This episode focuses on endpoint hardening because the PCI ISA exam often treats user workstations and admin endpoints as the easiest place for attackers to gain credentials, bypass controls, and move toward systems that impact the CDE. You’ll define what makes an endpoint “high-risk” in PCI environments, including privileged admin workstations, jump hosts, support machines with remote tools, and laptops that routinely access consoles, VPNs, or cloud control planes. We’ll cover practical hardening measures such as secure baseline configuration, application control, least privilege on local accounts, patch discipline, disk encryption, and protection against credential theft, then connect each measure to evidence an assessor expects, like configuration baselines, management reports, and enforcement policies. You’ll also learn common failure patterns such as unmanaged local admin rights, EDR agents that stop reporting, stale images that never get rebuilt, and exceptions that quietly accumulate, along with troubleshooting steps that restore control without breaking business operations. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.