PowerShell Functions for Security Analysis from Pluralsight

This course will teach you how to use PowerShell for security analysis by automating common security tasks.

As a member of the security team within your organization, you may spend most of your time reviewing security issues, testing security configuration, and ensuring the organization is secure. Many of the tasks you perform require manual checks and reviewing of the results. In this course, PowerShell Functions for Security Analysis, you’ll learn to use PowerShell to perform security-related tasks. First, you’ll understand why PowerShell should be used to assist with Security. Next, you’ll discover how to install PowerShell cross-platform, followed by using PowerShell to remote cross operating system boundaries. Finally, you’ll learn how to use core commands and create scripts to automate common security tasks. When you are finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of using PowerShell for security analysis needed to enhance your PowerShell use within the security team.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

PowerShell Uses for Security Analysis

Installing and Remotely Connecting Using PowerShell

Querying System Information and Logs Using PowerShell

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores PowerShell functions for security analysis, which is valuable for enhancing security within organizations

Taught by Liam Cleary, who has expertise in PowerShell and security analysis

Geared towards security team members who are responsible for ensuring organizational security

Emphasizes the practical application of PowerShell commands and scripts for automating common security tasks

Reviews summary

Automating security tasks with powershell

According to students, this course is a highly practical resource for security professionals, offering directly applicable solutions. Many praise the hands-on labs and demos for providing actionable PowerShell solutions to automate security tasks. The instructor's clear delivery is a consistent positive. While it builds a strong foundation, some learners noted it assumes prior basic PowerShell knowledge, making it less ideal for absolute beginners. Overall, it's a valuable tool for enhancing security operations.

Instructor provides clear explanations and engaging delivery.

"The instructor explained complex concepts clearly, especially the hands-on labs."

"Excellent course! The instructor's delivery was engaging..."

"The instructor presented the material in an easy-to-digest manner."

Provides useful, hands-on experience with PowerShell.

"The instructor's delivery was engaging, and the demos were spot-on."

"The hands-on labs for automating security tasks were especially clear."

"The hands-on exercises were helpful, though sometimes the instructions could be a bit clearer."

Directly applicable for security professionals.

"This course was incredibly practical and directly applicable to my job as a security analyst."

"What I appreciated most was how it focused on real-world security challenges and provided actionable PowerShell solutions."

"I immediately started using the functions to streamline my daily checks. The cross-platform aspect was also a huge plus..."

A solid introduction but less comprehensive for advanced users.

"I felt some parts, especially around advanced scripting for specific security scenarios, could have been expanded upon."

"I found myself needing more depth, especially concerning error handling and robust script design for production environments."

"For experienced users, it lacks advanced topics; it's a good starting point."

Requires some prior PowerShell or scripting experience.

"While the premise is good, I felt the course jumped quickly into topics without sufficient foundational PowerShell knowledge."

"It might be better for those who already have some PowerShell background, not for absolute beginners."

"As someone relatively new to scripting, I struggled to keep up. More fundamental explanations would help."

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 PowerShell Functions for Security Analysis with these activities:

Set up PowerShell notebook

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Create a notes document to help you organize and retain information for this course.

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Gather notes materials
Set up a notebook
Review notes format

Read PowerShell tutorial

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Learn the basics of the skills you will need for this course by reviewing a PowerShell tutorial.

Browse courses on Powershell

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Review resources online
Complete an introduction to PowerShell tutorial
Start a PowerShell script

Review Bash

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This course uses remote cross operating system boundaries. Refresh your knowledge of Bash to prepare for this.

Browse courses on Bash

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Execute basic commands
Use the command prompt

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Review Security Concepts

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Refresh your knowledge of security concepts before you start this course.

Browse courses on Security Concepts

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Review basic security concepts
Take a practice quiz

PowerShell Exercises

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Complete practice drills to improve your skills.

Browse courses on Powershell

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Find exercises
Complete at least 10 exercises

Project: Script

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Create a PowerShell script to demonstrate your skills and reinforce learning.

Browse courses on Powershell Scripting

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Choose a problem to solve
Design a solution
Implement the script
Test the script

Contribute to PowerShell Projects

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Make a valuable contribution to the PowerShell community after completing this course.

Browse courses on Powershell

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Find a project to contribute to
Make a change
Submit a pull request

Career center

Learners who complete PowerShell Functions for Security Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Security Engineer

Security Engineers work to protect computer systems and networks from attack by securing networks and systems and monitoring and analyzing security breaches. This course helps build a foundation in using PowerShell to perform common security tasks, which could in turn be very useful to Security Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's computer networks and systems, including assessing the security posture of the organization and recommending and implementing security measures. Using PowerShell to perform common security tasks can help Information Security Analysts to be more efficient and effective in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts work to protect computer systems and networks from attack by identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities. PowerShell is a valuable tool for Cybersecurity Analysts, as it can be used to perform a variety of security-related tasks, such as vulnerability scanning, malware detection, and incident response.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

IT Security Specialist

IT Security Specialists are responsible for protecting the computer systems and networks of an organization, including installing and maintaining security hardware and software. PowerShell is a valuable tool for IT Security Specialists, as it can be used to automate many security-related tasks, such as patch management, user account management, and security event monitoring.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Specialist

Security Auditor

Security Auditors work to assess the security posture of an organization and recommend and implement security measures. This course can help Security Auditors to develop the skills they need to use PowerShell to perform common security tasks, such as security assessments, vulnerability scanning, and compliance reporting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Auditor

Forensic Investigator

Forensic Investigators work to investigate computer crimes and collect evidence. PowerShell can be a valuable tool for Forensic Investigators, as it can be used to collect and analyze digital evidence, such as log files, system registry, and email communications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Investigator

Security Consultant

Security Consultants work to help organizations improve their security posture by identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities and weaknesses. This course may be useful to Security Consultants who are looking to learn how to use PowerShell to perform common security tasks, such as vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and security reviews.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Network Security Administrator

Network Security Administrators work to protect an organization's computer networks from attack by configuring and maintaining security devices, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and virtual private networks. PowerShell is a valuable tool for Network Security Administrators, as it can be used to automate many security-related tasks, such as network configuration management, security event monitoring, and incident response.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Administrator

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators work to maintain and operate computer systems and networks. PowerShell is a valuable tool for Systems Administrators, as it can be used to automate many system administration tasks, such as user account management, software installation, and performance monitoring.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Security Analyst

Security Analysts work to identify and address security threats and vulnerabilities. This course can be useful to Security Analysts who are looking to learn how to use PowerShell to perform common security tasks, such as security monitoring, event analysis, and threat detection.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers work to identify and exploit security vulnerabilities in an organization's computer systems and networks. PowerShell can be a valuable tool for Penetration Testers, as it can be used to automate many penetration testing tasks, such as vulnerability scanning, exploit development, and privilege escalation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Incident Responder

Incident Responders work to respond to and mitigate security incidents. PowerShell can be a valuable tool for Incident Responders, as it can be used to automate many incident response tasks, such as evidence collection, system analysis, and containment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder

Security Researcher

Security Researchers work to discover and develop new security vulnerabilities and techniques. PowerShell can be a valuable tool for Security Researchers, as it can be used to automate many security research tasks, such as vulnerability analysis, exploit development, and reverse engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Researcher

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for overseeing the security of an organization's computer systems and networks. This course can be useful to CISOs who are looking to learn how to use PowerShell to perform common security tasks, such as security assessments, security audits, and compliance reporting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Director of Information Security

Directors of Information Security are responsible for developing and implementing the security strategy of an organization. This course can be useful to Directors of Information Security who are looking to learn how to use PowerShell to perform common security tasks, such as security planning, risk management, and security incident management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Director of Information Security