Netwrix Blog | Insights for Cybersecurity and IT Pros

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Jonathan Blackwell.
Why You Might Need to Pause or Delay in PowerShell Scripts The Start-Sleep cmdlet in PowerShell pauses the execution of a script and waits for a specified amount of time. Strategically using pauses can help ensure smooth functionality and prevent errors, especially in scripts that depend on external systems or events. Here are three of … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Dirk Schrader.
If you have ever been to a Las Vegas casino, then you know that they are literally money-making machines as people bet money on a variety of games on a continuous basis. Modern casinos exemplify digitally transformed businesses, with customers engaging through multiple digital channels, from gaming systems to mobile apps and loyalty programs. The … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Jonathan Blackwell.
A PowerShell function is a block of code designed to perform a specific task. Once a function is created and tested, it can be used in multiple scripts, reducing coding effort and risk of errors. Using well-named functions also makes scripts easier to read and maintain. And since functions can return values that can be … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Jonathan Blackwell.
Introduction If you write Windows PowerShell scripts, it’s important to understand how to use PowerShell comments effectively. This article can help. It explains the key ways you can include comments in your scripts and provides guidance for when to use each method. It also explains popular use cases for comments and offers best practices to … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Ani Grigoryan.
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This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Jonathan Blackwell.
Introduction to PowerShell Regex A regular expression (regex) is a sequence of characters that defines a pattern or template, such as the format of email addresses or Social Security numbers. Regular expressions are useful for pattern matching and text manipulation. For example, regex can help you quickly find all failed login attempts in a server … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Dirk Schrader.
The healthcare industry faces a unique and urgent challenge in the ever-evolving world of cyber threats. As businesses across sectors fortify their digital defenses, healthcare stands out as a critical target due to its reliance on interconnected devices and vast repositories of sensitive patient data. Safeguarding healthcare’s digital infrastructure, including electronic health records, networked medical … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Dirk Schrader.
2023 saw a huge number of devastating cyberattacks, from crippling ransomware campaigns to breaches targeting critical infrastructure. As threat actors employ increasingly innovative tactics, understanding the most significant attacks and their implications is essential for building robust defenses. This article analyzes the top cyberattacks of 2023 and their impacts, reveals emerging trends, and provides actionable … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Dirk Schrader.
The foundation of Windows security is simple — if you want access to a network resource such as a file or folder, you need the appropriate permissions. But implementation is more complex because the Windows operating system has two types of permissions: NTFS permissions, which operate at the file system level, and share permissions, which … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Jonathan Blackwell.
Introduction to PowerShell What Is PowerShell? PowerShell is a powerful command-line shell that supports scripting languages and provides tools for managing computer resources locally and remotely. Benefits of PowerShell for Windows Administration Windows PowerShell commands enable automation of repetitive tasks such as managing users, services, files, or scripts. PowerShell can also be used for managing … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Jonathan Blackwell.
The Invoke-Command cmdlet in PowerShell enables IT admins to execute commands and scripts on remote machines, and even to redirect the output of those remote scripts to their own console. As a result, they can manage multiple machines from a central location. Key use cases include: Invoke-Command offers all of the following valuable capabilities: Benefits … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Jonathan Blackwell.
Introduction to PowerShell Environment Variables Environment variables are predefined variables in an operating system, they are available in the form of key-value pairs which store important system-level or user-specific information, such as paths, user configurations, and system settings. These variables are accessible in PowerShell scripts and sessions, playing a significant role in tasks like configuring … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Jonathan Blackwell.
PowerShell is a scripting language and command-line shell designed for task automation and configuration management, primarily used by system administrators and advanced users. Built on the .NET framework (.Net Core for PowerShell 7), it supports Windows, Linux and macOS. It enables automation of administrative tasks such as managing user accounts, configuring networks and performing backups, … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Dirk Schrader.
Credential stuffing is a type of cyberattack where attackers use stolen username and password combinations, often obtained from previous data breaches, to gain unauthorized access to multiple online accounts. The attacker automates the process of trying these combinations across various websites, hoping that users have reused the same login details. Credential Stuffing vs. Password Stuffing: … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Jonathan Blackwell.
Each new PowerShell version introduces new features, performance enhancements, and security improvements. Upgrading empowers you to take advantage of these advancements. It also ensures compatibility with updated APIs, libraries, and frameworks and provides access to contributions from a vibrant community committed to knowledge sharing and best practices. This article explains the differences between the traditional … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Dirk Schrader.
Many common password attack methods are quite straightforward — much like trying various physical keys to open the lock on a door. For example, in brute force attacks, adversaries systematically guess passwords until they find the correct one. Or instead of simply guessing, they can use a list of username/password combinations leaked from other breaches … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Jonathan Blackwell.
Introduction to Sending Emails with PowerShell PowerShell is an indispensable tool for task automation, configuration management, system monitoring and querying data. But you can also send email with PowerShell. For instance, PowerShell scripts can monitor systems and post email alerts for specific events, resource constraints or completed tasks. However, it’s critical to ensure that emails … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by Jonathan Blackwell.
Windows PowerShell and command prompt (CMD) are both essential command-line interface tools for Windows administrators, allowing them to execute commands, manage system processes and automate administrative tasks. While CMD has been a foundational component of Windows since the MS-DOS era, PowerShell has emerged as a more advanced and powerful scripting language, enhancing system management and … Continued

This post first appeared on blog.netwrix.com and was written by David Metzgar.
OAuth is an authorization protocol that grants third-party websites or applications limited access to a user’s information (like their email or photos) — without sharing their logon credentials. For example, suppose you want to sign up for an app to help you track your fitness goals. Through the power of OAuth, you may have the … Continued