the hacker’s roadmap (how to get started in IT in 2023)

Summary

This video script outlines a comprehensive path for beginners to enter IT and cybersecurity in 2023, with a potential for a six-figure salary. It emphasizes the importance of foundational skills, recommends certifications like CompTIA A+, Security+, Network+, CCNA, Linux, and Python, and introduces hands-on learning through CTFs and hacking exercises. The script advises on the order of acquiring skills, the value of certifications, and the significance of real-world experience over mere theoretical knowledge, concluding with a quiz to assess readiness for the A+ certification.

Takeaways

• 🚀 Start with a solid foundation in IT skills before specializing, emphasizing the importance of foundational knowledge for career growth.
• ☕ Coffee is humorously suggested as essential for the long study sessions ahead, highlighting the dedication required for learning.
• 📚 The CompTIA A+ certification is recommended as a starting point for beginners, providing a broad overview of IT concepts and potential career paths.
• 🔒 Security+ certification by CompTIA is deemed a must-have for its foundational security knowledge and its value in the job market, especially for government jobs.
• 🌐 Networking skills are crucial for cybersecurity, with CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA being the recommended certifications to gain expertise.
• 🐧 Learning Linux is a necessity in IT, with the Linux Professional Institute's Linux Plus certification being a way to demonstrate proficiency.
• 💻 Coding is a vital skill for IT professionals, with Python and Go being recommended starting languages due to their versatility and ease of learning.
• 🎯 Engaging in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges is a practical way to apply and enhance hacking skills, providing hands-on experience early in one's learning journey.
• 🛠️ CompTIA PenTest+ and eLearnSecurity's EJPT are entry-level penetration testing certifications that help transition into a hacking-focused career.
• 🏁 The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is positioned as a significant milestone, representing a high level of hacking proficiency and a natural endpoint for certification seeking.
• 🔑 Real-world experience is invaluable and often surpasses the value of certifications, underscoring the importance of applying for jobs and gaining practical skills on the job.

Q & A

What is the first step recommended for someone starting in IT or cybersecurity according to the video?

The first step is to establish a strong foundation in IT skills. The video suggests starting with CompTIA A+ as it covers a wide range of basic IT knowledge and is beneficial for beginners or those transitioning from other fields.

Why is the CompTIA A+ certification considered a 'sample platter' for IT beginners?

The CompTIA A+ certification is like a 'sample platter' because it covers various aspects of IT, such as virtualization, cloud, and network troubleshooting, providing a broad overview and helping beginners understand different areas of IT without focusing on a specific vendor's products.

What are two reasons given in the video for obtaining the CompTIA A+ certification?

The two reasons are: 1) It starts from zero, assuming no prior knowledge, and fills in the gaps for those who might already have some IT knowledge. 2) It helps in landing the first job, often in technical support or help desk roles, by demonstrating basic IT troubleshooting skills to potential employers.

Why might someone choose to skip the CompTIA A+ certification exam but still study for it?

One might choose to skip the exam due to its cost, which is not cheap. However, studying for the exam is still valuable as it provides essential knowledge in IT, which can be applied in the workplace and is important for professional growth.

What is the significance of the CompTIA Security+ certification in the cybersecurity field?

The CompTIA Security+ certification is significant because it provides foundational security knowledge and is often a requirement for many jobs, especially government positions, due to its DOD 8570 compliance.

Why is networking considered a required skill for cybersecurity, and what certifications are recommended in the video?

Networking is a required skill for cybersecurity because understanding networks is essential for both attacking and defending systems. The video recommends either the CompTIA Network+ or the Cisco CCNA certifications.

What is the difference between CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA certifications as discussed in the video?

The CompTIA Network+ certification is vendor-neutral and covers a broad range of networking topics. In contrast, the Cisco CCNA focuses on Cisco products and provides practical knowledge on configuring and managing Cisco networks.

Why is learning Linux important for IT professionals and what certification is mentioned in the video?

Learning Linux is important because it is widely used in IT and cybersecurity. The video mentions the Linux Professional Institute's Linux Plus certification as a way to gain Linux knowledge.

What is the recommended approach to learning coding in the context of IT and cybersecurity, and which languages are suggested for beginners?

The video suggests picking up a programming language and starting to learn it early in one's IT journey. Python and Go are recommended for beginners due to their ease of use and growing popularity in the industry.

What are CTFs and how do they benefit someone learning about hacking and cybersecurity?

CTFs, or Capture The Flag competitions, are events where participants can practice hacking on real vulnerable targets. They benefit learners by providing hands-on experience, revealing gaps in knowledge, and reinforcing the value of foundational skills in a practical context.

What is the role of the OSCP certification in the cybersecurity career path outlined in the video?

The OSCP, or Offensive Security Certified Professional certification, signifies advanced knowledge in hacking and is considered a milestone that shows one is serious about a career in cybersecurity. However, the video suggests that after obtaining the OSCP, gaining real-world experience becomes more important than pursuing additional certifications.