🔥 Trending Certification · 2025

GIAC Certified Windows Security Administrator (GCWN)

Validate your ability to secure and harden Microsoft Windows environments at every layer. GCWN-certified professionals demonstrate expertise in PowerShell security, Active Directory hardening, Zero Trust MFA, PKI management, endpoint protection, and CIS Controls implementation across Windows clients and servers.

Windows Security PowerShell Active Directory Zero Trust PKI Endpoint Hardening Industry Recognised

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PowerShell SecuritySecuring, auditing & executing PowerShell at scale

Active Directory HardeningAD security, WMI scripting & administrative access

Zero Trust & MFAZero Trust principles, MFA & endpoint protection

PKI & Certificate ServicesWindows CA, certificate lifecycle & PKI management

Exam Questions

2 hrs

Duration

66%

Passing Score

GIAC

Certified

Why It's Trending

Windows Security Expertise Is in Critical Demand

Microsoft Windows dominates enterprise endpoints and servers worldwide. Securing it requires deep knowledge of PowerShell, Active Directory, PKI, and Zero Trust — exactly what GCWN-certified professionals bring to the table.

Trending

85%

Of Enterprise Environments Run Windows

Windows remains the dominant OS in enterprise infrastructure — skilled Windows security administrators are essential in virtually every organisation.

14,000+

Open Windows Security & Sysadmin Roles

Demand for Windows administrators with security expertise in PowerShell, Active Directory, and endpoint hardening continues to grow strongly.

Trending

Zero Trust

CIS Controls & Zero Trust Certification

GCWN validates implementation of Zero Trust MFA and CIS Controls — the most widely adopted security frameworks for Windows environments.

+28%

Salary Premium for Windows Security Specialists

Certified Windows security administrators and engineers command strong premiums, particularly in government, financial services, and healthcare.

Course Content

Complete GCWN Curriculum

Click any module to expand and explore the topics covered in detail.

PowerShell Fundamentals & Security

5 Topics

PowerShell core concepts, pipelines, and scripting constructs

PowerShell security features: constrained language mode and execution policies

PowerShell logging and auditing: module, script block, and transcription logging

AMSI integration and PowerShell anti-malware scanning interface

Just Enough Administration (JEA) for least-privilege PowerShell access

PowerShell Remote Command Execution

5 Topics

PowerShell remoting fundamentals: WinRM, PSSession, and Invoke-Command

Configuring and securing PowerShell remoting endpoints

Remote execution authentication: Kerberos, CredSSP, and certificate-based auth

Detecting and auditing PowerShell remoting activity

Using PowerShell for secure remote administration across enterprise environments

Active Directory & WMI Scripting

5 Topics

Active Directory domain structure, trusts, and security boundaries

Hardening Active Directory: tiered administration, Protected Users, and PAWs

Group Policy Objects (GPOs) for security configuration and enforcement

WMI architecture, scripting, and detection of WMI-based attacks

Preventing lateral movement via AD credential attacks and Kerberoasting

Endpoint Security, Zero Trust & OS Hardening

5 Topics

Windows endpoint protection: Windows Defender, ASR rules, and application control

Zero Trust principles applied to Windows endpoint access control

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) deployment and Zero Trust network access

CIS Controls implementation for Windows endpoints and servers

OS and application hardening: attack surface reduction, UAC, and secure baselines

PKI & Windows Certificate Services

5 Topics

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) fundamentals: CAs, certificates, and trust chains

Deploying and managing Windows Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS)

Certificate templates, auto-enrolment, and lifecycle management

Code signing, S/MIME, and TLS certificate management with Windows CA

Identifying and remediating common AD CS misconfigurations (ESC1 through ESC8)

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GIAC Certified Windows Security Administrator (GCWN) certification?

GCWN validates a practitioner's ability to secure and harden Windows environments, covering PowerShell security, Active Directory hardening, Zero Trust MFA, OS and application hardening, PKI management, and CIS Controls implementation for Windows clients and servers.

What are the GCWN exam requirements?

The GCWN exam consists of 75 questions, is web-based and proctored, has a 2-hour time limit, and requires a minimum passing score of 66%. Proctoring is available via ProctorU (remote) or PearsonVUE (onsite).

Does GCWN cover PowerShell security?

Yes — PowerShell security is a central GCWN topic, covering constrained language mode, execution policies, script block and module logging, AMSI integration, Just Enough Administration (JEA), and detection of PowerShell-based attacks.

Who should pursue the GCWN certification?

GCWN is ideal for Windows client and server administrators, endpoint and server administrators, PowerShell automation practitioners, CIS Controls implementers, US military and government cyber defenders, and blue teamers focused on Windows endpoint defence.

Does GCWN cover Active Directory security?

Yes — GCWN covers Active Directory security in depth, including tiered administration models, Protected Users, Privileged Access Workstations (PAWs), Group Policy hardening, WMI scripting, and preventing lateral movement via credential attacks and Kerberoasting.

Does GCWN include PKI and certificate services?

Yes — GCWN covers Windows Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) deployment, certificate template management, auto-enrolment, code signing, and identifying common AD CS misconfigurations that attackers exploit.

Harden Windows Environments with GCWN

Join Zetlan Technologies' GCWN programme and develop the PowerShell, Active Directory, PKI, and Zero Trust skills to secure Windows environments at every layer. Earn your GIAC certification and become the Windows security expert every enterprise and government organisation needs.

GIAC Certified Windows Security Administrator (GCWN)

Windows Security Expertise Is in Critical Demand

GCWN Exam Details

Complete GCWN Curriculum

Designed for Windows Security & Administration Professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

Harden Windows Environments with GCWN