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What cybersecurity programs/software can I start practicing right now while I wait for my advanced training to begin in the fall of 2025?

Are there any free courses online I can begin today so I can start to familiarize myself with the required material?

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Adit’s Answer

To kickstart your cybersecurity journey, here are some tools and free resources to begin practicing today:

Programs/Software to Practice:
Wireshark: Learn network analysis and packet inspection.
Kali Linux: A popular platform for penetration testing and ethical hacking.
Metasploit: Practice vulnerability exploitation in a controlled environment.
Burp Suite: Explore web application security testing.
VirtualBox: Set up virtual labs to simulate attacks and defenses.

Free Courses:
Cybersecurity Basics (Coursera): Offered by IBM, covers fundamentals.
Intro to Cybersecurity (Cisco Networking Academy): Beginner-friendly and free.
TryHackMe: Interactive challenges for hands-on cybersecurity skills.
OWASP Top 10: Learn about common web security risks.

Start small, focus on practical experience, and build confidence as you go. These resources will give you a solid head start!
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Sadhana’s Answer

That's a fantastic question! Preparing ahead of your formal cybersecurity training is a smart move, and there's a lot you can do to build foundational skills and get hands-on experience. You can get started with learning about core concepts and practice with free courses.

Core Cybersecurity Concepts
Begin with understanding the basics of cybersecurity principles:

Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability (CIA) Triad
Networking fundamentals (e.g., TCP/IP, subnets, ports, DNS)
Linux command-line basics (critical for penetration testing and cybersecurity tools)
Resources:

Free courses on Cybrary
TryHackMe beginner modules
Cisco Networking Academy
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hello Elyaz,

That’s awesome that you’re preparing early for your cybersecurity training. There are plenty of programs, tools, and resources you can start practicing with now to build foundational skills and gain hands-on experience. Here’s a list to get you started:

1. Operating Systems for Practice
- Linux: Many cybersecurity professionals use Linux because of its flexibility and open-source tools.
- Start with distributions like Kali Linux (designed for penetration testing) or Ubuntu (user-friendly for beginners).
- Learn basic Linux commands and file management.

2. Network Security Tools
- Wireshark: A network protocol analyzer for monitoring and troubleshooting network traffic.
- Learn how to capture and analyze packets.
- Practice identifying suspicious traffic patterns.

- Nmap: A network scanning tool for discovering devices and services on a network.
- Practice scanning local networks and identifying open ports.
- Explore its scripting capabilities for vulnerability detection.

3. Penetration Testing and Hacking Platforms
- Metasploit Framework: A tool for developing and executing exploit code against target machines.
- Learn to perform basic penetration tests in a controlled environment.

- Burp Suite Community Edition: A web vulnerability scanner for identifying weaknesses in web applications.

4. Online Cybersecurity Labs and Platforms
- TryHackMe: Offers guided, interactive labs on cybersecurity topics, from beginner to advanced levels.
- Start with their beginner-friendly Introduction to Cyber Security course.

- Hack The Box: A platform with hands-on labs where you can practice hacking into virtual machines.
- Focus on the “Starting Point” labs if you’re a beginner.

- CyberSec Labs: A great platform for practicing penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.

- OverTheWire Wargames: Fun games that teach Linux, networking, and cybersecurity concepts. Start with the Bandit game for basics.

5. Programming and Scripting
Understanding programming is crucial for cybersecurity. Focus on these languages:
- Python: Widely used for writing cybersecurity tools. Start learning with online resources like Codecademy or freeCodeCamp.
- Practice automating tasks, like scanning for open ports or analyzing logs.

- Bash Scripting: Essential for working with Linux systems and automating tasks.

- SQL: Learn SQL basics to understand database vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL injection).

6. Security Tools for Practice
- VirtualBox or VMware: Set up virtual environments to practice safely.
- Create a lab with multiple virtual machines, such as a Kali Linux attacker machine and a vulnerable machine like Metasploitable.

- OWASP ZAP: A tool for finding vulnerabilities in web applications.

- John the Ripper: A password-cracking tool to understand how attackers exploit weak passwords.

7. Certifications to Prepare For
Even before your training begins, you can start studying for entry-level cybersecurity certifications:
- CompTIA Security+: A great starting point for understanding security basics.
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking.

Free resources like YouTube channels, blogs, and forums (e.g., Reddit’s r/cybersecurity) can help guide your studies.

8. Stay Updated
Cybersecurity evolves quickly. Keep up with the latest news and trends:
- Follow websites like Krebs on Security or The Hacker News.
- Join communities like Cybrary or Discord servers for cybersecurity enthusiasts.

Start with the basics: learn Linux, practice with tools like Wireshark and Nmap, and use platforms like TryHackMe or Hack The Box for hands-on experience. By the time your advanced training begins, you’ll already have a strong foundation to build on. Good luck, Elyaz—you’re on the right path!
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Kim’s Answer

For free cybersecurity training as a beginner, you can explore options like: Google's Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera, which is designed for those with no prior experience, ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity online self-paced course, offering basic security principles, EC-Council's Ethical Hacking Essentials course, covering network defense and digital forensics, and the Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE) from CISA, providing a range of beginner-friendly cybersecurity courses.
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Rajesh Kumar’s Answer

That's an excellent decision to start practicing cybersecurity early! Here are some programs, tools, and resources you can dive into right now to build foundational skills in cybersecurity before your advanced training:

1. Cybersecurity Learning Platforms
These interactive platforms offer hands-on labs and challenges:
- TryHackMe (https://tryhackme.com)
- Beginner-friendly cybersecurity challenges and labs.
- Covers networking, ethical hacking, penetration testing, and more.
- Hack The Box (https://www.hackthebox.com)
- Focused on penetration testing and solving real-world hacking challenges.
- Start with the "Starting Point" section if you’re a beginner.
- Cybrary (https://www.cybrary.it)
- Free and paid courses on cybersecurity fundamentals, ethical hacking, and certifications.
- RangeForce (https://www.rangeforce.com)
- Hands-on simulations to improve threat detection and mitigation skills.

2. Learn Networking and Security Basics
Understanding networking is essential for cybersecurity. Practice using:
- Cisco Packet Tracer (https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer)
- A network simulation tool for learning network configurations and troubleshooting.
- Wireshark (https://www.wireshark.org)
- A packet analysis tool to study network traffic and identify vulnerabilities.

3. Practice Ethical Hacking
Explore ethical hacking techniques with beginner tools:
- Kali Linux (https://www.kali.org)
- A specialized Linux distribution packed with penetration testing tools.
- Install it on a virtual machine (VM) to practice safely.
- Metasploit Framework (https://www.metasploit.com)
- A popular tool for penetration testing and vulnerability exploitation.
- Learn the basics of creating and testing exploits.
- Burp Suite Community Edition (https://portswigger.net/burp)
- Great for practicing web application security testing.
- Focus on identifying vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).

4. Simulate Attacks and Defenses
- Security Onion (https://securityonion.net)
- A free Linux distribution for intrusion detection and network monitoring.
- VirtualBox/VMware (https://www.virtualbox.org | https://www.vmware.com)
- Set up a home lab with vulnerable virtual machines like:
- DVWA (D Vulnerable Web Application)
- Metasploitable (deliberately vulnerable machine for testing)
- Splunk Free (https://www.splunk.com/en_us/download/splunk-enterprise.html)
- Practice log analysis and threat hunting using Splunk.

5. Capture the Flag (CTF) Challenges
Join CTF platforms to improve your problem-solving and hacking skills:
- OverTheWire (https://overthewire.org/wargames/)
- Beginner-friendly challenges to learn Linux, SSH, and cryptography.
- PicoCTF (https://picoctf.org)
- Specifically designed for students, focusing on cybersecurity basics.
- CTFTime (https://ctftime.org)
- Tracks upcoming CTF events you can participate in.

6. Learn Programming for Cybersecurity
Programming skills are critical for cybersecurity. Focus on these languages:
- Python: For scripting, automation, and exploiting vulnerabilities.
- Practice tools like pwntools for exploit development.
- Bash: Learn Linux command-line scripting for automation.
- SQL: Understand how databases work and practice finding vulnerabilities.
- JavaScript: Helpful for identifying and preventing web-based attacks.

7. Certifications and Learning Roadmaps
If you're interested in certifications:
- Study for CompTIA Security+ or CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker).
- Use free resources like Professor Messer's videos for Security+.

8. Cybersecurity News and Resources
Stay updated with cybersecurity trends and best practices:
- Krebs on Security (https://krebsonsecurity.com)
- The Hacker News (https://thehackernews.com)
- Watch tutorials and follow cybersecurity professionals on YouTube (e.g., John Hammond, IppSec).

Tips for Getting Started
1. Set Up a Safe Environment: Use virtual machines (VMs) to ensure your experiments don’t impact your main system.
2. Focus on Fundamentals: Learn the basics of networking, operating systems (Linux/Windows), and cryptography.
3. Take Notes: Document everything you learn—it’ll help during your training.
4. Consistency is Key: Practice daily, even if it’s just for 30 minutes.

By exploring these tools and practicing regularly, you'll be well-prepared and confident when your advanced training starts in 2025!
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

There are a number of resources and tools you can start practicing with while waiting for your advanced training to begin in the fall of 2025. Here’s a list of tools and courses you can explore:

Tools to Practice:
Kali Linux: A penetration testing distro for hands-on security tasks.
Wireshark: Capture and analyze network traffic.
Metasploit: Framework for penetration testing and exploiting vulnerabilities.
Nmap: Network scanning and vulnerability detection.
Burp Suite: Web application security testing.

Free practice platforms for cybersecurity:
Hack The Box – Advanced challenges and virtual machines for penetration testing.
Website: hackthebox.eu

OverTheWire – Wargames for learning basic to advanced hacking techniques.
Website: overthewire.org

PicoCTF – Beginner-friendly capture-the-flag challenges.
Website: picoctf.org

Root Me – 200+ challenges in various cybersecurity fields.
Website: root-me.org

CTFtime – Aggregates CTF competitions from around the world.
Website: ctftime.org

Bugcrowd – Participate in real-world bug bounty programs.
Website: bugcrowd.com

PentesterLab – Web security challenges with detailed tutorials (some free).
Website: pentesterlab.com

VulnHub – Downloadable VMs with vulnerable systems for penetration testing.
Website: vulnhub.com

HackThisSite – Variety of challenges for learning hacking and web security.
Website: hackthissite.org

Free Online Courses to learn Cybersecurity:
1. Cybrary: offers free courses on various cybersecurity topics, from beginner to advanced levels.
Website: cybrary.it

2. Coursera: offers free cybersecurity courses from top universities and institutions, including courses from Stanford, the University of Maryland, and others. You can audit the courses for free, though there may be a fee if you want certification.
Website: coursera.org

4. edX: provides free online courses from universities like MIT and Harvard. You can access free content and pay for a certificate if desired.
Website: edx.org

5. TryHackMe: is an interactive platform that teaches cybersecurity through hands-on exercises and offers beginner, as well as advanced challenges.
Website: tryhackme.com

6. Hack The Box: a platform for practicing penetration testing and hacking skills through virtual labs and challenges. While it has both free and paid plans.
Website: hackthebox.eu

7. Security+ (CompTIA)
The CompTIA website offers some free resources for those studying for the Security+ exam, which is a foundational cybersecurity certification.
Website: comptia.org

8. SANS Cyber Aces: is a leading organizations for cybersecurity training and offers a free Cyber Aces program that covers the basics of security concepts, networking, and operating systems.
Website: cyberaces.org

9. YouTube Channels :offers free cybersecurity tutorials. Some popular ones include:
The Cyber Mentor, HackerSploit, and NetworkChuck

10. Open Security Training: Offers free, high-quality security training resources. They cover a wide range of topics, including reverse engineering, network forensics, and exploit development.
Website: opensecuritytraining.info

10. MIT OpenCourseWare: offers free courses on various subjects, including cybersecurity. You can access lecture notes, assignments, and exams.
Website: ocw.mit.edu

Recommended Books to read are as follows:
The Hacker Playbook: for Penetration testing tactics.
The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook: Essential for web security.
Cybrary Blog: Articles on real-world cybersecurity topics.

I hope these tips will help you. Good luck!
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Dr’s Answer

Hey Elyaz! Looks like you’re already ahead of the game, thinking about how to dive into cybersecurity before your training even begins! 👏

There are plenty of free resources and tools you can start practicing now to get a jumpstart in cybersecurity:

1. Try Cybersecurity Simulators:

TryHackMe: This is an awesome platform with beginner to advanced level challenges that focus on everything from ethical hacking to system administration. It’s beginner-friendly, and you can get a lot out of their free tier.

Hack The Box: If you want to challenge yourself with real-world-like penetration testing scenarios, HTB is perfect. Some areas are free, but you’ll get even more once you’re ready for paid content.



2. Free Online Courses:

Cybrary: They offer free introductory courses on cybersecurity topics, like penetration testing and network security. It’s a great start to grasp the basics.

Coursera & edX: Both platforms have free courses, and you can access courses from top universities like Stanford, MIT, and UC Berkeley! Just look for "Cybersecurity" or “Introduction to Cybersecurity” and start building your foundational knowledge.

YouTube: Tons of channels (like “The Cyber Mentor”) offer tutorials on ethical hacking, OSINT (open-source intelligence), and more. Go ahead, make your brain a sponge! 🧠



3. Tools to Practice:

Kali Linux: Download Kali and familiarize yourself with its tools for penetration testing. It's like a whole toolbox for hackers (in the ethical sense!).

Wireshark: A network analyzer tool, awesome for learning about packet analysis.

Metasploit: For learning about exploits and penetration testing. There's a free version that you can start with.



4. Join Communities:

Reddit: Subreddits like r/cybersecurity, r/netsec, or r/AskNetsec are full of discussions, learning tips, and resources.

Discord Servers: There are many cybersecurity-focused servers where you can ask questions, get guidance, and chat with other enthusiasts!




To wrap it up: Start with the basics, don’t overwhelm yourself, and keep practicing. You’ll be way ahead of the game once your official training starts. 🔥

Now, about that extra fun twist: Dare yourself to send one emoji that sums up how pumped you are for cybersecurity! 😂🔥👨‍💻
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Jason’s Answer

Hey Elyaz,

Tryhackme and Cybrary are popular options. I would also recommend learning about networking. Some options like Khan academy are good for starters. Cybersecurity is a lot of securing networks and information so having a firm understanding of said networks and how they are designed will be of great help.
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James Patterson’s Answer

While you wait, build your skills on the TryHackMe site: https://tryhackme.com/

The platform is widely appreciated for its simple and easy-to-navigate interface, allowing individuals with little to no experience in ethical hacking to follow guided walkthroughs and complete basic challenges. Its structured learning paths and hands-on approach make complex cybersecurity concepts more accessible. On top of all of that - it's REALLY fun!
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