Identify Malicious Processes Using PowerShell
In this lab, you’ll practice and develop skills in PowerShell and Windows configuration to look at ways to create defensive capabilities within your corporate systems and on the company network looking for malicious processes. When you’re finished, you’ll have the necessary skills and knowledge to create tailored cyber security defense detections for activities relevant to blue team cyber security defense.
Terms and conditions apply.
Challenge
Getting Started in the Lab Environment
Here are the initial instructions and explanation of the lab environment. Read this while your environment is busy creating itself from nothing. Yes, this violates physics; we know. How fun!
Challenge
Analyze Process Validity
In this challenge you will need to create PowerShell code on a corporate server to verify the processes in use are genuine and not malicious on the system. You will observe verified and also unverified processes when using your new Powershell code within a lab simulating malicious process identification. This will demonstrate how to use the built in Powershell capability available on common Windows operating systems to be able to perform customized security actions. This will help you and your organization protect critical machines in a repeatable way.
Challenge
Analyze Process Location and Files
In this challenge you will develop PowerShell code on a corporate server to check the running processes, analyze where they are executed from and the files they are accessing. You will observe processes when using your new Powershell code and how to analyze malicious processes. This will demonstrate how to use the built in Powershell capability available on common Windows operating systems to be able to perform customized security analysis. This will help you and your organization protect critical machines.
Challenge
Process Detection and Alerting
In this challenge you will use PowerShell looking at the running processes on a corporate server. You will compare the current processes with an approved allow list. Alerting and recording any new process not allowed, creating an alert warning system can be analyzed for suspicious activity. Perform these actions by remote access, using PowerShell. This will demonstrate how to use the built in Powershell capability available on common Windows operating systems to be able to perform customized security monitoring and detection for malicious processes. Helping you and your organization protect critical systems.
Challenge
The Last Challenge
Welcome to the final challenge! This is your last chance to experiment in the environment. Clicking Finish Lab will end this little world that flittered into existence just for you.
Provided environment for hands-on practice
We will provide the credentials and environment necessary for you to practice right within your browser.
Guided walkthrough
Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!
Did you know?
On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you get time for practice.
Recommended prerequisites
- Basic computer and internet knowledge including some experience of using PowerShell, basic Windows computer configuration.
- Will need basic knowledge of PowerShell.