PowerShell is a powerful object‑oriented scripting language
based on the .NET Common Language Runtime that can interact
with the operating system.
It runs via a command‑line interface that is built
directly into the Windows operating system,
which means it has full access into data of the file system and other
obscure information not available to the other tools.
It can be used for a wide range of purposes,
including system administration across the network. Because
it has access to Windows system APIs,
you can do automation of repetitive tasks and even as a tool
for, you guessed it, active defense. With PowerShell, you are
capable of running scripts that can detect and respond to
suspicious activity on the network.
A feature called the Desired State Configuration, or the DSC, is an important
part of security that allows an organization to maintain a consistent
configuration across its Windows and Linux machines.
Maybe later in this course we will check this out as it allows us to
do things like turning on and off services and checking a system
against a default secure configuration.
Overall,
PowerShell provides a powerful and flexible tool that can be used as
part of the active defense strategy to help protect an organization's
network and assets against cyber threats.
Here are some ways that PowerShell can be used for active defense. Scripting.
PowerShell can be used to write scripts that automate various attacks,
such as checking the security of a system or monitoring
network traffic for suspicious activity.
Network reconnaissance.
PowerShell can be used to gather information about the network,
such as a list of devices and their IP addresses to help
identify malicious hosts. Simulating attacks.
PowerShell can be used to simulate attacks such as spear
phishing or malware injection to test the effectiveness of
an organization's defense.
Lastly,
remediation. PowerShell can be used to quickly fix security
issues such as patching vulnerable configurations or
resetting compromised user accounts.
Okay, so with that out of the way,
let's talk a little bit about the tools we will use during
this course so you can follow along.