Where to start learning cyber security

[barisaxyman]

I want to start learning and working to have a base knowledge before I go to college. Where should I start and what should I do?

[ImperialSteele]

So (assuming you're in high school) generally you can "dual enroll" in community college classes for free and get HS credit/college credit, and the community college generally has more options then your HS. A more indepdent route is just self teaching, by looking at (reputable) Youtube videos on the topic, or Lynda.com tutorials on specific sections of Cyber Security. Is there a paticular like section you're interested in, like PC security, network admin, big data protection etc, or just the field in general?

[barisaxyman]

40 minutes ago, ImperialSteele said:

So (assuming you're in high school) generally you can "dual enroll" in community college classes for free and get HS credit/college credit, and the community college generally has more options then your HS. A more indepdent route is just self teaching, by looking at (reputable) Youtube videos on the topic, or Lynda.com tutorials on specific sections of Cyber Security. Is there a paticular like section you're interested in, like PC security, network admin, big data protection etc, or just the field in general?

To be completely honest, I don't know what field I want to go into. Thanks for the tips though.

[barisaxyman]

After looking at some fields either Pentesting or Information Security Analyst

43 minutes ago, ImperialSteele said:

So (assuming you're in high school) generally you can "dual enroll" in community college classes for free and get HS credit/college credit, and the community college generally has more options then your HS. A more indepdent route is just self teaching, by looking at (reputable) Youtube videos on the topic, or Lynda.com tutorials on specific sections of Cyber Security. Is there a paticular like section you're interested in, like PC security, network admin, big data protection etc, or just the field in general?

Information Security Analyst

[JusticeBeaver]

Work on network + 

Then security+

 

Security+ is a standard for understanding the concepts of CS.

If you want to go CS your goal should be CISSP.

 

If it's pentesting start learning programming language and understanding how code is written. Watch the DEFCON lectures. They won't really teach you allot but help you understand real world and not Hollywood hacking.

 

Next build a vmware network, get metaexploit, wind, winserver, and kalilinux then exploit your VMs. Much of this world is self taught and home labs.

[ImperialSteele]

16 hours ago, JusticeBeaver said:

Work on network + 

Then security+

Ya, forgot to mention certifications. CompTIA has a bunch of cool ones, like I'm A+, and working on Network+ and just need to test for my Linux+, but the test them selves are decently pricy, for example the A+ has two tests for it, and they are each $200 USD, but just getting the books and reviewing them is a valuable resource.

[JusticeBeaver]

Its one of those things that you save up for and work towards. When I got my CCNA I could not function with the sim labs. So I had to piece together a home lab environment from ebay. It took time and saving, but it paid off. 

 

I goal myself with at least 1 type of cert or major course that I can add to my resume a year. If I am focusing on a major cert like CISSP or a CCIE (I do not have) then I would just look for a small course like a sonicwall course or just something that add to my resume. All ways be learning.

 

Udemy is also a good place to start to. Chris Bryant got me through my CCNA and his course cost me 25$ 

[Ithanul]

17 hours ago, barisaxyman said:

After looking at some fields either Pentesting or Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Hmmm, I just saw a job offer sent to our unit here that was that type of job.  I think I still have the email.

 

Should have the requirements that such a job requires.  Give me a moment.

Whoops, it was a Network Security Engineer position job.

Should be slightly similar.  Give you a bit of an idea of the job offers I see sent to us.

 

Experience Required

- A minimum of 3 – 5 years building and maintaining security monitoring systems. - Hands on experience in security systems, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, anti-virus software, end point protection, authentication systems, log management and content filtering. - Knowledge of network protocols, data flows, and vulnerabilities within a TCP/IP environment. - Experience with performing vulnerability scans and assessments as well as computer forensics. - Familiarity with SOA governance and policy management best practices, information security best practices and common processes. - Strong analytical, technical, and problem solving skills - Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group, executives, managers, and subject matter experts.
       
Education Required

- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with advance education in fields related to position or equivalent experience. - IT certifications include but not limited to CCNP, f5-CA, ICSSP, Security+ and GIAC are preferred.