Configuring Windows Firewall for Windows Server 2019 from Pluralsight

Controlling and securing traffic to and from Windows Server 2019 hosts enhances your organization's security posture. Windows Defender Firewall is included with Windows Server 2019 and can be managed using GUI tools as well as PowerShell cmdlets.

Protecting Windows Server 2019 hosts from unauthorized network traffic can be achieved with correctly configured firewall rules. Both traffic coming into and out of hosts can be controlled using Windows Defender firewall. More than just basic IP address and port filtering, rules can be based on apps and services and have conditions such as user or host attempting to make a connection. In this course, Configuring Windows Firewall for Windows Server 2019, you'll explore how to create inbound and outbound firewall rules using the GUI including through Group Policy, and how rules relate to network location profiles. Next, you'll discover how to encrypt and authenticate network traffic using IPsec connection security rules. Finally, you will experience managing Windows Defender Firewall using PowerShell cmdlets. When you're done with this course, you'll have acquired the skills needed to plan and implement Windows Defender Firewall rules and IPsec.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Creating and Managing Windows Firewall Rules

Securing Network Traffic with IPsec

Managing Windows Firewall with PowerShell

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers configuring Windows firewall for Windows Server 2019, which is standard in industry

Explains how to manage firewall rules using GUI and PowerShell cmdlets

Instructs on encrypting and authenticating network traffic using IPsec connection security rules

Targeted at IT professionals responsible for securing Windows Server 2019 hosts

Suitable for learners with basic understanding of Windows Server 2019 and firewall concepts

Provides hands-on labs for implementing Windows Defender Firewall rules and IPsec

Reviews summary

Configuring windows firewall: a practical guide

According to learners, this course is a largely positive resource for configuring Windows Defender Firewall on Server 2019. Students praise the instructor's clear explanations and engaging delivery, especially when tackling complex topics like IPsec and Group Policy. Many highlight the practical examples, hands-on labs, and step-by-step instructions, which enable them to immediately apply skills in their work environment. While it provides a solid foundation covering GUI and PowerShell management, some more experienced IT professionals found the pace a bit slow or desired more advanced troubleshooting scenarios and in-depth automation with PowerShell. It is particularly well-suited for those with basic networking knowledge or beginners to advanced firewall configurations.

Solid on core topics, but some desire more advanced detail.

"Good overview of Windows Firewall for Server 2019... I felt some parts, especially around advanced rule configurations and troubleshooting, could have gone into more depth."

"I was hoping for more advanced scripting examples beyond the basics of PowerShell for firewall management."

"Decent content, but I wish there was a module on integrating with other security tools or best practices for larger deployments."

Provides immediately applicable skills for real-world scenarios.

"As an IT professional, this course provided exactly what I needed to manage firewalls more effectively. The practical examples were spot on..."

"I loved the practical demonstrations and felt very confident applying these skills in my work environment right away."

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

Instructor's ability to simplify complex topics.

"The instructor explained complex topics like IPsec and Group Policy clearly, and the hands-on labs were invaluable."

"The instructor's delivery was very engaging. This truly helps secure my servers."

"The instructor's expertise shines through, making even complex topics like IPsec understandable."

Some examples felt static and could benefit from real-world updates.

"I would suggest updating some of the examples as they felt a little static, maybe more dynamic real-world scenarios."

"The coverage of GUI and PowerShell was balanced. I felt the examples could be more dynamic for current IT challenges."

Good for beginners but potentially slow for advanced users.

"The course is okay. It covers the basics, but if you already know a bit about Windows Server, it might feel a bit slow or repetitive."

"Found this course a bit too basic. I have several years experience with Windows Server and was looking for more advanced techniques..."

"This is a good foundational course. The pace was good for someone with basic networking knowledge."

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 Configuring Windows Firewall for Windows Server 2019 with these activities:

Review Windows Firewall Features

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Refresh your knowledge of Windows Firewall's features before starting the course to strengthen your understanding of its capabilities.

Browse courses on Windows Firewall

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Review documentation on Windows Firewall features
Practice configuring basic firewall rules

Configure Firewall Rules in GUI

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Apply your understanding of firewall rules by configuring them through the GUI, reinforcing the concepts from the course.

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Create inbound and outbound firewall rules using the GUI
Use Group Policy to manage firewall rules
Configure network location profiles

Manage Firewall with PowerShell

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Gain proficiency in managing Windows Firewall using PowerShell, extending your ability to configure and troubleshoot firewall settings.

Browse courses on Powershell

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Learn basic PowerShell commands for firewall management
Practice creating and modifying firewall rules with PowerShell
Use PowerShell to troubleshoot firewall issues

Four other activities

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Explore IPsec Connection Security Rules

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Enhance your knowledge of network security by following tutorials that explain the implementation and configuration of IPsec connection security rules.

Browse courses on IPsec

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Find tutorials on IPsec connection security rules
Follow the tutorials to understand the concepts
Implement IPsec rules in a lab environment

Create a Firewall Configuration Plan

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Integrate your learning by creating a comprehensive plan for configuring a firewall, applying the principles you've acquired in the course.

Browse courses on Security Planning

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Identify network security requirements
Design firewall rules based on requirements
Create a deployment plan for the firewall
Document the firewall configuration

Mentor Junior IT Professionals

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Reinforce your understanding of firewall concepts by sharing your knowledge with others, solidifying your grasp on the subject matter.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Identify opportunities to mentor junior IT professionals
Share your knowledge and experience on Windows Firewall
Provide guidance and support to mentees
Evaluate your mentoring experience and reflect on your understanding

Participate in a Cybersecurity Competition

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Challenge yourself and apply your firewall knowledge in a real-world setting by participating in a cybersecurity competition, fostering your analytical and problem-solving skills.

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Find a relevant cybersecurity competition
Prepare for the competition by practicing and reviewing
Participate in the competition and test your abilities
Analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement

Career center

Learners who complete Configuring Windows Firewall for Windows Server 2019 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Security Administrator

A Security Administrator plans and implements an organization's IT security. They are tasked with securing data from unauthorized access or malicious attack. They may also be the first line of defense in the event of a cyber-attack. In order to be successful in this role, one should understand how to design, implement, and manage security firewalls. This course will help you with this, as it covers the fundamentals of Windows Firewall for Windows Server 2019.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Administrator

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts plan and implement an organization's cybersecurity program. They are tasked with protecting the organization's data and networks from unauthorized access or attack. They may also be responsible for investigating cyber security incidents. This course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity by teaching you how to configure Windows Firewall for Windows Server 2019.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. They are also responsible for providing recommendations on how to fix these vulnerabilities. This course can help you build a foundation in penetration testing by teaching you how to configure Windows Firewall for Windows Server 2019.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Security Architect

Security Architects design and implement security solutions for organizations. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures. This course can help you build a foundation in security architecture by teaching you how to configure Windows Firewall for Windows Server 2019.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage computer networks and ensure that they are running smoothly and efficiently. They may also be responsible for network security. This course can help you build a foundation in network administration by teaching you how to configure Windows Firewall for Windows Server 2019.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts identify, assess, and mitigate risks to an organization's information systems. They also develop and implement security policies and procedures. They must be knowledgeable about the latest cyber security threats and trends. This course can help you build a foundation in information security by teaching you how to configure Windows Firewall for Windows Server 2019.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Information Security Manager

Information Security Managers oversee all aspects of an organization's information security program. They are responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures. They also manage information security staff and may be responsible for budgeting and procurement. This course can help you build a foundation in information security management by teaching you how to configure Windows Firewall for Windows Server 2019.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They are also responsible for network security, performance, and reliability. They must be able to identify and resolve network issues quickly and efficiently. This course can help you build a foundation in network security by teaching you how to configure Windows Firewall for Windows Server 2019.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers design, implement, and manage security for cloud-based applications and services. They must be proficient in the latest cloud computing security technologies. This course may be useful for Cloud Security Engineers who want to learn more about network security and firewall management.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators maintain and troubleshoot computer systems and networks. They are responsible for installing and updating software, configuring hardware, and resolving user issues. This course can help you build a foundation in systems administration by teaching you how to configure Windows Firewall for Windows Server 2019.

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IT Manager

IT Managers oversee all aspects of an organization's IT infrastructure. They are responsible for developing and implementing IT policies and procedures. They also manage IT staff and may be responsible for budgeting and procurement. This course may be useful for IT Managers who want to learn more about network security and firewall management.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

IT Consultant

IT Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their IT systems and networks. They may also be responsible for implementing and managing IT solutions. This course may be useful for IT Consultants who want to learn more about network security and firewall management.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors assess the security and compliance of an organization's IT systems and networks. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing IT audit plans. This course may be useful for IT Auditors who want to learn more about network security and firewall management.

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Forensic Analyst

Forensic Analysts investigate computer-related crimes. They may also be responsible for recovering data from damaged or compromised systems. This course may be useful for Forensic Analysts who want to learn more about network security and firewall management.

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Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers design, implement, and manage cloud-based applications and services. They must be proficient in the latest cloud computing technologies. This course may be useful for Cloud Engineers who want to learn more about network security and firewall management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer