Underrated Cyber Security Certs that WILL get you HIRED

Summary

The video script discusses the outdated advice of pursuing traditional certifications like CompTIA and CCNA for a career in cybersecurity. Instead, the speaker advocates for hands-on, lab-based training, sharing the story of Josh, an electrician with a cybersecurity degree, who sought career mentorship. The speaker recommends platforms like Let's Defend for defensive technical skills and GC Mastery for non-technical GRC skills to broaden employability. The emphasis is on gaining practical experience and applying for jobs to build confidence and skills, rather than solely focusing on recognized certifications.

Takeaways

• 🚫 Outdated Advice - The conventional path of CompTIA, Network+, Security+, and CCNA before entering cybersecurity is considered outdated.
• 🌐 Global Success Stories - The YouTube channel shares success stories of individuals who achieved success in cybersecurity through alternative paths and trainings.
• 📋 Foundation Over Certifications - Emphasizing the importance of foundational skills and hands-on experience over traditional certifications.
• 🔍 Confidence Through Application - Gaining confidence in cybersecurity through real-world applications and interview experiences rather than just studying.
• 🛠️ Hands-On Training - Recommending lab-based, hands-on cybersecurity training as a more effective approach to learning and skill development.
• 🔧 Career Mentorship - Utilizing career mentorship calls to guide individuals in their cybersecurity career path and address specific concerns.
• 🔄 Broad Skillset - Advising beginners to focus on a broad skillset to maximize job opportunities rather than specializing too early.
• 🎯 Job Application Strategy - Encouraging job applications as soon as possible to gain experience and improve interview skills.
• 🔄 Continuous Learning and Applying - Emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and job application to increase the chances of landing a cybersecurity job.
• 🔎 Misconceptions About Hiring - Clarifying that hiring managers in cybersecurity are not solely focused on certifications but rather on practical skills and experience.
• 🌟 Specialization vs. General Skills - While specialization is important, having a general skillset that applies to a wide range of cybersecurity jobs is more beneficial for beginners.

Q & A

What is the speaker's opinion on the traditional advice of pursuing CompTIA, Network+, Security+, and CCNA before entering cybersecurity?

The speaker believes that following this traditional advice is outdated, comparing it to advice given 20 years ago. They argue that many successful cybersecurity professionals have achieved their goals without these certifications by following alternative paths and training.

What was Josh's background and why did he book a career mentorship call with the speaker?

Josh is a 32-year-old electrician living in the US who also holds a cybersecurity degree from WGU University, which includes many CompTIA certifications. Despite this, he felt unprepared and lacked confidence to apply for cybersecurity jobs, leading him to seek guidance from the speaker.

What was the speaker's first recommendation for Josh to improve his cybersecurity skills?

The speaker recommended a platform called Let's Defend, specifically its Security Analyst pathway, which focuses on the defensive technical side of cybersecurity and can qualify Josh to work in a Security Operations Center (SOC).

Why did the speaker suggest Josh pursue a broad range of skills rather than focusing on a specific specialization early in his career?

The speaker advised Josh to be as generic as possible to qualify for a larger number of jobs, maximizing his chances of landing a cybersecurity position. Specialization is less important initially, and a broad skill set is more marketable, especially for someone new to the field.

What is the speaker's stance on the importance of recognized training and certifications in the cybersecurity job market?

The speaker emphasizes that hiring managers are not just looking for recognized training or certifications. They value the skills listed in job descriptions more, and candidates should focus on acquiring practical skills that match the job requirements rather than chasing after recognized certifications.

What is GC Mastery and why was it recommended to Josh?

GC Mastery is a training program focused on the non-technical side of cybersecurity, known as GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance). It was recommended to Josh to broaden his skill set and increase his chances of landing a cybersecurity job, even if it's not directly related to his ultimate goal of digital forensics.

What are the other Hands-On training options mentioned by the speaker for someone looking to enter cybersecurity?

The speaker mentions Blue Team Level One, Hack The Box, and Try Hack Me as other practical, hands-on training options that can help individuals gain the necessary skills for a cybersecurity career.

What advice does the speaker give regarding the selection of a training course?

The speaker advises that the specific training course chosen is less important than the commitment to completing a hands-on, practical cybersecurity training. The goal is to gain skills and experience, not to collect certifications.

What is the speaker's strategy for job hunting in cybersecurity?

The speaker suggests starting with a basic foundational certification, then immediately engaging in hands-on cybersecurity training while simultaneously applying for jobs. This approach involves continuous learning and applying to gain experience and confidence, increasing the chances of landing a job.

What mistake did Josh make that is common among beginners looking for their first cybersecurity job?

Josh made the mistake of only searching for digital forensics jobs, limiting his opportunities. The speaker advises against this narrow approach and encourages job seekers to apply for a broader range of cybersecurity positions.

How does the speaker suggest improving one's chances of landing a cybersecurity job?

The speaker recommends a combination of completing hands-on cybersecurity training, gaining practical experience through labs, and applying to a variety of cybersecurity jobs to build confidence and interview experience. Persistence and a willingness to learn from rejections are key to success.