Sec 505.1
Learn PowerShell Scripting for Security
Last updated
Learn PowerShell Scripting for Security
Last updated
SEC505.1, the opening segment of the SANS SEC505 course, introduces learners to PowerShell as a foundational tool for securing Windows environments. Designed for individuals with no prior scripting or programming experience, this section provides a comprehensive entry point into PowerShell’s capabilities. It establishes the essential skills required for the course’s broader objectives, with hands-on labs guiding participants through every step. While Day 1 focuses on fundamentals, PowerShell remains a recurring theme throughout the week, progressively deepening in scope and application.
Approximately 50% of SEC505’s labs leverage PowerShell, complemented by graphical security tools to ensure a balanced and engaging learning experience. This mix prevents fatigue and enhances practicality, a proven approach refined since PowerShell’s inclusion in SEC505 in 2007. Advanced topics, such as Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and Just Enough Admin (JEA), are reserved for later days, while Day 1 ensures accessibility for all learners. Supplementary resources, including free PowerShell scripts authored by the course creator, are available at SEC505.com to support immediate application.
PowerShell’s role in Security Operations (SecOps) and DevOps automation is central to this section. Integrated into Windows 7, Server 2008, and later versions by default—and available as open-source software for Linux and macOS—PowerShell enables cross-platform management at scale. This capability is critical for enacting rapid, consistent security changes across thousands of endpoints, such as remediating vulnerabilities without patches or resetting local Administrator passwords securely. Day 1 equips learners with the tools to achieve these outcomes efficiently.
PowerShell’s significance extends beyond scripting—it’s a strategic asset for enterprise security. SEC505.1 demonstrates how its encrypted remoting surpasses legacy tools like PSEXEC, enabling secure command execution across vast networks. For example, participants learn to hunt indicators of compromise or manage credentials with just a few lines of code. This scalability aligns with modern security demands, including cloud administration for platforms like AWS, Azure, and Office 365, making PowerShell proficiency a valuable skill for both network security and career advancement.
Security considerations for PowerShell itself are addressed later in the course (Day 6), covering topics like transcription logging, encryption, and JEA—PowerShell’s equivalent to Linux sudo. However, SEC505.1 lays the groundwork by empowering learners to use PowerShell effectively and securely from the outset.
SEC505.1 is structured into three core areas, each building toward practical scripting proficiency:
1. PowerShell Overview and Tips
Topics Covered:
Executing commands and navigating the PowerShell environment.
Accessing and updating the built-in help system.
Utilizing the Integrated Scripting Environment (ISE) with productivity-enhancing techniques.
Working with .NET and COM objects, leveraging properties and methods via pipelines.
Adapting Linux-friendly aliases and cmdlets for cross-platform familiarity.
Understanding cmdlets, functions, modules, and profile script customization.
Objective: Establish a solid command-line foundation for scripting and automation.
2. What Can We Do With PowerShell?
Topics Covered:
Implementing encrypted remote command execution across endpoints.
Performing file transfers and capturing command output remotely.
Parsing text files and logs using regular expressions (regex).
Querying remote event logs efficiently with XPath.
Accessing the registry as a navigable drive.
Exporting data to CSV, HTML, and JSON formats.
Processing nmap XML output for security analysis.
Scheduling scripts as jobs and deploying via Group Policy.
Objective: Demonstrate PowerShell’s versatility for security tasks and enterprise management.
3. Write Your Own Scripts
Topics Covered:
Creating custom functions with argument passing and parameter handling.
Implementing flow control constructs (e.g., if-then, do-while, foreach, switch).
Exploring the .NET Framework class library for advanced functionality.
Managing data pipelines for input/output operations.
Reviewing sample scripts at SEC505.com for practical inspiration.
Objective: Equip learners to develop tailored, reusable scripts for security automation.
Skill Acquisition: Participants will master basic PowerShell commands, remote execution, and script creation, with hands-on labs reinforcing each concept.
Practical Application: Skills are contextualized within security scenarios, such as threat hunting and credential management, ensuring immediate relevance.
Foundation for Growth: Day 1 prepares learners for advanced SEC505 topics, fostering confidence and competence in PowerShell usage.
Resources Gained: Access to free, course-authored scripts enhances post-section productivity.
Credits Awarded: 6 (contributing to the full SEC505 course total), reflecting the section’s depth and practical focus.
SEC505.1 is more than an introduction—it’s the cornerstone of automating Windows security at scale. By mastering PowerShell fundamentals, learners unlock the ability to address enterprise challenges, from endpoint management to cloud integration. This section not only builds technical expertise but also positions participants as valuable assets in SecOps, DevOps, and cybersecurity roles. As the first step in SEC505’s journey, it ensures a strong start toward earning the GIAC Certified Windows Security Administrator (GCWN) certification and beyond.
Next Section: SEC505.2 - Host Hardening and Active Directory Scripting
Importing modules and sourcing functions from .
