14 answers
Erma
Student
Greenville, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
422 views
How to improve my cyber security skill ?
I am eager to learn cyber security but finding the right resources has always been a tiring work, and I don't have any money to buy courses online, so are there free alternatives?
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14 answers
Gauri Gosavi
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Gauri’s Answer
Dear Erma,
To become proficient and secure a job in cybersecurity, it's essential to follow a structured and comprehensive roadmap. This field is broad and includes various specialties such as network security, security analysis, ethical hacking, and more. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your journey into cybersecurity:
1. Fundamental Knowledge
Before diving into the complexities of cybersecurity, it's crucial to build a strong foundation in related areas:
Computer Science Basics: Understand how computers and networks operate. Knowledge of operating systems, networks, and databases is essential.
Programming Skills: Basic programming knowledge can be beneficial. Languages like Python are often recommended due to their relevance in security scripting and automation.
2. Formal Education
Degrees and Certifications: A degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is highly beneficial. Additionally, certifications can boost your employability and expertise.
Entry-Level Certifications: CompTIA Security+, Cisco’s CCNA, and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
Advanced Certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).
3. Practical Experience
Hands-On Practice: Engage in practical experiences through labs and simulators. Tools like VirtualBox or VMware for setting up virtual environments, and practice labs from sites like Hack The Box or Cyber Aces.
Internships: Gain real-world experience and networking opportunities through internships or entry-level positions in IT or security roles.
4. Specialization
Cybersecurity has many domains. Depending on your interest, you might consider specializing in areas such as:
Network Security
Forensic Computer Analyst
Security Software Developer
Information Security Analyst
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
5. Stay Updated and Network
Continuous Learning: Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field. Stay updated with the latest security trends, threats, and technologies by following relevant blogs, podcasts, and news sources.
Networking: Join relevant groups and forums such as Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) or attend cybersecurity conferences. Networking can lead to job opportunities and professional growth.
6. Build a Professional Portfolio
Projects and Contributions: Showcase your skills through projects or contributions to open source security tools. This can include anything from developing security-based software to publishing research on recent security vulnerabilities.
Online Presence: Maintain a professional online presence that highlights your skills, experiences, and contributions. Platforms like LinkedIn and GitHub are useful for this.
7. Job Application Process
Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant cybersecurity skills and experiences for each job application.
Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss not only your technical skills but also your problem-solving approaches and your ability to stay resilient under pressure.
8. Consider Advanced Degrees or Specialized Training
As you progress in your career, consider pursuing an advanced degree or specialized training courses that can deepen your expertise and potentially lead to higher responsibility roles.
By following this roadmap, you can systematically build the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in the cybersecurity field. Remember, persistence and continuous learning are key to success in this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.
To become proficient and secure a job in cybersecurity, it's essential to follow a structured and comprehensive roadmap. This field is broad and includes various specialties such as network security, security analysis, ethical hacking, and more. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your journey into cybersecurity:
1. Fundamental Knowledge
Before diving into the complexities of cybersecurity, it's crucial to build a strong foundation in related areas:
Computer Science Basics: Understand how computers and networks operate. Knowledge of operating systems, networks, and databases is essential.
Programming Skills: Basic programming knowledge can be beneficial. Languages like Python are often recommended due to their relevance in security scripting and automation.
2. Formal Education
Degrees and Certifications: A degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is highly beneficial. Additionally, certifications can boost your employability and expertise.
Entry-Level Certifications: CompTIA Security+, Cisco’s CCNA, and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
Advanced Certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).
3. Practical Experience
Hands-On Practice: Engage in practical experiences through labs and simulators. Tools like VirtualBox or VMware for setting up virtual environments, and practice labs from sites like Hack The Box or Cyber Aces.
Internships: Gain real-world experience and networking opportunities through internships or entry-level positions in IT or security roles.
4. Specialization
Cybersecurity has many domains. Depending on your interest, you might consider specializing in areas such as:
Network Security
Forensic Computer Analyst
Security Software Developer
Information Security Analyst
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
5. Stay Updated and Network
Continuous Learning: Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field. Stay updated with the latest security trends, threats, and technologies by following relevant blogs, podcasts, and news sources.
Networking: Join relevant groups and forums such as Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) or attend cybersecurity conferences. Networking can lead to job opportunities and professional growth.
6. Build a Professional Portfolio
Projects and Contributions: Showcase your skills through projects or contributions to open source security tools. This can include anything from developing security-based software to publishing research on recent security vulnerabilities.
Online Presence: Maintain a professional online presence that highlights your skills, experiences, and contributions. Platforms like LinkedIn and GitHub are useful for this.
7. Job Application Process
Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant cybersecurity skills and experiences for each job application.
Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss not only your technical skills but also your problem-solving approaches and your ability to stay resilient under pressure.
8. Consider Advanced Degrees or Specialized Training
As you progress in your career, consider pursuing an advanced degree or specialized training courses that can deepen your expertise and potentially lead to higher responsibility roles.
By following this roadmap, you can systematically build the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in the cybersecurity field. Remember, persistence and continuous learning are key to success in this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.
Daniel Frank
Cyber Security Consultant
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Hi Erma. There are a variety of self-study certifications that you can pursue on your own that are self study and not overly expensive. You can google "cyber security certifications" or "privacy certifications" and a bunch of things will come up. Some of the more common certifications in our field are the CISSP, CISM, CIPP, CIPM, etc. I am not aware of any free courses, per se. However, there is a wealth of information available for free on the internet that should help you get some foundational knowledge. Best of luck to you!
Savyata Gomden
Software Engineer
17
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Savyata’s Answer
Example Path to Improving Cybersecurity Skills
Education: Enroll in a cybersecurity degree program or take online courses.
Certifications: Obtain foundational certifications like CompTIA Security+ and advanced ones like CISSP.
Hands-On Practice: Use online labs, set up a home lab, and participate in CTF competitions.
Specialized Training: Take courses from SANS Institute or Offensive Security.
Stay Updated: Follow cybersecurity blogs, listen to podcasts, and read research papers.
Join Communities: Participate in online forums, join professional organizations, and attend industry events.
Practical Experience: Gain experience through internships, freelance projects, and open source contributions.
Soft Skills: Develop problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail skills.
Advanced Learning: Pursue a master’s degree or specialized courses.
Mentorship: Find a mentor and engage in peer learning.
By following these steps and continually seeking opportunities to learn and practice, you can significantly improve your cybersecurity skills and advance your career in this dynamic field.
Education: Enroll in a cybersecurity degree program or take online courses.
Certifications: Obtain foundational certifications like CompTIA Security+ and advanced ones like CISSP.
Hands-On Practice: Use online labs, set up a home lab, and participate in CTF competitions.
Specialized Training: Take courses from SANS Institute or Offensive Security.
Stay Updated: Follow cybersecurity blogs, listen to podcasts, and read research papers.
Join Communities: Participate in online forums, join professional organizations, and attend industry events.
Practical Experience: Gain experience through internships, freelance projects, and open source contributions.
Soft Skills: Develop problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail skills.
Advanced Learning: Pursue a master’s degree or specialized courses.
Mentorship: Find a mentor and engage in peer learning.
By following these steps and continually seeking opportunities to learn and practice, you can significantly improve your cybersecurity skills and advance your career in this dynamic field.
Ridhdhi Patel
Cyber Security Consultant
3
Answers
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Ridhdhi’s Answer
Hello Erma,
For the past 15 years, I've been immersed in the Identity and Access Management (IDAM) field, gaining knowledge and experience through hands-on work, as formal education in this area was not available to me. IDAM is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in cyber security, and there's a wealth of products on the market to explore, such as Okta and Ping among others.
To kickstart your journey, I recommend diving into topics such as Single Sign-On, Authentication, and Authorization. You can find a plethora of resources online that will provide you with a solid foundation in these areas. This initial understanding of the IDAM domain will serve as a springboard for your continuous learning journey.
I trust this advice will be beneficial to you.
For the past 15 years, I've been immersed in the Identity and Access Management (IDAM) field, gaining knowledge and experience through hands-on work, as formal education in this area was not available to me. IDAM is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in cyber security, and there's a wealth of products on the market to explore, such as Okta and Ping among others.
To kickstart your journey, I recommend diving into topics such as Single Sign-On, Authentication, and Authorization. You can find a plethora of resources online that will provide you with a solid foundation in these areas. This initial understanding of the IDAM domain will serve as a springboard for your continuous learning journey.
I trust this advice will be beneficial to you.
Steven Davis
Business Owner
4
Answers
Iowa City, Iowa
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Following along with the OWASP Top Ten every year is a great (free) way to learn about security vulnerabilities and how to prevent them using best practices of software development: https://owasp.org/www-project-top-ten/
Onaope Owolabi
Sales Manager
14
Answers
Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria
Updated
Onaope’s Answer
Hi Erma!
You can greatly develop your learning abilities with the help of Artificial intelligence and watching YouTubers clips.
You can greatly develop your learning abilities with the help of Artificial intelligence and watching YouTubers clips.
Yogi S
Cybersecurity manager
1
Answer
Singapore
Updated
Yogi’s Answer
Google, Cisco and IBM offers free cybersecurity courses that you may find useful. If you are new to the industry it's probably best to do your own research on what area of Cybersecurity you're most interested in. Foundational topics on Cybersecurity concepts can be found in Comptia Security+ certification materials (available on youtube, but i recommend reading the complete preparation book or ebook). More advanced topics generally are more difficult to find, but in community forums such as subreddit r/cybersecurity you can find useful advice and resources. Good luck!
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
465
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
If you're currently in high school, make sure to enroll in computer programming classes, as they are crucial for cybersecurity.
Explore Ted Talks or YouTube tutorials focused on cybersecurity to expand your knowledge.
Research state colleges that offer a computer science major with a focus on cybersecurity. Understand their admission requirements and take the necessary high school courses to meet them.
Visit government websites like the FBI, NSA, or DNI to discover what they're looking for in cybersecurity professionals. This can give you an idea of what to focus on in your studies.
Finally, consider purchasing a textbook or visiting your local library to find books that delve into computer programming and cybersecurity.
Explore Ted Talks or YouTube tutorials focused on cybersecurity to expand your knowledge.
Research state colleges that offer a computer science major with a focus on cybersecurity. Understand their admission requirements and take the necessary high school courses to meet them.
Visit government websites like the FBI, NSA, or DNI to discover what they're looking for in cybersecurity professionals. This can give you an idea of what to focus on in your studies.
Finally, consider purchasing a textbook or visiting your local library to find books that delve into computer programming and cybersecurity.
David Allen
Consultant
30
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
Absolutely, there are plenty of free resources available to help you improve your cybersecurity skills. Firstly, take advantage of online tutorials, blogs, and YouTube channels dedicated to cybersecurity. Websites like Cybrary, Coursera, and Udemy offer free or low-cost courses on various cybersecurity topics, including ethical hacking, network security, and cryptography.
Additionally, consider participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, which are fun and engaging ways to practice your skills in a simulated cybersecurity environment. Websites like Hack The Box, OverTheWire, and VulnHub host CTF challenges of varying difficulty levels, allowing you to test your knowledge and learn new techniques.
Moreover, explore open-source tools and resources available for cybersecurity professionals. Platforms like Kali Linux, Wireshark, and Metasploit provide valuable tools for penetration testing, network analysis, and vulnerability assessment. Join online communities and forums such as Reddit's r/netsec and Stack Exchange's Information Security to connect with other cybersecurity enthusiasts, share knowledge, and ask questions.
Finally, don't underestimate the power of hands-on practice. Set up a home lab environment using virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware, and practice experimenting with different cybersecurity concepts and techniques. By leveraging these free resources and dedicating time to self-study and practice, you can significantly improve your cybersecurity skills without breaking the bank.
Additionally, consider participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, which are fun and engaging ways to practice your skills in a simulated cybersecurity environment. Websites like Hack The Box, OverTheWire, and VulnHub host CTF challenges of varying difficulty levels, allowing you to test your knowledge and learn new techniques.
Moreover, explore open-source tools and resources available for cybersecurity professionals. Platforms like Kali Linux, Wireshark, and Metasploit provide valuable tools for penetration testing, network analysis, and vulnerability assessment. Join online communities and forums such as Reddit's r/netsec and Stack Exchange's Information Security to connect with other cybersecurity enthusiasts, share knowledge, and ask questions.
Finally, don't underestimate the power of hands-on practice. Set up a home lab environment using virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware, and practice experimenting with different cybersecurity concepts and techniques. By leveraging these free resources and dedicating time to self-study and practice, you can significantly improve your cybersecurity skills without breaking the bank.
Peter Hodge
Cyber Security
3
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Hello Erma, it's fantastic to see your interest in cyber security! There's this phenomenal group named https://anitab.org/ that's dedicated to empowering women like you to not only find their path but also to rise as leaders in the cyber world. I suggest you explore the wealth of resources they offer, including career growth, mentorship, apprenticeships, and more. It's a treasure trove of information just waiting for you!
Matt Houle
Solutions Architect
3
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hi Erma, One resource i utilized quite a bit while learning more about cyber security is hack the box academy. Which will teach you about normal attacks and how they work as well as how to protect against them. In my opinion learning about an attackers offense should help you gain the skills to defend against such attacks.
You can find it here https://academy.hackthebox.com/
Hope this helps!
You can find it here https://academy.hackthebox.com/
Hope this helps!
Tarun Singh
Cybersecurity - Threat Hunting
10
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Tarun’s Answer
Youtube, Reddit, Github are the best free sources that would offer you a lot of information about cybersecurity.
The first question that you need to figure out is - what skill are you looking to enhance? It is important to specialize so let's say you're trying to hone in on cybersecurity defense from SIEM perspective, the first step would be to learn SIEM technology and then move on to the actual logs analysis.
Hope this helps!
The first question that you need to figure out is - what skill are you looking to enhance? It is important to specialize so let's say you're trying to hone in on cybersecurity defense from SIEM perspective, the first step would be to learn SIEM technology and then move on to the actual logs analysis.
Hope this helps!
Andrew Finlayson
Cyber Security
2
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hello Emma!
Firstly, Professor Messer's YouTube channel offers a wealth of knowledge and detailed walkthroughs that can significantly enhance your understanding of Security+. His engaging content is designed to simplify complex concepts, making it an excellent starting point for your studies.
In addition, Udemy, a platform I personally find very user-friendly, regularly hosts monthly sales. During these periods, their courses, which normally range in higher prices, are often available for just $10-$15. Keep an eye out for these sales to make the most of their extensive course offerings.
For more hands-on learning, HacktheBox and TryHackMe provide practical, real-world scenarios that can boost your proficiency. While these platforms may require a small investment, the invaluable experience they provide can be well worth it.
Lastly, when it comes to virtual machines, my top recommendation is the Oracle VM Virtual Box. It's a free platform that allows you to download and run systems such as Kali or Parrot. Alternatively, you can consider browser-based virtual machines, which offer similar functionalities.
I hope these resources serve you as well as they have served me. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance.
Professor Messer Youtube Channel
Network Chuck Youtube
Darknet Diaries (Podcast)
Hackthebox/TryHackMe
Udemy during sales
Firstly, Professor Messer's YouTube channel offers a wealth of knowledge and detailed walkthroughs that can significantly enhance your understanding of Security+. His engaging content is designed to simplify complex concepts, making it an excellent starting point for your studies.
In addition, Udemy, a platform I personally find very user-friendly, regularly hosts monthly sales. During these periods, their courses, which normally range in higher prices, are often available for just $10-$15. Keep an eye out for these sales to make the most of their extensive course offerings.
For more hands-on learning, HacktheBox and TryHackMe provide practical, real-world scenarios that can boost your proficiency. While these platforms may require a small investment, the invaluable experience they provide can be well worth it.
Lastly, when it comes to virtual machines, my top recommendation is the Oracle VM Virtual Box. It's a free platform that allows you to download and run systems such as Kali or Parrot. Alternatively, you can consider browser-based virtual machines, which offer similar functionalities.
I hope these resources serve you as well as they have served me. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance.
Andrew recommends the following next steps:
Onosetale Ojeabulu
Cybersecurity Specialist
3
Answers
Hyattsville, Maryland
Updated
Onosetale’s Answer
Hello,
Boosting your cybersecurity skills can be an exciting journey! One effective method is to dive into small projects found online. Websites like Stack Overflow are treasure troves of such projects, just waiting for your exploration. If system hardening is your area of focus, Metasploit could be your perfect training ground. It sets up a simulated vulnerable server, offering you a safe and practical platform to sharpen your skills. So, let's get started and conquer the world of cybersecurity!
Boosting your cybersecurity skills can be an exciting journey! One effective method is to dive into small projects found online. Websites like Stack Overflow are treasure troves of such projects, just waiting for your exploration. If system hardening is your area of focus, Metasploit could be your perfect training ground. It sets up a simulated vulnerable server, offering you a safe and practical platform to sharpen your skills. So, let's get started and conquer the world of cybersecurity!