Mastering Windows
Security and
Hardening
Second Edition
Secure and protect your Windows environment from
cyber threats using zero-trust security principles
Mark Dunkerley
Matt Tumbarello
BIRMINGHAM—MUMBAI
Mastering Windows Security and Hardening
Second Edition
Copyright © 2022 Packt Publishing
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher,
except in the case of brief quotations embedded in critical articles or reviews.
Every eort has been made in the preparation of this book to ensure the accuracy of the information
presented. However, the information contained in this book is sold without warranty, either express
or implied. Neither the authors, nor Packt Publishing or its dealers and distributors, will be held liable
for any damages caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by this book.
Packt Publishing has endeavored to provide trademark information about all of the companies
and products mentioned in this book by the appropriate use of capitals. However, Packt Publishing
cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
Group Product Manager: Vijin Boricha
Publishing Product Manager: Prachi Sawant
Senior Content Development Editor: Sayali Pingale
Technical Editor: Nithik Cheruvakodan
Copy Editor: Sas Editing
Project Manager: Neil Dmello
Proofreader: Sas Editing
Indexer: Rekha Nair
Production Designer: Jyoti Chauhan
Senior Marketing Coordinator: Hemangi Lotlikar
First published: July 2020
Second edition: July 2022
Production reference: 1120722
Published by Packt Publishing Ltd.
Livery Place
35 Livery Street
Birmingham
B3 2PB, UK.
978-1-80323-654-4
www.packt.com
Contributors
About the authors
Mark Dunkerley is a cybersecurity and technology leader with over 20 years of
experience working in higher education, healthcare, and Fortune 100 companies. Mark
has extensive knowledge in IT architecture and cybersecurity through delivering secure
technology solutions and services. He has experience in cloud technologies, vulnerability
management, vendor risk management, identity and access management, security
operations, security testing, awareness and training, application and data security,
incident and response management, regulatory and compliance, and more. Mark holds
a master’s degree in business administration and has received certications through
(ISC)², AirWatch, Microso, CompTIA, VMware, AXELOS, Cisco, and EMC. Mark has
spoken at multiple events, is a published author, sits on customer advisory boards, has
published several case studies, and is featured as one of Security magazine’s 2022 Top
Cybersecurity Leaders.
ank you to my wife, Robin, and children, Tyne, Isley, and Cambridge, for
all your continued support. To my parents for shaping me into the person
I am today. My brother for his ongoing service in the British Army. My
co-author, Matt, for his dedication to the success of this book. To anyone
I missed, thank you! Without you all, this book would have
not been possible.
Matt Tumbarello is a senior solutions architect. He has extensive experience working with
the Microso security stack, Azure, Microso 365, Intune, Conguration Manager, and
virtualization technologies. He also has a background working directly with Fortune 500
executives in a technical enablement role. Matt has published reviews for Azure security
products, privileged access management vendors, and mobile threat defense solutions. He
also holds several Microso certications.
I would like to acknowledge all my peers, business partners, and coworkers,
who continuously help me learn and grow. Without your support, this book
wouldn’t be possible.
About the reviewer
Premnath Sambasivam is a server engineer with 10 years experience in Windows, Azure,
VMware, and SCCM administration. He is an MCSE Cloud Platform, and Infrastructure
certied professional and Microso certied Azure Architect. He has developed and
deployed Microso System Center Conguration Manager solutions to manage more
than 6,000 assets in his client’s environment and various VMware solutions. Premnath
is a technology enthusiast who loves learning and exploring new technologies. He is
currently working as a Senior Cloud Engineer for one of the major retail brands in the
USA. He reviewed the books Mastering Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022
Fundamentals, which is also published by Packt Publishing.
I want to thank my wife and son for encouraging me to spend time
learning. Reviewing books also refreshes our memory and lets us learn
about the latest technologies and soware improvements. Special thanks to
my mom and dad for always being supportive.