Windows Domain
Simply put, a Windows domain is a group of users and computers under the administration of a given business. The main idea behind a domain is to centralise the administration of common components of a Windows computer network in a single repository called Active Directory (AD). The server that runs the Active Directory services is known as a Domain Controller (DC).
Active Directory
The core of any Windows Domain is the Active Directory Domain Service (AD DS). This service acts as a catalogue that holds the information of all of the “objects” that exist on your network. Amongst the many objects supported by AD, we have users, groups, machines, printers, shares and many others.
Domain Controller
A Domain Controller is an Active Directory server that acts as the brain for a Windows server domain; it supervises the entire network. Within the domain, it acts as a gatekeeper for users’ authentication and IT resources authorization
Windows Active Directory Study Notes
The guide meticulously explains the foundational aspects of Active Directory (AD), from domains, trees, and forests to trusts, permissions, and security controls. It emphasizes best practices for hardening AD environments against common threats like reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and credential theft. Strategies such as disabling legacy protocols (LLMNR, NTLM), implementing Privileged Access Management (PAM), and using object ACLs for fine-grained permissions are explored in depth. Advanced topics include AD Recycle Bin, system state backup, and snapshot management for disaster recovery. The document serves both as a learning resource and a practical handbook for securing AD infrastructure effectively.
Who Are These Notes For?
- IT Professionals
- Aspiring learners who are looking to learn Windows Active Directory Security Best Practices.
Table of Contents
– AD Basics
- Windows Domain
- Active Directory
- Domain Controller
- Trees
- Forests
- AD Trust
- Security Groups vs OUs
- Group Policy
- Authentication Protocols in AD
– AD Security
– Securing Domain Controllers
– Active Directory Audit and Monitoring
Format:
Page count: 226
Testimonials (LinkedIn)
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This means if you want to stay up to date with the changes and updates to the notes and get access to other categories, I encourage to join the channel membership second tier instead. However, if you are fine with downloading the current version of this section of the notes then you can buy this booklet instead for a one-time payment.
Will the prices of this book change in the future?
Once another version of this book is released, which it will, the price will slightly change as the booklet will include more contents, notes and illustrations.
Free Windows Active Directory Penetration Testing Training
Checkout the playlist below on my YouTube channel for free Windows Active Directory Penetration Testing Training
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
2. Who is the author of this resource?
The notes are compiled by Motasem Hamdan, a cybersecurity content creator known for producing educational materials on topics like Active Directory security, penetration testing, and system administration.
3. What topics are covered in these notes?
The guide encompasses a wide range of topics, including:
- Windows Domain and Active Directory fundamentals
- Domain Controllers and their roles
- AD structures like Trees, Forests, and Trusts
- Security Groups vs Organizational Units (OUs)
- Group Policy management
- Authentication protocols in AD
- Securing Domain Controllers
- Active Directory auditing and monitoring techniques
Is this resource suitable for beginners?
Yes, the notes are designed for both IT professionals and aspiring learners who are looking to understand and implement Windows Active Directory security best practices.
Are there any free resources available from the author?
Yes, Motasem Hamdan offers various free articles and tutorials on his website. For instance, his article on Windows Active Directory Hardening and Security provides insights into hardening techniques for AD environments.
Can I find practical examples or tutorials related to these topics?
Absolutely. Motasem Hamdan has produced video tutorials and walkthroughs on platforms like YouTube, covering topics such as Active Directory penetration testing and security auditing techniques. These resources complement the notes and provide hands-on demonstrations.
Are there other related resources or study guides available from the author?
Yes, Motasem Hamdan offers a range of study notes and guides on various cybersecurity topics, including:
- Blue Team & SOC Analyst Study Notes
- Snort IDS Study Notes
- Splunk SIEM Study Notes
- Network Traffic Analysis Study Notes
- Wazuh SIEM Study Notes
- Wireshark Study Notes
These resources can be found on his main website under the Notes Catalog.