Registry Run Keys and Startup Persistence: MITRE ATT&CK Basics

Adversaries frequently use Windows Registry run keys to maintain persistent access within compromised systems. Understanding how these registry locations function is critical for any aspiring security analyst or threat hunter. In this course, you will transition from a beginner to a confident analyst capable of identifying, analyzing, and defending against registry-based persistence techniques. You will learn to map these activities directly to the MITRE ATT&CK framework and implement modern detection strategies. What you'll learn: • Understand the fundamentals of the Windows Registry structure and how run keys operate • Analyze how threat actors exploit registry run and runonce keys to achieve persistence • Map registry-based persistence techniques to the MITRE ATT&CK framework • Practice identifying malicious registry modifications using command-line tools and PowerShell • Configure detection rules and logging strategies to monitor unauthorized registry changes • Apply modern security best practices to mitigate registry-based execution risks. You will start with core registry concepts and terminology before exploring practical detection scenarios. Through clear written explanations and command-line examples, you will master the fundamentals of persistence defense. This course is designed for beginner cybersecurity enthusiasts, junior security analysts, and system administrators looking to build foundational threat-hunting skills. No prior security experience is required. Start reading today to build your foundational skills in registry analysis and threat detection.