Red Team Techniques for Windows AD & Network Penetration: Practical Red Teaming, Network Penetration and Active Directory Attacks

Red Team Techniques for Windows AD & Network Penetration
Practical Red Teaming, Network Penetration and Active Directory Attacks
By Wills H. Holmes

Unlock the real tactics and tools used by modern adversaries to compromise Windows Active Directory and enterprise networks. Whether you're a penetration tester, security analyst, or red team operator, this hands-on guide equips you with the skills, mindset, and techniques needed to emulate real-world attackers in high-stakes environments.

This comprehensive red team field manual walks you through every phase of an engagement-from reconnaissance and payload delivery to domain dominance and stealthy persistence. You'll master practical adversary simulation across Windows domains using up-to-date tools such as Cobalt Strike, Sliver, BloodHound, Rubeus, Mimikatz, and advanced PowerShell tradecraft. Covering everything from Kerberoasting and AS-REP roasting to DCSync and Active Directory Certificate Services (ADCS) abuse, this book dives deep into the attack surface defenders fear most.

Inside you'll learn how to:

• Perform OSINT, phishing, and initial access against hardened environments

• Exploit Windows misconfigurations, escalate privileges, and move laterally

• Build covert Command and Control (C2) infrastructures using encrypted channels

• Simulate ransomware and data exfiltration without real-world damage

• Bypass EDR, AMSI, and Windows Defender using low-level evasion techniques

• Deliver clear red team reports and risk-based remediation guidance

Whether you're preparing for red team certifications, building a lab, or operationalizing threat emulation, this book is your tactical playbook for offensive security success.

About the Author:
Wills H. Holmes is a seasoned offensive security expert with deep experience in red team operations, adversary emulation, and Active Directory exploitation. Known for bridging technical precision with real-world relevance, Holmes delivers concise, battle-tested knowledge in every chapter.

In a landscape dominated by ransomware and advanced persistent threats, defenders need adversaries who think, move, and act like real attackers. This book brings you into that mindset-with up-to-date techniques aligned to today's threats and tomorrow's challenges.