1. Foundation Building: Windows and PowerShell Basics

• Windows Fundamentals: Start by mastering basic Windows concepts, focusing on areas such as processes, services, file permissions, and user account control (UAC).
  • Recommended Resource: Try the HTB Windows Fundamentals module, as it offers hands-on labs that closely relate to AD needs. or TryHackMe Windows Fundamentals module
• PowerShell & CMD Basics: PowerShell is essential for Windows-based environments, allowing for script-based enumeration, automation, and exploitation within AD.
  • Recommended Resource: HTB Introduction to Windows Command Line module or from any free source you like.

    • May these helps

      https://tryhackme.com/r/room/windowscommandline

      https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVBPh7Xyv8CCEjhwi2YTxbZ2KEH9Dw9-d

      https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJQHPJLj_SQatUsJy3O4k-VQlllquDmDr

2. Core Active Directory Administration

• AD Administration Fundamentals: Understanding AD’s structure is essential before pentesting. Start with key concepts, including:
  • Setting Up AD: Practice installing AD and configuring it with a few users, groups, and OUs.
  • Domain and Forest Configuration: Learn to create domains, forests, and establish trust relationships.
  • Group Policy Objects (GPOs): Understand GPOs and how they impact users and computers in the domain.
  • User and Group Management: Practice creating users and groups, managing permissions, and configuring properties like Service Principal Names (SPNs).
  • Delegation and Trusts: Study AD delegation, trust relationships, and permissions across domains.
• Recommended Resource:
  • AD Basics YouTube Playlist – Covers AD administration basics we need “Videos from MCSA windows server course”.

3. Introductory AD Labs

• For hands-on learning, consider TryHackMe AD Labs or HTB’s AD Basics module.
  • HTB Introduction to Active Directory
  • https://tryhackme.com/module/hacking-active-directory - First 3 of these ‘free’
• Post-Exploitation Fundamentals:
  • Talk a sight about what been done within AD Pentest assessment.
    • TryHackMe’s Post-Exploitation Basics Room – Even just reading the write-ups can give a good insights.

4. Practical Ethical Hacking (PEH) with TCM Security

• TCM Security’s PEH Course:
  • Focus on the AD-specific modules from sections 13 - 20 it would give you strong foundation about AD pentesting.
  • Or the free part from published by TCM
• Lab Environments: Build your local machine or TryHackMe labs to practice your new skills.

5. AD Enumeration And Attacks Techniques

• HTB AD Enumeration & Attacks Module
• Or learn yourself by search about each technique you encountered with the TCM course