How I Would Learn Cyber Security (If I Could Start Over)

Summary

The speaker reflects on their journey into cybersecurity, sharing valuable lessons learned over time. They emphasize the importance of choosing a specific niche early on and engaging in hands-on learning rather than relying on inefficient study habits. The speaker discusses the increasing role of AI in cybersecurity and urges others to stay ahead by learning automation and coding. They advocate for certifications over traditional degrees, recognizing the shift towards AI-driven tools and the need for continual learning in a rapidly evolving field.

Takeaways

• 🛡️ Cybersecurity requires dedication and isn't as easy to break into as some might think.
• 🎯 Picking a niche early on is crucial in cybersecurity to avoid being overwhelmed with basic knowledge.
• 💻 Hands-on experience is far more valuable than just theoretical learning, especially through activities like capture-the-flag events and hacking challenges.
• 🎮 Wasting time on distractions (e.g., video games) can hinder progress; focused learning is essential.
• 📚 College teaches a lot of unnecessary content, and certifications (certs) are often more efficient and directly applicable for cybersecurity careers.
• 🤖 AI and automation are quickly advancing in the field, so it's important to stay ahead by learning not just the basics but also tools that integrate AI.
• ⚡ Efficient learning involves doing practical tasks as soon as possible, rather than passively absorbing information from books or lectures.
• 🛠️ Knowing how to use tools and automation in cybersecurity is becoming more critical than ever to stay relevant.
• 🎓 Although degrees have value in the job market, certifications might be a better and faster route to get into cybersecurity.
• 👨‍💻 Continuous learning is necessary because AI is transforming cybersecurity roles, making it crucial to constantly upgrade your skills.

Q & A

What is the main lesson the speaker learned from their journey in cyber security?

The speaker learned that cyber security is more challenging to enter than they initially thought. They realized the importance of choosing a specific niche early on and that mastering basic concepts alone is not enough to land a job.

How does the speaker describe their initial post-high school path compared to the expected path?

The speaker's path deviated from the traditional one, where people graduate by 22, get a high-paying job, buy a house, and have kids. Instead, they worked at Target, played video games, and took several breaks before discovering a cyber security program.

What mistake did the speaker make while pursuing their cyber security degree?

The speaker didn’t pick a specific niche within cyber security early on and assumed the general skills from the degree would be enough. They realized later that specializing and focusing on specific skills is crucial to finding job opportunities.

Why does the speaker regret their learning methods in college?

The speaker regrets their learning methods because they barely retained what they learned. They crammed for exams, didn’t retain long-term knowledge, and realized they could have learned more efficiently through hands-on experiences and extracurricular activities.

What alternative learning strategies does the speaker suggest?

The speaker suggests doing more hands-on activities, like participating in 'Capture the Flag' events, Hack the Box challenges, and focusing on specialized learning. They also recommend online courses and certifications over traditional degree programs.

What role does the speaker see AI playing in the future of cyber security?

The speaker sees AI as increasingly automating basic tasks in cyber security, such as threat detection and remediation. However, they believe that cyber security professionals will still need to learn how these tools work to stay relevant in more advanced roles.

What does the speaker say about the value of a bachelor’s degree in today's job market?

The speaker acknowledges that, despite the unnecessary content in traditional degrees, a bachelor’s degree is still highly valued in today’s job market. They believe it’s often a requirement due to societal and HR preferences, even though certifications might be more efficient.

How does the speaker view the future of cyber security jobs in relation to AI advancements?

The speaker believes AI will take over basic tasks, making roles like security analysts more complex. However, full automation will take time, and professionals need to continuously learn and adapt to new technologies to remain relevant.

What personal challenges did the speaker face during their journey in cyber security?

The speaker faced several personal challenges, including balancing college with raising children, failing classes, starting over, and experiencing a failed business before eventually landing a job in cyber security.

Why does the speaker recommend certifications over a traditional degree?

The speaker believes certifications are a more efficient way to gain relevant, specialized knowledge and skills in cyber security. They argue that certifications can help individuals reach their current career level faster than a traditional four-year degree.