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

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.