersecurity infrastructure to help protect their organization from cyber threats.

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Security Engineer

A Security Engineer is an engineer who specializes in security. They design, implement, and manage security solutions for organizations. Having foundational knowledge of AD CS can help a Security Engineer to better understand the cybersecurity landscape.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer