A hands-on home lab environment for deploying, configuring, and managing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to learn endpoint security in a simulated setup.
This home lab for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint allows individuals to gain hands-on experience in deploying, configuring, and managing this powerful security tool in a simulated environment.
This tool is designed for security professionals, students, and enthusiasts who want practical experience with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint without needing a full enterprise environment. It provides a simulated lab setup using virtual machines to practice endpoint protection, incident response, and threat hunting techniques.
Requires a Microsoft Defender for Endpoint trial account and virtualization software; users should have basic knowledge of virtual machines and endpoint security concepts to maximize learning. The lab simulates attacks and defenses in a controlled environment and should not be used in production.
Install VirtualBox to create virtual machines
Set up Kali Linux as the attacker machine
Set up Windows 11 as the victim machine with Microsoft Defender agent
Sign up for a free trial of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Onboard the Windows 11 machine to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint using provided guidesExecute a known malware file on Windows 11 VM
Tests Microsoft Defender's real-time protection capabilities by detecting and blocking the malware
Run suspicious file on Windows 11 VM
Triggers automatic sample submission to Microsoft for further analysis
Conduct phishing attack from Kali Linux to Windows 11 VM
Validates Microsoft Defender's network protection by detecting and blocking malicious traffic
Use Microsoft Defender live response feature
Remotely investigate and respond to incidents by collecting forensic data, terminating processes, or isolating devices
Create and run advanced hunting queries in Microsoft Defender Security Center
Search for specific security events or suspicious activities on the endpoint
Analyze threat intelligence analytics
Identify trends, patterns, or anomalies in endpoint security telemetry data