Step-By-Step Cybersecurity Beginner Learner's Guide | Cyber Security Training for Beginners 2023

Summary

In this informative video, Sandra, a seasoned cybersecurity analyst, shares her top free resources for beginners to learn cybersecurity. She recommends platforms like Open Security Training, Cybrary, and YouTube for foundational knowledge, and emphasizes the importance of technical skills through hands-on experience. Sandra also discusses the value of certifications like CompTIA Security Plus and the significance of understanding computer architecture, networking, incident response, vulnerability management, and cybersecurity tooling. She concludes with tips on interview preparation, highlighting the broad nature of cybersecurity and the need for a comprehensive understanding of the field.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sandra, a cybersecurity analyst with over four years of experience, shares her top free learning resources for beginners in cybersecurity.
• 📚 She recommends the Google Cyber Security Professional Certificate on Coursera for a structured learning path.
• 💻 Open Security Training offers free video courses, lectures, and hands-on labs covering topics from beginner to advanced levels.
• 📈 Cybrary and MeditEvil are platforms with free and paid resources for learning red teaming and offensive security.
• 🎓 A Udemy course by Daniel Arzuaga provides an introduction to cybersecurity, with foundational information still relevant today.
• 🔍 YouTube is a valuable resource for learning new tools or skillsets, with channels like Professor Messer and Network Chalk Talk.
• 🔒 Using a password manager like Keeper ensures secure account management, with features like encrypted password storage and dark web monitoring.
• 🛡️ Keeper's security platform is built on zero trust and zero knowledge principles, ensuring that only the user can decrypt their data.
• 📝 The Google Cyber Security Certificate provides a comprehensive introduction to five core areas: computer architecture, networking, incident response, vulnerability management, and cybersecurity tooling.
• 📘 CompTIA Security Plus is a popular certification for beginners with no prerequisites, covering foundational cybersecurity knowledge.
• 🛠️ Gaining technical skills and hands-on experience is crucial, with scripting languages like Python being particularly useful in cybersecurity.
• 📝 Cybersecurity interview preparation involves understanding behavioral, technical, and security design interview types and practicing open-ended problem-solving.

Q & A

What are some free resources recommended for beginners in cybersecurity?

Some recommended free resources include Open Security Training, Cybrary, and various YouTube channels like Professor Messer and Network Chuck. These platforms offer a range of content from beginner to advanced levels, including video courses, lectures, and hands-on labs.

What is the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate and where can it be found?

The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is a course available on Coursera. It provides a structured introduction to cybersecurity, covering essential topics and skills needed in the field.

What are the top five core areas in cybersecurity for beginners to focus on?

The top five core areas are: Computer Architecture, Networking, Incident Response, Vulnerability Management, and Cybersecurity Tooling. These areas cover foundational knowledge and skills necessary for a career in cybersecurity.

Which cybersecurity certification is recommended for beginners, and why?

The CompTIA Security+ certification is recommended for beginners because it covers foundational cybersecurity knowledge and does not require any prerequisites. It's suitable for students, career changers, and entry-level professionals.

What is the role of a password manager in cybersecurity, and which one was highlighted in the script?

A password manager helps securely store and manage passwords, ensuring strong and unique passwords for different accounts. The script highlighted 'Keeper' as a recommended password manager, noting its encrypted password management and zero-knowledge security features.

What is the importance of networking knowledge in cybersecurity?

Networking knowledge is crucial in cybersecurity as it involves understanding how devices communicate, how information is securely transmitted, and how networks are structured. This understanding is essential for securing data, managing incidents, and protecting infrastructure.

What tools might be used by individuals interested in red teaming or offensive security?

Tools commonly used in red teaming or offensive security include Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, and Burp Suite. These tools help in identifying vulnerabilities and testing security measures.

What is incident response, and why is it important in cybersecurity?

Incident response involves managing and addressing security incidents, such as data breaches or cyber-attacks. It is crucial because it ensures timely resolution of issues, protection of sensitive data, and mitigation of potential damage to an organization.

How can one gain hands-on experience in cybersecurity?

Hands-on experience can be gained through practical exercises with cybersecurity tools, participating in capture the flag (CTF) competitions, setting up personal labs, or working on real-world projects. Many tools have free or community editions for practice.

What should candidates expect in a cybersecurity interview?

Candidates can expect a mix of behavioral, technical, and security design questions. Behavioral questions assess past experiences and problem-solving skills, technical questions test knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, and security design questions evaluate the candidate's ability to think critically and design secure systems.