Getting Into Cyber Security: 5 Skills You NEED to Learn

Summary

This video outlines the top 5 skills for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, emphasizing practical skills over certifications. It highlights the importance of virtual machines for platform-agnostic flexibility, mastering the command line for efficient OS interaction, understanding system administration, having a strong foundation in computer networking, and maintaining personal digital security. The speaker encourages hands-on learning and staying updated with security practices to excel in the field.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ Building and using virtual machines (VMs) is crucial for cybersecurity as they allow for platform-agnostic operation and isolated training or research environments.
• 📚 Certifications in cybersecurity are less important than actual skills and experience, which are more valued in the field.
• 🔍 Mastering the command line interface (CLI), such as Bash or PowerShell, is essential for efficient interaction with operating systems and for automating repetitive tasks.
• 💻 System administration skills are vital, involving the configuration and maintenance of computers, which can be developed through hands-on experience and curiosity.
• 🌐 Understanding computer networking, including the TCP/IP and OSI models, is fundamental to grasping how data transfers and to becoming a proficient troubleshooter.
• 🔒 Personal digital security is paramount, affecting everyone from individuals to organizations, and should be practiced diligently to prevent cyber intrusions.
• 🔑 The importance of practicing good digital hygiene cannot be overstated, as it is often the foundation of cybersecurity and can protect against many threats.
• 📈 Being proficient in multiple operating systems maximizes the scope of your skills and makes you effective in various situations within cybersecurity.
• 📝 Learning to script and automate tasks using the command line can significantly increase productivity and make you a valuable asset in a cybersecurity team.
• 🌟 Developing a strong foundation in networking protocols and layers can make you a 'rockstar troubleshooter' in the cybersecurity field.
• 📢 Staying up-to-date with the latest security news and best practices is key to maintaining personal digital security and advising others effectively.

Q & A

What are the top 5 skills mentioned in the video for getting into cybersecurity?

The top 5 skills mentioned are: 1) Building and using virtual machines, 2) Learning the command line, 3) System administration, 4) Computer networking, and 5) Personal digital security.

Why are certifications considered less important than skills and experience in cybersecurity?

Certifications are less important because in cybersecurity, what you can do and your ability to solve technical problems is more valuable and makes you more successful than the knowledge you possess.

What is a virtual machine (VM) and what is its purpose in cybersecurity?

A virtual machine is an operating system that runs on top of an existing or 'host' OS. It is used in cybersecurity to become platform-agnostic, allowing one to work with any operating system and tools, and to train and research in an isolated environment without affecting the main system.

What are some popular hypervisors mentioned in the script?

Some popular hypervisors mentioned are Hyper-V by Microsoft, VirtualBox by Oracle, VMware, and KVM.

Why is learning the command line interface (CLI) important in cybersecurity?

Learning the CLI is important because it provides the most efficient way to interact with an operating system, offers the lowest level access to software functionality, and allows for scripting and automation to tackle repetitive tasks.

What is the difference between Bash and Zsh in the context of command line interfaces?

Bash, or the 'Bourne-again Shell', is the default shell in most Linux distributions and is known for its popularity and effectiveness. Zsh, or 'Z-Shell', is like a more advanced version with nicer features, and macOS has since changed to using Zsh.

Why is system administration a crucial skill for cybersecurity professionals?

System administration is crucial because it involves configuring and maintaining computers and understanding various tools to help others. It requires a deep knowledge of the platform and tools, which is essential for troubleshooting and maintaining system security.

What are the two conceptual models that govern computer networking?

The two conceptual models that govern computer networking are TCP/IP and OSI. TCP/IP uses four layers, while OSI uses seven layers to describe the networking and telecommunication protocols.

How does a strong foundation in networking help in cybersecurity?

A strong foundation in networking helps in cybersecurity by enabling a professional to understand how devices interact and data is transferred, making them a better troubleshooter and more skilled at their craft.

Why is personal digital security important for cybersecurity professionals?

Personal digital security is important because it affects individuals, families, friends, and organizations. Cybercrime is booming, and as technology becomes more intertwined with our lives, the vulnerabilities and attack vectors increase. Practicing good digital hygiene can protect against such threats.

What advice does the video give for enhancing one's cybersecurity skills?

The video advises to practice by doing, experiment with settings, recover files, monitor viruses in a VM, and stay up-to-date with the latest security news and best practices to enhance cybersecurity skills.