comptia-a-plus-core2/labs/SEC-7-workstation-hardening-lab.md

1.6 KiB

Lab SEC-7: Workstation Hardening Inspection

Domain:

  • 2.0 Security

Works on:

  • Windows
  • Linux
  • Optional macOS

Goal

Inspect workstation hardening settings without weakening the system.

Windows Steps

Run:

manage-bde -status
net accounts
net user
net localgroup administrators
services.msc
ms-settings:autoplay

Optional, when ready to test locking:

rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

Record:

  • BitLocker status:
  • Password expiration/lockout settings:
  • Local users:
  • Local Administrators group:
  • AutoPlay setting:
  • One running service to research:

Do not disable services in this lab unless you know the impact.

Linux Steps

Run:

id
sudo -l
systemctl --type=service --state=running
lsblk -f

Record:

  • User/group identity:
  • Sudo permissions:
  • One running service:
  • Disk/filesystem info:

Optional macOS Steps

Run:

fdesetup status
id
groups

Record:

  • FileVault status:
  • User/group identity:

Scenario Matching

Choose the best hardening action:

  1. A laptop is lost in an airport.
  2. A shared workstation allows automatic login.
  3. A router still uses admin/admin.
  4. USB drives automatically open when inserted.
  5. A contractor account should stop working next week.
  6. A user is a local administrator but only needs standard access.
  7. An unused remote service is listening on the network.

What You Should Learn

  • Hardening reduces attack surface.
  • Encryption protects data at rest.
  • Screen locks protect unattended devices.
  • Strong passwords and lockout reduce brute force risk.
  • Unused services and default accounts/passwords increase risk.