IT Pro Tuesday #323
Welcome back to IT Pro Tuesday!
In the latest Security Swarm Podcast: “New Password Requirements from NIST,” we discuss the new password guidelines and recommendations released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. You’ll hear about the importance of password length over complexity, the move away from composition rules and periodic password changes, the risks associated with knowledge-based authentication, the concept of password entropy, and more!
We’re looking for favorite tips and tools we can share with the community… those that help you do your job better and more easily. Please share your suggestions on the IT Pro Tuesday subreddit, and we’ll be featuring them in the coming weeks.
Now on to this week’s list!
A Free Tool
GNU Netcat is a Linux networking utility for reading/writing across network connections via TCP or UDP that can help with monitoring, testing, and sending data. This feature-rich network debugging and exploration tool can create virtually any type of connection and is designed to be a dependable backend for direct use or easily driven by other programs and scripts. Recommended by Necrowerx.
A Tutorial
Windows Autopilot Beginners Guide is a video that walks you through the steps needed to configure Autopilot from scratch. Covers downloading Windows 11 and prepping the device, creation of an Intune trial account, configuration of Entra ID and the Intune tenant, and Autopilot configuration, plus a demo for Autopilot provisioning. Kindly suggested by PineappleArtistic504.
Training resource
Khan Academy offers a selection of free computer courses that can help develop your understanding of popular technologies like AI and blockchain, as well as covering some fundamentals like web programming and coding. Courses feature explanatory videos, code examples, and interactive exercises. Appreciation for directing us to this one goes to patmorgan235.
another free tool
Google Postmaster Tools allows high-volume senders to analyze email performance issues and solve Gmail routing problems. Its designed as an easier way explore data and diagnostics, delivery errors, spam reports, feedback loops, and more. WeleaseBwianThrow likes it “to see if there are any issues with your domain or sending ip reputation.”
one more free tool
Intune Debug Toolkit provides a simpler, easier troubleshooting experience on devices that are either co-managed or Intune-managed only. MMelkersen explains, “You can easily install it directly onto your device during phases like OOBE. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for individual tools—everything you need is now at your fingertips. Happy debugging!”
P.S. Bonus Free Tools
Automatic Microsoft 365 Documentation is a tool that auto-generates documents for systems including Intune, Entra ID (Azure AD), Cloud Print, and Windows 365 (CloudPC). Provides output to Json, CSV, and Markdown; config backup and comparison over time; and flexible authentication with MSAL.PS. Thanks for this recommendation go to TheGuyWhoAnnoys.
Globalping is an open-source solution to monitor, debug, and benchmark internet infrastructure via a globally distributed network of probes. Network commands like ping, tracerout, dig, and mtr are run on the distributed Globalping platform and results are returned for review. Recommended by shedgehog, who wryly adds, “Thank me later.”
