FASTEST way to become a Cyber Security Engineer and ACTUALLY get a job – UPDATED (2024)

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, covering key career paths such as application security engineering, system/network security, and cloud security. It emphasizes the importance of foundational training, hands-on labs, and specialized certifications. Key recommendations include learning Python for application security engineers, understanding network security tools for system engineers, and mastering cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud for cloud security engineers. The video highlights practical advice and resources for each path, offering a clear roadmap to success in cybersecurity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Application security engineers are the first line of defense, identifying and fixing code vulnerabilities before ethical hackers can find them.
• 😀 To become a skilled application security engineer, focus on learning the OWASP Top 10 and fundamental security training like TryHackMe.
• 😀 Understanding programming languages, especially Python, is crucial for identifying and addressing code vulnerabilities effectively.
• 😀 Penetration testing is not necessary for an application security engineer but can be a helpful bonus skill after learning the basics.
• 😀 Practicing real-world vulnerabilities and solutions through hands-on labs like Port Swigger's Web Security Academy is highly beneficial for application security engineers.
• 😀 Top tech companies like Google and Meta are constantly looking for skilled application security engineers, making it a promising career path.
• 😀 Network security engineers focus on configuring firewalls, proxies, and system security tasks, typically requiring strong network engineering skills before cybersecurity knowledge.
• 😀 If you're already a network engineer, free training from Cisco and Palo Alto can help you specialize in cybersecurity aspects of networking.
• 😀 Cloud security engineers combine cloud platform skills (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) with cybersecurity expertise to secure cloud environments.
• 😀 Cloud security certifications from AWS, Microsoft, and Google are highly valuable, with each platform offering security-focused exams for aspiring cloud security engineers.
• 😀 Combining cloud skills with cybersecurity knowledge creates a significant career advantage due to the growing demand for professionals in this area.

Q & A

What is the role of an Application Security Engineer?

An Application Security Engineer is responsible for identifying and fixing vulnerabilities in an application’s code before it is finished. They serve as the first line of defense to ensure the code is secure before it is tested by ethical hackers.

Why is learning Python recommended for an Application Security Engineer?

Learning Python is essential because it allows an Application Security Engineer to understand code and identify security issues more effectively. Without programming knowledge, analyzing code for vulnerabilities can be much more challenging.

Is penetration testing necessary for an Application Security Engineer?

Penetration testing is not deemed essential for an Application Security Engineer. While it can be beneficial, it's considered overkill as their primary focus is on securing the code before it goes through penetration testing by ethical hackers.

What are the key resources for becoming an Application Security Engineer?

To become a skilled Application Security Engineer, it is recommended to follow the TryHackMe Security Engineer training, learn the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, and practice in a lab environment. Free labs from PortSwigger are also highly useful for hands-on practice.

What does a Systems and Network Security Engineer do?

A Systems and Network Security Engineer configures firewalls, proxies, and other network security tools. They may also manage system security tasks such as hardening operating systems like Windows or Linux and setting up Microsoft Active Directory.

Why is a Systems and Network Security Engineer typically considered a network engineer rather than a cybersecurity specialist?

Although the title includes 'security,' Systems and Network Security Engineers are primarily network engineers who specialize in security tasks. Their role is crucial but often focuses more on configuring and securing network infrastructure rather than broad cybersecurity concepts.

What are the key certifications for someone interested in cloud security?

For cloud security, recommended certifications include the AWS Security Specialty, Microsoft Azure Cloud Engineer Associate, and Google Cloud Security Engineer. These certifications help professionals gain the necessary skills to secure cloud environments.

How do cloud security skills benefit a cybersecurity career?

Combining cloud skills with cybersecurity knowledge is highly valuable because of the growing demand for professionals skilled in securing cloud environments. Cloud security skills are in high demand, especially for platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

What is the best way to get started as a cloud security engineer?

To become a cloud security engineer, it is recommended to first gain proficiency with one of the major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) and then focus on cybersecurity skills specific to cloud environments. Completing certifications from these platforms can accelerate your career.

Is it important to know all three major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) for cloud security?

While it’s not necessary to be an expert in all three cloud platforms, knowing one platform well (such as AWS or Azure) makes it easier to transition to others. The platforms share many similarities, with only naming conventions differing.