Auditing Windows Server 2016 for Security and Practices
Ransomware, compliance breaches, and misconfigured servers cost organisations millions annually—and Windows Server 2016 remains a prime attack surface. This course cuts through the noise to show you exactly how to audit for vulnerabilities and enforce hardened security practices before threats exploit them.
AIU.ac Verdict: Essential for sysadmins, security engineers, and IT auditors who need to validate Server 2016 configurations against real-world threats. The 84-minute format is punchy and practical, though you’ll want hands-on lab access to cement the techniques—Pluralsight’s sandbox environment is included.
What This Course Covers
You’ll work through Windows Server 2016’s security audit framework, covering event logging configuration, Group Policy hardening, user access controls, and vulnerability assessment methodologies. The course walks you through identifying misconfigurations that attackers exploit, then demonstrates remediation steps you can implement immediately in production environments.
Gary Grudzinskas breaks down real audit scenarios: reviewing security logs for breach indicators, validating permission hierarchies, and documenting compliance posture. By the end, you’ll know how to conduct a structured security audit, prioritise findings, and present actionable recommendations to stakeholders—skills that directly translate to job performance and promotion readiness.
Who Is This Course For?
Ideal for:
- Windows Systems Administrators: Need to audit their own infrastructure and prove security posture to management or auditors.
- Security Engineers & Analysts: Require hands-on knowledge of Server 2016 hardening and audit techniques for penetration testing or compliance roles.
- IT Auditors & Compliance Officers: Must validate Windows Server 2016 deployments against security frameworks (CIS, NIST, ISO 27001).
May not suit:
- Complete Windows Beginners: Assumes familiarity with Server administration basics; no time spent on OS fundamentals.
- Server 2019+ Specialists: Focused on 2016; if you’re exclusively on newer versions, the audit approach differs significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Auditing Windows Server 2016 for Security and Practices take?
The course runs 1 hour 24 minutes. Most learners complete it in one sitting or split across two focused sessions.
Do I need hands-on lab access to get value from this course?
The video content stands alone, but Pluralsight includes sandbox labs with your subscription—highly recommended to practise audit commands and Group Policy changes in a safe environment.
Will this help me pass security certifications?
Yes. The audit and hardening techniques align with CompTIA Security+, CEH, and Microsoft AZ-500 exam objectives, though it’s not a dedicated cert-prep course.
Is this course still relevant if we’re migrating to Server 2019 or 2022?
Absolutely. The core audit methodology and security principles transfer directly; you’ll just apply them to newer OS versions. It’s also essential if you’re managing legacy Server 2016 infrastructure.
Course by Gary Grudzinskas on Pluralsight. Duration: 1h 24m. Last verified by AIU.ac: March 2026.
