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Published 8/5/22, 9:00am
The good news is that there are so many training resources available to you. The bad news is that means that if you show up to an interview and say you want to get into cybersecurity but have done nothing to show it, it’s a bad sign for hiring managers. If you have a sincere interest in cybersecurity, go out and learn it! I spoke about this on the recent Brick House webinar on cybersecurity skills, recruiting and retention. You don’t need any special infrastructure, money, or connections to gain critical security skills. You just need a computer and an internet connection.
I’ve written this blog to help you get started down the right track and to make you aware of available cybersecurity training resources. There are plenty of other resources available for you online beyond what I’ve listed below.
Technology is changing so quickly that it is very difficult to keep training resources and videos up to date. Things hardly ever run perfectly the first time you try. If you run into an error while consulting a resource – work through it! Start by searching for the error message; someone else likely has already encountered this same problem and found a solution. Sites like StackOverflow are good places to ask questions and search for solutions to your problems. Troubleshooting is a large part of any cybersecurity job. If you are unwilling to work through errors as they occur, this may not be the correct career choice for you.
Skills you should know before trying to get a cybersecurity job include gaining expertise in different operating systems. Start by learning Linux, then continue by learning Windows if you have time. Having the below foundational knowledge allows you to learn new security tools and procedures.
It is highly encouraged that you begin your journey by learning the fundamentals of computing networking. There are many ways to do this, including free courses online. One great way to learn is to study for either the Certified Cisco Networking Associate (CCNA) or CompTIA’s Network+ certification exam. These certifications teach learners from the absolute beginning, covering many important topics that are necessary to know for security professionals. You may find it worthwhile to spend ~$20 on a Udemy Course to learn the fundamentals of computing networks. The courses can be time-consuming but are a worthwhile investment if you are serious about getting into IT or cybersecurity. For practice, try using the free Cisco tool Packet Tracer to explore networking devices and communication protocols.
Once you become familiar with the basics of networking, you can start exploring virtual machines and networks. Virtual machines allow for a more hands-on approach to learning, while also creating a safe place for you to practice with security tools.
Linux is widely used for enterprise-level databases and security tools.
When we talk about understanding the Windows OS, it does not mean being able to open a game of Solitaire or create a PowerPoint presentation. You must become familiar with the directory structure, command prompt, user accounts, running processes, common vulnerabilities, etc.
Learn a language! Python is a fairly easy language to learn and one of the most popular programming languages in the industry. Additional popular languages include BASH Scripting, C++, and JavaScript. Check out these free resources to get started:
There are a few different ways to learn the common themes and best practices that show up all the time in our industry:
You can audit these classes – no need to purchase the certificate.
Remember, cybersecurity is a journey with constant opportunities to learn and grow. In the next blog, I’ll tackle Offensive Tools and Techniques, Cloud Security, and additional security tools that provide free training.
*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from The Guiding Point | GuidePoint Security authored by Kevin Woods. Read the original post at: https://www.guidepointsecurity.com/blog/how-to-get-started-in-cybersecurity-learn-the-basics/
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