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Which online learning communities would you recommend for computer science and cybersecurity?

Hello! I'm a high school sophomore interested in computer science and engineering, particularly cybersecurity.
⯌ My favorite operating system to work with is Linux!
⯌Additional advice related to comp-sci careers is welcome!
⯌Thanks!

career computer-science computer-software information-technology cybersecurity
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Eric Owiredu’s Answer

Okay if I’m to recommend great online courses platforms for students in computer science, I’d definitely recommend

- Coursera
- Udemy
- Alison

Coursera: Some may ask why coursera. Yes anyone can learn and earn a certification on coursera because of their Financial Aid opportunities: that is, even if you can’t pay for a particular course, you can apply for financial aid and it’ll be granted only if your reason is solid enough.


Again I said Udemy: Udemy on the other hand is a very great online platform for studying. Udemy has deep dive into courses that explains a particular course better and easier for the user. Thus, thier courses are not free, but you can learn some courses with their trial coupons and many other.


Lastly, when we talk about Alison, it’s similar to coursera but the difference here is Coursera has more Computer Science courses than Alison but they are both great platforms to hone your studies as a computer science student

There are other great platforms that can’t be mentioned but these three are three of the best online platforms to learn as a computer science student.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! I'm excited to put your advice to good use. 😊 Hailey
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Apurba’s Answer

Sure, you can explore Coursera, Udemy, or Edx for a wide range of courses. If you're on a tight budget, YouTube can be a great resource too! Just take some time to find the content that suits you best. If you're interested in programs backed by universities or industries and don't mind investing a bit, you might want to look at edtech platforms like GreatLearning or Simplilearn. Best is if you can go for a degree program but it would be time consuming for sure. But remember, it's always a good idea to see if you can find similar content for free before you pay for anything. Best of luck with your learning journey!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Apurba! Hailey
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Hailey,

Here are some top-notch online learning communities for diving into Computer Science and Cybersecurity:

1. Cybrary: This widely recognized online hub offers an extensive selection of cybersecurity courses such as ethical hacking, penetration testing, and network security. With both free and premium courses available, it caters to learners at every level. Plus, it provides virtual labs for hands-on experience, which is vital for honing practical cybersecurity skills.

2. Coursera: This renowned online education platform collaborates with universities and organizations to provide a diverse range of computer science and cybersecurity courses. It features courses from prestigious institutions like Stanford and the University of Michigan. Coursera provides individual courses as well as specialization tracks in cybersecurity, enabling learners to explore specific topics in depth.

3. Udemy: This popular online learning hub hosts a plethora of computer science and cybersecurity courses. It offers courses on programming languages, cybersecurity basics, ethical hacking, and more. All Udemy courses are crafted by industry professionals and experts, providing learners with valuable insights and practical knowledge.

Here's some extra guidance for carving out a career in Computer Science:

Solidify Your Basics: Concentrate on mastering the essentials of computer science, such as programming languages like Python, Java, or C++. Grasping these core concepts will lay a firm foundation for tackling more advanced cybersecurity topics.

Gain Practical Experience: In cybersecurity, practice is paramount. Engage in coding projects, take part in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, and familiarize yourself with various tools and technologies to gain hands-on experience.

Network: Participate in online communities, forums, and tech events to connect with industry professionals. Networking can lead to internships, mentorship, and career advice.

Stay Current: The cybersecurity field is always evolving, so staying up-to-date with the latest trends, threats, and technologies is crucial. Consider earning certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) to boost your qualifications.

Pursue Higher Education: Though not always required, earning a degree in computer science or cybersecurity can provide a well-rounded education and pave the way for advanced career opportunities.

By utilizing these online learning communities and adhering to the extra advice above, you're well on your way to a fulfilling career in computer science and cybersecurity.

Top 3 Trusted Sources Used:

Cybrary
Coursera
Udemy

These sources were chosen due to their standing as premier online learning platforms that offer high-quality computer science and cybersecurity courses from esteemed institutions and industry professionals.

Stay blessed!
James Constantine.
Thank you comment icon Loved reading this, thanks! Hailey
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Lyndsey’s Answer

Hello there! It's awesome to hear that you're interested in computer science and engineering, especially cybersecurity! Here are some online learning communities that I recommend for you:

1. **Cybrary:** Cybrary offers a wide range of free and paid courses on cybersecurity, including topics like ethical hacking, penetration testing, and network security. They have a supportive community and provide hands-on learning experiences.

2. **Codecademy:** While primarily known for programming courses, Codecademy also offers introductory courses in cybersecurity, covering topics like cryptography and secure web development. It's a great platform to start learning the basics.

3. **OverTheWire:** Since you mentioned Linux as your favorite operating system, OverTheWire is a fantastic resource for learning cybersecurity through interactive games and challenges. Their "Bandit" game, for example, teaches you Linux command line basics and basic security concepts.

4. **HackerOne Community:** HackerOne is a platform where ethical hackers can report security vulnerabilities to companies in exchange for rewards. While it's more of a platform for real-world hacking, joining the HackerOne community can expose you to real-world cybersecurity issues and help you learn from experienced professionals.

5. **Reddit:** Subreddits like r/cybersecurity and r/netsec are excellent places to stay updated on the latest cybersecurity news, trends, and discussions. You can also ask questions and engage with other members of the cybersecurity community.

In addition to these online learning communities, here are some additional tips for pursuing a career in computer science and cybersecurity:

1. **Build a strong foundation:** Focus on mastering the fundamentals of computer science, including programming languages like Python, C, or Java, as well as data structures and algorithms. These skills will form the backbone of your career in cybersecurity.

2. **Hands-on practice:** Cybersecurity is a field where hands-on experience is crucial. Try setting up your own Linux server, experimenting with different cybersecurity tools and techniques, and participating in capture the flag (CTF) competitions to hone your skills.

3. **Networking:** Connect with professionals in the field of cybersecurity through online forums, social media, and networking events. Building relationships with professionals can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and job opportunities in the future.

4. **Continuous learning:** The field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, so it's essential to stay updated on the latest trends, techniques, and threats. Make a habit of reading cybersecurity blogs, attending webinars, and pursuing certifications to expand your knowledge and skills.

5. **Ethical mindset:** As you delve into cybersecurity, always remember the importance of ethical behavior and responsible disclosure. Focus on using your skills for good, protecting systems and data, and making the internet a safer place for everyone.

By taking advantage of online learning communities, building a strong foundation in computer science, gaining hands-on experience, networking with professionals, and maintaining an ethical mindset, you'll be well on your way to a successful career in cybersecurity! Good luck on your journey!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your thoughtful response! I especially appreciate the additional tips. 💌 Hailey
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Duncan’s Answer

Hi Hailey, as STEM ambassador I am delighted to see that you are taking an interest in Computer Science and Data security. I can make a couple of recommendations for places to look:
1. General Computer Science:
- Stack Overflow: A Q&A forum for programmers offering assistance with coding problems and learning new concepts.
- Reddit's r/learnprogramming: A subreddit providing tutorials, code examples, and discussions for programming learners.
- freeCodeCamp: A non-profit organization offering free coding bootcamps and resources to learn coding.

2. Cybersecurity:
- SANS Institute Reading Room: Provides free cybersecurity resources such as articles, white papers, and webinars.
- Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP): A non-profit organization offering free resources and tools for web application security.
- HackerOne: A platform connecting companies with security researchers to identify and fix vulnerabilities in products.

3. Explore social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter for additional learning communities.
4. Seek recommendations from friends or colleagues.
5. Read online reviews to evaluate different communities and try out a few to find the best fit for your learning style and interests.

Best of luck with your career!!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Hailey
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Rob’s Answer

It's surprising not to see platforms like https://tryhackme.com/ or Professor Messor's channel https://www.youtube.com/@professormesser mentioned here. They offer a wealth of free lessons and exercises, all grounded in practical, real-world scenarios. You can also follow certification tracks for CISSP, sec +, networking, python, linux, and so on. Remember, earning these certifications can unlock opportunities, even without a college degree.

Actively engaging in forums, groups, and activities such as capture-the-flag scenarios can help you accumulate valuable experience. This experience can be used as talking points during interviews and a handy reference for when you're working in an infosec role in the real world.

The sheer volume of free, self-paced learning resources available means you're sure to find something that suits your learning style and needs. Stick with it, be patient, and absorb as much knowledge as you can. I believe you'll discover a lot of enjoyment in this journey too.

As an added tip, consider learning about ITSM and incident management. This knowledge will equip you with extra tools for your future career.

Believe in yourself. You've got this!
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Hailey
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Bruce’s Answer

All of the suggestions on here are very useful and you should explore them and see what they have to offer and what best works for you.
One of the best cybersecurity resources is NIST.GOV which sets the standards for most of the US cyber security industry. Some of the technical papers and writing is a bit on the legalese side, but if you can get past that its a great resource.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Hailey
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Apurba’s Answer

In today's world, you're spoilt for choice with a wealth of resources at your fingertips. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, Edx, Pluralsight, and Khan Academy offer a vast array of knowledge. Additionally, tech giants such as Snowflake, Salesforce, and Microsoft have their own academy portals, complete with user-friendly video tutorials to simplify your learning journey. And of course, there's YouTube - a treasure trove of information. All you need to do is identify the content that best suits your needs. So dive in, the world of learning is at your doorstep!
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Cary’s Answer

Hello Hailey,

The internet is brimming with tools and forums that can be of great help to you. I would highly recommend exploring free resources like YouTube. It's a treasure trove of information and you'll find countless videos to learn from. Additionally, online platforms like Udemy offer structured courses that could be beneficial. For a real-world perspective on cybersecurity, do consider searching YouTube for people's experiences and insights. Remember, cybersecurity is a rapidly expanding field with immense potential. It's absolutely worth delving into!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. Hailey
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Scarlett’s Answer

Hi Hailey,

I am seeing some great options already suggested. One that I do not see here that I would suggest is KC7. It's a newer platform that came out through Microsoft and it is a gamified approach of teaching cybersecurity. They put a big emphasis on making this very hands on and making it "feel just like the real job."

Another platform I want to recommend is "KnowBe4" which is a platform that provides plenty of great cybersecurity training for free.

Someone else mentioned Professor Messer's lectures and I second this - I highly recommend his videos. They are very in depth and available for free on youtube. He also has study sessions if you are pursuing a cyber certification/want to be engaged in a study group.

Hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck in your studies!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Hailey
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gabriel’s Answer

I've been doing this for over 10 years. Of the AI generated answers above I'm just gonna say that you're probably going to get the mileage out of Reddit and Youtube - find an aspect of information security that appeals to you and just start there. You'll figure out the rest based on the discourse.
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