Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners from Coursera

In Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners, you will build key skills to recognize common security threats and risks and learn how to set up cybersecurity defenses and updates.

In this guided lab, you will learn how to review and update threat definitions, run the Defender Antivirus quick scan, and configure Firewall Rules with and without Advanced Security.

You can earn a shareable certificate for this guided project when you score 80% or more on the graded quiz.

After completing this project, you can further expand your cybersecurity skills by taking the Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials course. This course includes additional valuable skills to help you get started in Cybersecurity and offers a shareable, recognized badge. Introduction to Cybersecurity is also part of the IBM The IT and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization.

The IBM IT and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization provides prerequisite skills for all IT careers, including technical support specialists, data analysts, data scientists, software engineers, systems administrators, and IT managers. With this specialization, you will acquire hardware, operating systems, programming, database, networking, storage, cybersecurity, and cloud computing knowledge and skills that prepare you for an entry-level IT role. Also, this specialization will help you understand and manage IT responsibilities within your organization. Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials is also part of the IBM Technical Support Professional Certificate.

The IBM Technical Support Professional Certificate prepares you for a job in Technical Support. Whether just starting your career or changing jobs, this program enables you to develop a strong foundation in IT fundamentals, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Experts from IBM built this Professional Certificate program to prepare you for an entry-level job in Technical Support.

No experience is necessary to participate in this guided project. All you need are basic computer operating skills.

Learn without limitations. Enroll today!

What's inside

Syllabus

Project Overview

Welcome to Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners. During your first lab, you'll review Windows Security Virus and threat protection, update threat definitions, and run Windows Defender Antivirus quick scan. When you finish your second lab, you'll be able to configure Firewall Rules using Microsoft Windows Defender Firewall with and without Advanced Security.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops foundational cybersecurity skills for beginners

Taught by the IBM Skills Network Team, recognized for their work in cybersecurity

Provides hands-on labs for practical application of cybersecurity concepts

Requires basic computer operating skills for accessibility

May require learners to have some foundational knowledge of cybersecurity concepts

Focuses on Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall, which may limit applicability to other operating systems

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 Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners with these activities:

Revisit Concepts from Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials

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Strengthen your foundation by reviewing key concepts from the Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials course, which will provide a solid base for understanding firewall security.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity Essentials

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Review the course materials and notes from Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials.
Focus on topics such as cybersecurity threats, risk management, and security frameworks.

Seek Guidance from Experienced Cybersecurity Professionals

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Enhance your learning by seeking guidance from experienced cybersecurity professionals who can provide valuable insights and support throughout your journey.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Identify potential mentors in your network or through online platforms.
Reach out to them and request their mentorship or guidance.

Review Microsoft Windows

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Get a better understanding of the operating system that will be the focus of this course.

Browse courses on Microsoft Windows

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Read through the Microsoft Windows documentation.
Watch tutorials on Microsoft Windows.

11 other activities

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Review Principles of Computer Networking

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Solidify your understanding of computer networking basics before starting the course to enhance your comprehension of security concepts.

Browse courses on Computer Networking

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Review fundamental concepts of network architectures and protocols.
Familiarize yourself with network security concepts, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

Follow Microsoft tutorials

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Get a better understanding of the core topics of this course from Microsoft's experts.

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Find a tutorial on Microsoft Windows Defender.
Follow the steps in the tutorial.
Do the same for Firewall Rules and Advanced Security.

Explore Microsoft Windows Defender Documentation

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Review Microsoft's official documentation on Windows Defender to strengthen your understanding of its features and capabilities.

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Visit the Microsoft Windows Defender documentation website.
Read through the sections on 'Overview', 'Features', and 'How to use'.
Take notes on key concepts and functionalities.

Explore Online Tutorials on Windows Defender Firewall

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Enhance your practical skills by following guided tutorials that provide step-by-step instructions on configuring Windows Defender Firewall.

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Find reliable tutorials from reputable sources.
Follow the instructions carefully and implement the configurations in your own Windows environment.

Practice setting up Firewall Rules

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Get hands-on experience with one of the most important aspects of this course.

Browse courses on Firewall rules

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Find a practice exercise on setting up Firewall Rules.
Follow the steps in the exercise.
Repeat the exercise several times.

Join a Study Group for Firewall Discussions

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Engage with peers by joining a study group to discuss firewall security concepts, share experiences, and clarify any doubts.

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Find or create a study group with other participants who are also taking the course.
Regularly meet to discuss specific topics related to firewall security.

Configure Firewall Rules with Advanced Security

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Practice configuring Firewall Rules with Advanced Security to enhance your understanding of network protection.

Browse courses on Firewall rules

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Set up a test environment with a Windows machine.
Follow the instructions in the Microsoft documentation to configure Firewall Rules with Advanced Security.
Test the configured rules by simulating network traffic.

Conduct Hands-on Exercises with Windows Defender Firewall

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Gain hands-on experience by configuring and managing Windows Defender Firewall in various scenarios, solidifying your understanding of its capabilities.

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Set up different firewall rules to control inbound and outbound traffic.
Troubleshoot common issues related to firewall configurations.

Develop a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan

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Create a comprehensive plan that outlines steps for responding to and mitigating cybersecurity incidents.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity Incident Response

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Identify potential cybersecurity threats and risks.
Define roles and responsibilities for incident response.
Develop procedures for detecting, containing, and recovering from incidents.
Test and refine the plan through simulations and exercises.

Create a Cheat Sheet for Firewall Security Best Practices

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Reinforce your learning by creating a cheat sheet summarizing key best practices for firewall security, which you can use as a quick reference.

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Research and gather relevant information on firewall security best practices.
Organize and present the information in a concise and easy-to-understand format.

Design and Implement a Firewall Security Plan for a Small Business

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Apply your knowledge by designing and implementing a firewall security plan for a small business, demonstrating your understanding of real-world cybersecurity practices.

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Identify the security requirements and objectives of the small business.
Design and configure a firewall solution that meets the specific needs of the business.
Document and present your plan to the business stakeholders.

Career center

Learners who complete Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. With the help of Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners, you can build a foundation in cybersecurity and learn how to protect against viruses and threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners can help you develop the skills necessary to understand security threats and work towards designing effective security systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer

Security Architect

Security Architects design, implement, and maintain security systems to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners can help you develop the skills necessary to understand security threats and work towards designing effective security systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

IT Security Manager

IT Security Managers plan, implement, and oversee an organization's security policies and procedures. Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners can help you develop the skills necessary to understand security threats and work towards designing effective security systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Manager

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain an organization's computer networks to ensure they run smoothly and securely. Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners can help you develop the skills necessary to understand security threats and work towards designing effective security systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

IT Auditor

IT Auditors evaluate an organization's computer networks and systems to ensure they are secure and compliant with regulations. Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners can help you develop the skills necessary to understand security threats and work towards designing effective security systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Security Analyst

Security Analysts monitor and analyze an organization's computer networks and systems for security threats. Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners can help you develop the skills necessary to understand security threats and work towards designing effective security systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Vulnerability Analyst

Vulnerability Analysts identify and assess vulnerabilities in an organization's computer networks and systems. Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners may help you in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Vulnerability Analyst

Security Consultant

Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their security. Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners may help you in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners may help you in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners may help you in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners may help you in this role.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners may help you in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators manage and maintain an organization's computer systems. Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners may help you in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain an organization's databases. Microsoft Windows Defender and Firewall for Beginners may help you in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator