Active Directory (AD) is the backbone of many enterprise networks, serving as a centralized system for managing user identities, resources, and permissions. However, its complexity and widespread use make it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized access to sensitive information. This course is designed to equip cybersecurity professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess the security of Active Directory environments through penetration testing techniques.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the architecture, components, and functionalities of Active Directory.
• Learn methodologies and tools for conducting effective penetration tests targeting Active Directory environments.
• Discover and enumerate information about users, groups, computers, and other objects within an Active Directory domain.
• Exploit common vulnerabilities and weaknesses in Active Directory implementations to gain unauthorized access.
• Escalate privileges within an Active Directory environment through various techniques.
• Implement strategies for maintaining access and persistence within an Active Directory environment.
• Perform post-exploitation activities, including data exfiltration and lateral movement within the network.
• Understand defensive strategies and best practices for securing Active Directory environments against common attacks.

Course Modules:

1. Introduction to Active Directory Security
2. Pentesting Methodologies for Active Directory
3. Enumeration Techniques
4. Exploitation Techniques
5. Privilege Escalation
6. Persistence Strategies
7. Post-exploitation Activities
8. Defense and Mitigation Strategies

Course Format:

• Duration: [Number] weeks
• Format: Instructor-led lectures, hands-on labs, demonstrations, and discussions.
• Prerequisites: Basic understanding of networking, cybersecurity concepts, and experience with Windows operating systems.

Who Should Attend:

• Cybersecurity professionals
• Penetration testers
• IT professionals responsible for securing Active Directory environments

Certification: Participants who successfully complete the course and pass the assessment will receive a certificate of completion.

Module 1: Introduction to Active Directory Security

• Overview of Active Directory architecture and components
• Understanding the importance of securing Active Directory environments
• Common security challenges and threats in Active Directory

Module 2: Pentesting Methodologies for Active Directory

• Introduction to penetration testing and its relevance to Active Directory security
• Methodologies for conducting penetration tests in Active Directory environments
• Planning and scoping penetration tests targeting Active Directory

Module 3: Enumeration Techniques

• Techniques for discovering and enumerating information about Active Directory objects
• Enumeration of users, groups, computers, and other objects within an Active Directory domain
• Tools and scripts for automated enumeration

Module 4: Exploitation Techniques

• Common vulnerabilities and weaknesses in Active Directory implementations
• Techniques for exploiting vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access
• Exploitation of misconfigurations, weak passwords, and insecure group policies

Module 5: Privilege Escalation

• Techniques for escalating privileges within an Active Directory environment
• Exploitation of privilege escalation vulnerabilities
• Abuse of misconfigurations and insecure permissions

Module 6: Persistence Strategies

• Strategies for maintaining access and persistence within an Active Directory environment
• Techniques for backdooring Active Directory objects
• Implementing persistence mechanisms to evade detection

Module 7: Post-exploitation Activities

• Gathering sensitive information from compromised Active Directory environments
• Lateral movement techniques within the network
• Data exfiltration strategies from Active Directory environments

Module 8: Defense and Mitigation Strategies

• Defensive strategies and best practices for securing Active Directory environments
• Hardening Active Directory configurations and implementing security controls
• Detection and response techniques for identifying and mitigating Active Directory attacks

Module 9: Case Studies and Practical Exercises

• Real-world case studies of Active Directory penetration testing scenarios
• Hands-on practical exercises and labs to reinforce concepts learned
• Discussion and analysis of common Active Directory security incidents

Module 10: Final Assessment and Certification

• Final assessment to evaluate understanding of course material
• Certification of completion for participants who successfully pass the assessment