What You Should Learn Before "Cybersecurity"

Summary

In this video, Grant discusses the misconception that cybersecurity is a standalone career. He emphasizes that cybersecurity is part of the broader field of IT and is closely related to networking. Grant shares his experience starting with IT fundamentals, specifically the CompTIA A+ course, before moving into cybersecurity. He stresses the importance of mastering networking concepts such as routers, servers, and network architectures as foundational knowledge for a career in cybersecurity. He also recommends certifications like CompTIA Network+ for learning networking fundamentals, making the case that a cybersecurity degree inherently involves learning networking.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding networking is crucial before diving into cybersecurity.
• 😀 Cybersecurity is not a standalone field but part of a broader IT landscape.
• 😀 Starting with IT fundamentals, such as the CompTIA A+, helps lay the groundwork for cybersecurity knowledge.
• 😀 Learning networking concepts like routers, switches, VLANs, and troubleshooting is essential for cybersecurity.
• 😀 Certifications like CompTIA Network+ can be a great way to learn the foundations of networking.
• 😀 The OSI model and TCP/IP are critical networking concepts to understand for a career in cybersecurity.
• 😀 Cybersecurity education often includes a substantial amount of networking knowledge, reflecting the interconnectedness of both fields.
• 😀 Networking knowledge enables a deeper understanding of how to secure IT systems and networks.
• 😀 The speaker recommends taking a step-by-step approach, starting with basics like Network+ before progressing to more advanced certifications like CCNA.
• 😀 Despite majoring in cybersecurity, the speaker emphasizes the importance of networking in their curriculum, showing its relevance to security.

Q & A

What is the main point the speaker is trying to convey about cybersecurity?

The speaker explains that cybersecurity is not a standalone field but is a part of a broader technology landscape, much like how programming is more than just coding. It is essential to understand other fundamental aspects, particularly networking, to grasp cybersecurity concepts effectively.

What does the speaker mean when they say cybersecurity is really just IT security?

The speaker suggests that the term 'cybersecurity' is a modernized version of 'IT security.' While cybersecurity is used as a marketing term to attract more students, IT security is the foundational concept behind it.

Why does the speaker recommend learning networking before diving into cybersecurity?

Networking is considered the fundamental base of cybersecurity because understanding how networks work—routers, switches, servers, and network architectures—helps in securing them. A strong grasp of networking is crucial for understanding the security components within it.

What fundamental concepts in networking should someone learn before pursuing cybersecurity?

The speaker emphasizes understanding routers, switches, access points, VLANs, server configuration, troubleshooting, the OSI model, and TCP/IP. Knowledge in these areas helps in managing and securing networks.

What is the speaker’s educational background in cybersecurity?

The speaker is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, which includes networking courses before diving into security-specific classes. This ensures a solid foundation in networking before tackling cybersecurity topics.

Why does the speaker mention using outdated study materials like the CompTIA A+ 802 and 801 exams?

The speaker shares their early experience with studying outdated content as a way of learning IT fundamentals, even though the materials had been updated by the time they were used. The idea is that starting with basic IT knowledge lays the groundwork for more advanced topics like cybersecurity.

What certification does the speaker recommend for learning networking fundamentals?

The speaker recommends the CompTIA Network+ certification as a starting point for understanding networking fundamentals. From there, learners can progress to more advanced certifications like Cisco’s CCNA.

What question does the speaker address regarding their major in cybersecurity?

The speaker addresses the question of why they’re majoring in cybersecurity instead of networking. They clarify that their degree includes networking courses, providing them with a solid understanding of networking fundamentals before moving into security-specific classes.

What role does the speaker’s Discord channel play in their educational approach?

The speaker has created a Discord channel for students and others interested in IT and cybersecurity to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge. This is an additional resource for those seeking to engage with like-minded individuals and continue learning outside of formal education.

What does the speaker mean by ‘networking’ in the context of cybersecurity?

In the context of cybersecurity, networking refers to understanding how data flows across devices, the configuration of hardware like routers and switches, and the management of network security. This knowledge is crucial for securing the infrastructure upon which all cybersecurity measures are built.