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Introduction
Microsoft Applied Skills offer hands-on lab assessments to validate expertise in security, AI, and cloud solutions. These free, scenario-based labs are ideal for professionals seeking to demonstrate practical skills in Microsoft Defender XDR, Purview, and emerging AI-driven security tools like Security Copilot.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the scope of Microsoft Applied Skills for cybersecurity and AI.
- Learn key commands and workflows for Microsoft Defender XDR and Purview.
- Explore future trends in Microsoft’s security and AI training offerings.
1. Auditing Logs with Microsoft Purview
Command (PowerShell):
Search-UnifiedAuditLog -StartDate "06/01/2024" -EndDate "06/30/2024" -ResultSize 1000 -SessionCommand ReturnLargeSet
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Run PowerShell as an administrator.
2. Connect to Exchange Online using `Connect-ExchangeOnline`.
- Execute the command to retrieve audit logs for investigation.
- Export results to CSV with
| Export-Csv -Path "C:\AuditLogs.csv".
Purpose: Tracks user activities, critical for incident response.
2. Threat Hunting with Defender XDR
KQL Query (Advanced Hunting):
DeviceProcessEvents | where FileName =~ "powershell.exe" | where ProcessCommandLine contains "-nop -w hidden -e" | project Timestamp, DeviceName, InitiatingProcessAccountName
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Navigate to Microsoft Defender XDR portal.
2. Open Advanced Hunting and paste the query.
- Analyze results for suspicious PowerShell execution (common in malware).
Purpose: Detects obfuscated PowerShell attacks.
3. Hardening Entra ID (Azure AD)
Command (Azure CLI):
az ad policy update --id 00000000-0000-0000-0000-00000000000 --display-name "Require MFA for Admins" --params '{"enforcementForAdmins": "Enabled"}'
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Install Azure CLI and log in via
az login. - Update the policy to enforce MFA for admin roles.
3. Verify with `az ad policy list`.
Purpose: Mitigates credential compromise risks.
4. Automating Security Copilot Alerts
API Call (Python):
import requests
headers = {"Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_TOKEN"}
response = requests.post("https://api.security.microsoft.com/v1/alerts", json={"query": "Malware"}, headers=headers)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Generate an API token in Microsoft Defender portal.
- Use Python to query Security Copilot for malware alerts.
3. Integrate with SIEMs like Sentinel.
Purpose: Streamlines threat detection workflows.
5. Configuring DSPM for AI (Preview)
Azure Policy (ARM Template):
{
"policyRule": {
"if": {
"field": "type",
"equals": "Microsoft.MachineLearning/workspaces"
},
"then": {
"effect": "audit",
"details": {
"type": "DataSecurityPosture"
}
}
}
}
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Deploy via Azure Portal > Policy > Assign Policy.
2. Scope to AI/ML workspaces.
3. Monitor compliance for data leaks.
Purpose: Enforces data governance in AI models.
What Undercode Say
- Key Takeaway 1: Microsoft’s Applied Skills bridge theory and practice, especially for cloud-native security tools.
- Key Takeaway 2: AI integration (e.g., Security Copilot) will dominate future training modules.
Analysis:
The push for hands-on labs reflects industry demand for actionable skills. With AI threats rising, certifications like AZ-500 and SC-400 will prioritize automation and Copilot integrations. Expect more Purview-focused modules (e.g., DSPM) as data governance becomes critical.
Prediction
By 2025, 70% of Microsoft security certifications will include AI-driven scenarios, with Applied Skills becoming a hiring benchmark for SOC roles. Labs simulating ransomware response (via Defender XDR) and AI misuse prevention (via Purview) will be essential.
Relevant Links:
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Purav Da346393 – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
