Episode 27 — Windows Accounts: Users, Groups, and Privileges

Windows user management forms the identity layer of the operating system, and this episode explains how its structure enforces accountability and access control. You’ll learn how local and domain accounts interact, the purpose of built-in groups, and how privileges differ from permissions. The discussion breaks down common administrative roles, why least privilege applies even to local accounts, and how group nesting can either simplify or complicate security. You’ll also hear how credentials are stored and how local Security Identifiers (SIDs) maintain unique identity within and across systems.We then move to real-world administration practices—such as separating user and admin accounts, using delegation instead of broad rights, and auditing membership changes for early warning of compromise. The episode highlights how attackers often target mismanaged groups or overprivileged service accounts, and what controls can stop them. You’ll come away with both the conceptual grounding and practical insight to handle exam questions about Windows identities and to strengthen the same controls in production environments. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.

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