SimpleSecure-CLI: A PowerShell-Based Framework for Windows Security Hardening and Compliance Automation

SimpleSecure-CLI: A PowerShell-Based Framework for Windows Security Hardening and Compliance Automation

Ansar Shaikh, Pranav Bendre, Prajwal Lad, Rugved Malghe, Prof. Gayathri Ganesan Department of Information Technology,

Sinhgad Institute of Technology and Science, Narhe, Pune - 411041, Maharashtra, India

ansarshaikh.sits.it@gmail.com, pranavbendre.sits.it@gmail.com, prajwallad.sits.it@gmail.com, rugvedmalghe.sits.it@gmail.com, gayathrig.sits@sinhgad.edu

Abstract—Background — Securing Windows systems against modern cyber threats requires robust configurations aligned with industry standards. However, manual implementation is tedious, error-prone, and difficult to scale across systems [1].

Methods — This paper introduces SimpleSecure-CLI, a PowerShell-based command-line tool designed to automate the application of Microsoft Security Baselines [2], Defender configurations, BitLocker encryption, firewall rules, and more. Its modular structure includes key components like Protect-WindowsSecurity, Scan-WindowsSecurity, and Confirm-SystemCompliance, facilitating real-time security validation and rollback functionality.

Results — The tool has shown significant improvements in efficiency and accuracy. In initial deployments, it reduced system configuration time by over 85%, eliminated 88% of human-induced misconfigurations, and achieved a 95% compliance alignment with NIST and CIS benchmarks [3]. A user adoption increase of 112.5% was recorded following the integration of educational features.

Conclusion — SimpleSecure-CLI addresses key challenges in Windows hardening by offering a scalable, educational, and compliance-oriented solution. Its integration of automation, real-time scanning, and compliance verification makes it a versatile asset for IT professionals and cybersecurity learners. Future work will focus on integrating AI-based monitoring and cross-platform compatibility.

Keywords—Windows hardening, PowerShell automation, CLI security tools, compliance verification, BitLocker, Microsoft Defender, Group Policy, firewall configuration, vulnerability scanning, system security baselines, CIS compliance, NIST standards, user education, Windows 10/11, GDPR, PowerShell 7+, scripting frameworks, threat mitigation, system monitoring, adaptive security, secure automation, endpoint protection, access control, registry configuration, CLI usability