2025-01-28
I spent 3 years learning cybersecurity wrong. Save yourself the trouble. I see too many people jump straight into advanced certifications. They waste time and money. They get discouraged. My advice after spending almost 3 years to figure out the best path when I got started:
Start with the basics:
Study time matters more than money. Give yourself 3 months. Study daily. Even 30 minutes counts. Focus on hands-on practice. Theory alone won’t cut it. Set up a home lab. Break things. Fix them. Learn. Most important: Don’t chase paper. Chase understanding. Strong foundations lead to long careers.
Here is a simplified list of cybersecurity certifications you need to take into account as a beginner:
Entry-Level Certifications:
1. CompTIA A+
2. Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity
3. CompTIA Network+
4. CompTIA Security+
5. Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
6. Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) by ISC2
Intermediate-Level Certifications:
7. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
8. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
9. CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
10. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
11. Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional
Advanced-Level Certifications:
12. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security
13. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
14. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Expert-Level Certifications:
15. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Security
16. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
What Undercode Say
Building a career in cybersecurity requires a solid foundation, hands-on experience, and a clear understanding of the tools and techniques used in the field. Starting with entry-level certifications like CompTIA A+ and Security+ is crucial. These certifications provide the basic knowledge needed to understand how systems work and how to secure them. Setting up a home lab is one of the best ways to gain practical experience. Use tools like VirtualBox or VMware to create virtual machines and practice configuring firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols.
For Linux users, mastering commands like `nmap` for network scanning, `tcpdump` for packet analysis, and `iptables` for firewall configuration is essential. Practice using these commands in a controlled environment to understand their functionality. For example, use `nmap -sP 192.168.1.0/24` to scan your local network and identify connected devices.
Additionally, explore open-source tools like Wireshark for network traffic analysis and Metasploit for penetration testing. Websites like [Kali Linux Tools](https://www.kali.org/tools/) and [OWASP](https://owasp.org/) offer valuable resources for learning and practicing cybersecurity skills.
Remember, cybersecurity is not just about certifications;
In conclusion, focus on building a strong foundation, practice regularly, and stay curious. Cybersecurity is a dynamic field, and the more you learn, the better equipped you’ll be to tackle real-world challenges.
References:
Hackers Feeds, Undercode AI
