Advanced Endpoint Investigations with Alissa Torres

This course allows students to gain fundamental knowledge of modern Windows and Linux host artifacts along with understanding the use cases for incident response host pivots and root cause analysis.

Course Length: 16 Hours

Includes a Certificate of Completion

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Next scheduled date: WWHF Deadwood 2026 - Link at bottom.

Description

This course allows students to gain fundamental knowledge of modern Windows and Linux host artifacts along with understanding the use cases for incident response host pivots and root cause analysis.

For most security teams, high operational tempo (measured in dumpster fire lumens) incentivizes analysts to stick to well-tailored playbooks that prioritize remediation at the expense of proper incident scoping and root cause analysis. Though modern endpoint security products have significantly improved host visibility, most critical incidents will require the acquisition and analysis of additional endpoint data.

This course focuses on four core investigative competencies: endpoint data collection, investigative triage, incident response pivots, and root cause analysis.

System and Student Requirements:
- Stable Internet access
- x86 architecture CPU clocked at 2 GHz or higher that is capable of nested virtualization (Apple Silicon is currently not supported)
- A computer with at least 8 GB of RAM. 16 GB is recommended
- VMWare Workstation or VMWare Fusion (VirtualBox and other VM software is not supported)
- Windows 10/11, MacOSX+, or a currently supported Linux Distribution
- Full Administrator/root access to your computer or laptop
- System must also have at least 80GB of available disk space, 2 vCPUs, and be able to connect to a wireless network for Internet access

FAQ

Key Takeaways

Learning Objectives:

Gain fundamental knowledge of modern Windows and Linux host artifacts
Explain logical investigative workflows for host pivoting, data collection, and analysis
Develop an understanding of use cases for incident response host pivots and root cause analysis

Performance Objectives:

Develop host triage collection and analysis skills for effective investigations of Windows and Linux systems
Properly identify file system, OS, and memory artifacts to support timeline creation and attack path reconstruction
Build deductive reasoning and investigative prowess through hands-on exercises built around real-world scenarios

Who Should Take This Course

Security Operations/Incident Response Analysts
Threat Hunters
Tactical Threat Intel Analysts
Digital Forensics Investigators
Red teamers who want to perfect their operational discipline

Audience Skill Level

Basic understanding of Windows and/or Linux OS fundamentals
Familiarity with attack path models, threat actor frameworks, and hunt methodologies
1-2 years of experience in security operations, incident response, or threat hunting

About the Instructor

Alissa Torres

Bio

Alissa Torres is passionate about security operations and empowering analysts to succeed in blue team ops. Her professional experience in various security roles over her career includes forensic investigations, enterprise incident response and threat hunting, security services consulting, and incident response management. Alissa currently serves as the Threat Intel manager at Cigna. Having taught as principal faculty for several pivotal cybersecurity training institutions over the last decade, Alissa has engaged hundreds of skilled professionals around the world, growing a legion of artifact hunters who share a common affinity for adversary tracking. An investigator at heart, she frequently shares accounts of her research discoveries and tales from the trenches at industry conferences.

Register for Upcoming

Wild West Hackin' Fest Deadwood 2026

Live Training Alissa Torres

Advanced Endpoint Investigations is being taught at Wild West Hackin’ Fest – Deadwood 2026.

For more information about our conferences, visit Wild West Hackin’ Fest!