Beginner cyber security projects you NEED to get hired

Summary

This video offers actionable advice for those looking to break into cybersecurity, especially those struggling with a lack of experience. The presenter shares a step-by-step approach to gaining practical experience through guided projects and certifications, such as using Microsoft Defender, analyzing network traffic with Wireshark, and understanding Active Directory. The emphasis is on building real-world skills that can be showcased on a CV to boost confidence and increase job prospects. The video also recommends certifications like TryHackMe's SOC Level 1 and Cyber Defense to further enhance practical knowledge and skills for entry-level cybersecurity roles.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gaining experience is a major hurdle when starting in cybersecurity, as employers often require it before hiring, creating a frustrating cycle.
• 😀 Certifications like CompTIA Security Plus and Google Cybersecurity Certificate can help build foundational knowledge, but practical experience is key to gaining confidence and landing a job.
• 😀 Guided projects, which are online, step-by-step exercises based on real-world scenarios, are a great way to gain practical skills and boost your resume.
• 😀 Adding key projects to your CV, such as configuring Microsoft Defender and analyzing network traffic, shows that you are actively building cybersecurity experience.
• 😀 Hands-on practice with tools like TCP dump and Wireshark will help you understand network traffic, a critical skill for cyber analysts.
• 😀 Active Directory knowledge is essential, as cyber analysts often analyze its logs to identify security breaches or unusual activity, even though they don’t typically configure it.
• 😀 Working with Windows servers to analyze logs from hacked machines is another important skill for a cyber analyst, as it helps understand how to detect and respond to security incidents.
• 😀 Lab-based certifications from platforms like TryHackMe, such as the SOC Level 1 and Cyber Defense certifications, provide practical experience with common cybersecurity tools and scenarios.
• 😀 Practical experience with tools like Snort, Zeke, and Wireshark enhances your ability to analyze network traffic and perform digital forensics.
• 😀 Hiring managers prioritize practical skills over keywords on resumes, so focus on demonstrating real-world abilities and hands-on experience.
• 😀 A step-by-step roadmap is crucial for beginners in cybersecurity to build a solid foundation, understand necessary certifications, and gain the experience employers seek.

Q & A

Why do many candidates struggle to get their first cybersecurity job?

The primary reason many candidates struggle to get their first cybersecurity job is the lack of experience, which is often the number one factor mentioned by employers during rejections.

How can guided projects help candidates gain cybersecurity experience?

Guided projects provide step-by-step, real-world scenarios that allow candidates to practice the skills required in cybersecurity roles. This approach helps them build the experience companies are looking for, while also boosting their confidence to apply for jobs.

What should be included in a cybersecurity student's CV when adding experience?

A cybersecurity student should list their part-time student status, courses they've completed (e.g., Google Cybersecurity Certificate, CompTIA Security Plus), key projects (e.g., configuring Microsoft Defender), and skills acquired (e.g., Microsoft Windows Defender).

What are the key concepts that candidates should learn when analyzing network traffic?

Candidates should focus on understanding IP addresses, HTTP/HTTPS protocols, port numbers, the TCP handshake, and packet analysis using tools like Wireshark and TCPdump. These skills are essential for detecting potential hackers or malware in a network.

What is the role of Microsoft Active Directory in cybersecurity?

Microsoft Active Directory is used for authentication and user access management in a company. While cyber analysts are not responsible for configuring or maintaining it, they often analyze logs from Active Directory to detect potential security threats.

How does learning to analyze Windows server logs benefit a cybersecurity analyst?

Understanding and analyzing Windows server logs is essential for cybersecurity analysts, as it helps them identify compromised systems, track suspicious activities, and respond to potential threats on Windows-based environments.

What certifications can help a beginner practice and gain confidence in cybersecurity?

For beginners, certifications like the 'Sock Level One' and 'Cyber Defense' from TryHackMe offer hands-on, practical learning. These certifications allow candidates to practice using tools like Snort, Wireshark, and others, and build experience in threat analysis, forensics, and defending against cyber attacks.

How does practicing with real-world cybersecurity tools enhance a candidate's job prospects?

Practicing with tools like Wireshark, TCPdump, and Snort helps candidates develop practical, hands-on skills. These tools are frequently used in the field, and being proficient in them makes a candidate stand out in interviews, even if they hold certifications like CompTIA Security Plus.

What role does CompTIA Security Plus play in a candidate's cybersecurity career?

CompTIA Security Plus is an important entry-level certification that provides foundational knowledge of cybersecurity concepts. It is useful for learning basic principles, but candidates need hands-on experience, which can be gained through guided projects and practical certifications.

Why is understanding HR keywords important when applying for cybersecurity jobs?

HR keywords, such as specific cybersecurity tools or certifications (e.g., TCPdump, Wireshark), are important because they help candidates' resumes pass through automated filters. However, employers ultimately care more about the practical skills candidates can demonstrate, rather than just the presence of keywords.