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What skills are most valuable for volunteers in Cyber Security roles?
What skills are most valuable for volunteers in Cyber Security roles?
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8 answers
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Volunteers in cybersecurity have a great opportunity to make a difference by learning about common threats, managing risks, and understanding security protocols like SSL/TLS and VPN. Knowing networking basics like TCP/IP and firewalls is important too. Familiarity with security tools such as antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability scanning is beneficial. Helping with incident response and learning to analyze and document security incidents is valuable work. Understanding compliance regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, and running security awareness training and phishing simulations, adds to your skill set.
Beyond technical know-how, having strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills is crucial, especially when collaborating with non-technical teams. Stay curious and keep learning about new threats and technologies. Earning certifications like CompTIA Security+, CEH, and Cisco CyberOps can enhance your credibility. Gaining hands-on experience through platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and contributing to organizations like OWASP provides great practice. Virtual internships or experiences from places like CyberIntern Academy or online boot camps offer practical knowledge. Structured learning through Cybrary, Udemy, and Coursera, along with staying informed through sources like Krebs on Security, will set you on the path to a successful cybersecurity career.
Beyond technical know-how, having strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills is crucial, especially when collaborating with non-technical teams. Stay curious and keep learning about new threats and technologies. Earning certifications like CompTIA Security+, CEH, and Cisco CyberOps can enhance your credibility. Gaining hands-on experience through platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and contributing to organizations like OWASP provides great practice. Virtual internships or experiences from places like CyberIntern Academy or online boot camps offer practical knowledge. Structured learning through Cybrary, Udemy, and Coursera, along with staying informed through sources like Krebs on Security, will set you on the path to a successful cybersecurity career.
Updated
John’s Answer
When leading cyber security teams, the main challenge I've faced is their attitude towards users. IT's role is to help the business and support the users. Cyber security experts often struggle to balance keeping things secure and allowing work to get done. When you volunteer, aim to find this balance, learn from the users, and get to know the business. Always keep in mind the trade-off between risk and benefit.
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Nandhini’s Answer
Check out this link - https://roadmap.sh/cyber-security to start your journey in learning and building your cybersecurity skills. You'll discover which skills are important to learn, see different roles in the field, and find helpful resources on specific topics. Dive in and boost your skills today!
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Queenie’s Answer
There are many online courses which you can start equipping yourself with the domain knowledge e.g. CompTIA+ network, CompTIA security + or certified ethical hacker. That way, you will hv a structured approach on how to get things started.

Chassica Braynen-Thomas, MBA, ITIL
Lead Tech Business Management & Entrepreneur
5
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Chassica’s Answer
You can definitely make a difference volunteering in cybersecurity. Here are some ways to get started building up those important skills:
1. **Learn Basic Tech Skills**: Get to know operating systems like Windows and Linux. Understand networking basics such as TCP/IP, DNS, and firewalls.
2. **Master Programming and Scripting**: Learn languages like JavaScript, Python, and SQL to help you write and understand security systems.
3. **Identify and Manage Risks**: Practice spotting vulnerabilities and managing risks. Study threats like malware, phishing, and DDoS attacks.
4. **Get Comfortable with Security Tools**: Use tools like Wireshark, Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and SIEM solutions to strengthen your skills.
5. **Improve Incident Response Skills**: Learn how to respond to security incidents and build system resilience.
These are starting points. Keep learning and exploring more classes and resources as you find them.
1. **Learn Basic Tech Skills**: Get to know operating systems like Windows and Linux. Understand networking basics such as TCP/IP, DNS, and firewalls.
2. **Master Programming and Scripting**: Learn languages like JavaScript, Python, and SQL to help you write and understand security systems.
3. **Identify and Manage Risks**: Practice spotting vulnerabilities and managing risks. Study threats like malware, phishing, and DDoS attacks.
4. **Get Comfortable with Security Tools**: Use tools like Wireshark, Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and SIEM solutions to strengthen your skills.
5. **Improve Incident Response Skills**: Learn how to respond to security incidents and build system resilience.
These are starting points. Keep learning and exploring more classes and resources as you find them.
Updated
Xin’s Answer
Hi Arta,
Good Day!
First, understand operating systems (Windows, Linux), networking (TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls), and common protocols. Also, knowledge of threats (malware, phishing, DDoS), encryption, authentication, and risk management skills are necessary. Then, you should be familiar with tools like Wireshark, Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and SIEM solutions.
You can try some volunteering to gain experience. Volunteering in cybersecurity not only builds skills but also helps protect vulnerable organizations.
Wish you all the best!
Good Day!
First, understand operating systems (Windows, Linux), networking (TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls), and common protocols. Also, knowledge of threats (malware, phishing, DDoS), encryption, authentication, and risk management skills are necessary. Then, you should be familiar with tools like Wireshark, Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and SIEM solutions.
You can try some volunteering to gain experience. Volunteering in cybersecurity not only builds skills but also helps protect vulnerable organizations.
Wish you all the best!
Updated
Veronica’s Answer
Hi there! I hope you're doing great. I suggest focusing on both technical skills, like network security and operating systems, and soft skills, like problem-solving and communication. It's important to understand information security concepts and know how to use tools and techniques to keep systems and data safe.

Edmond Momartin ☁️
Public Cloud Security & Compliance AT&T | MBA InfoSec | OWASP-LA Board
99
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Edmond’s Answer
If by volunteering you are referring to volunteering at one of the cybersecurity non-profit organizations (OWASP, ISC2, ISSA, ISACA, etc.), you just need to show up and contribute in any way you can. No special skills needed.
If you're referring to internships however, then it all depends - cybersecurity is a very broad field and pretty much any skill set you have can be put to good use. Check the "Explore Cybersecurity Career Options" section of https://niccs.cisa.gov/education-training/cybersecurity-students - the page provides a great overview of all available areas in cybersecurity.
If you're referring to internships however, then it all depends - cybersecurity is a very broad field and pretty much any skill set you have can be put to good use. Check the "Explore Cybersecurity Career Options" section of https://niccs.cisa.gov/education-training/cybersecurity-students - the page provides a great overview of all available areas in cybersecurity.