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How do i start learning about cybersecurity?

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Tyrae’s Answer

Hello Emmanuel, believe it or not, a fantastic starting point to delve into Cyber Security is Youtube. It might seem surprising, but a wealth of enlightening videos are ready and waiting to captivate your interest. Once you've grasped the basics of what the Cyber realm encompasses, I'd recommend you head over to Udemy.com or Diontraining.com for a deeper dive or specialized training. These platforms are among the top-rated in the field and have significantly boosted my own learning journey.
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Erika’s Answer

Cybersecurity is very exciting and important now and in the future. Start taking classes or reach out and speak to the dean/professors of the Cyber Security programs in school, this will give you better insight of the entire program. Also, take advantage of any internships within the cyber security field, that way you will get hands on experience.
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Sean’s Answer

Hi, Emmanuel. Cyber security is an important, exciting and rewarding field that offers numerous different paths depending on your interests. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Understand the Basics of Computers and the Internet

It's essential to know how computers and the internet work. You can begin by learning the basics, e.g., what an operating system is, how data is sent and received over the internet, and how different software applications work.

Step 2: Learn About Cybersecurity Fundamentals

There are many online resources and books available that can teach you about the fundamentals of cybersecurity. You can learn about different types of threats, such as viruses and malware, and how they can harm a computer system. You'll also learn about the practices used to protect systems from these threats. As mentioned above, YouTube can be a great tutor as you begin to expand your knowledge and drill down on specific focus areas.

Step 3: Explore Coding

While you don't need to be a coding expert to understand cybersecurity, knowing the basics can be helpful. Languages like Python or JavaScript are often used in this field. You can find plenty of free tutorials online. Remember, the aim is not to become a professional programmer but to understand the language of the systems you're trying to protect.

Step 4: Try Out Some Cybersecurity Tools

There are some safe and legal ways to practice cybersecurity skills. For instance, you can use a sandbox (a safe, isolated environment on your computer) to see how different cybersecurity tools work. There are myriad open-source tools available that can help you understand how data is transferred over a network.

Step 5: Stay Updated and Keep Learning

Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving and rapidly changing field. New threats emerge all the time, and professionals are always finding new ways to protect systems. Conversely, threat actors are constantly evolving and learning new tactics to counter those defenses, so it is a career that requires a life-long commitment to learning. So, it's important to stay updated on the latest news and developments and become a sponge for knowledge.

Finally, learning about cybersecurity can be a lot of fun, but it's also a serious subject. Never try to hack into systems without permission - it's illegal and unethical. Instead, focus on understanding how systems can be protected and how you can use your skills to contribute positively.
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Rory’s Answer

The realm of cybersecurity is a thrilling one, teeming with opportunities for those with the right skills. Whether you're just starting out or seeking to ramp up your existing knowledge, here are some steps to help you dive in:

Harness Your Current Skills:
Take advantage of your existing skillset. For instance:
If you're a whiz at coding, use this logic to unravel the mysteries of malware and craft security scripts.
Your analytical abilities can be a powerful tool for deciphering data breaches and discerning attack patterns.
Master the Essentials:
Get to grips with key concepts:
Authentication: Grasp how systems confirm user identities.
Encryption: Delve into the art of protecting data with encryption techniques.
Data Protection: Discover strategies to shield sensitive information.
Common Cyber Attacks: Learn about the ins and outs of phishing, social engineering, and ransomware.
Enroll in Online Courses:
Platforms like Coursera, Codecademy, and W3Schools provide courses tailored for beginners:
Coursera's Introduction to Cybersecurity Fundamentals offers a succinct rundown of vital principles and practices.
Codecademy's Fundamentals of Cybersecurity delves into topics like cyber attacks, social engineering, and threat actors.
W3Schools provides tutorials spanning various cybersecurity domains.
Discover Your Niche:
Cybersecurity is a vast field, encompassing areas like network security, ethical hacking, and cryptography. Find your passion within these.
Consider earning certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Practice Makes Perfect:
Carve out a slice of your day dedicated to cybersecurity. Consistency is key.
Engage in capture the flag (CTF) challenges to solve security puzzles and gain practical experience.
Join the conversation in online communities and forums to exchange insights and knowledge.
Stay Hungry for Knowledge:
The world of cybersecurity is ever-changing. Keep up with the pace through blogs, podcasts, and news updates.
Investigate real-world scenarios and case studies.
Remember, an insatiable curiosity, unwavering persistence, and a commitment to lifelong learning are the stepping stones to mastering cybersecurity. Best of luck on your exciting journey!
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Peter’s Answer

This is a great answer from the National Cybersecurity Center (NCC): https://cyber-center.org/three-cybersecurity-pathways-for-high-school-students/

They write:
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In high school, take math, technology, and computer science courses. A career in cybersecurity requires less math than a career in computer science. However, it is good to take as much advanced math as possible while you are in high school. Some schools do not always have the resources for STEM courses such as cybersecurity but take as many STEM courses as possible.

It is essential to participate in extracurricular activities such as CyberPatriot, which hosts the largest middle and high school cyber competitions globally. CyberPatriot is the best place to start a cybersecurity career, and it would be hard to find a cybersecurity professional under thirty years old that did not begin with CyberPatriot. Participating in CyberPatriot is a must.

Also, Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) such as Distributed Education Clubs of America (DECA) and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) are good places to hone the cyber skills you are learning in your classroom. These organizations offer awards and recognition programs based on professional business categories that include events related to cybersecurity, such as Network Design, Cybersecurity, Coding, and Programming. Join these clubs, and you will have the upper hand over those that did not have this experience. These clubs give a high school student a firm foundation to build on.
_____________________________________________

I would also add that not all careers in cyber security come from a purely technical background. Other paths into cyber come from fields as diverse at Psychology, Accounting, Epidemiology and Sales.
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Victor’s Answer

Lot of great comments here. As mentioned youtube above all else has been one of my favorite resources. I really enjoy HackerSploits explanations on open source tools that you can download and start playing with. It may seem daunting, but you just need to immerse your self into it. Watch videos on kali linux, learn linux.

Also, AI is becoming a major thing these days. My opinion at the moment is AI can't replace us but it heavily enhances and augments us in our jobs. AI is not a replacement for knowledge, understanding principals and the basics in cyber have never been more important, because you need to understand those principals in order to supply a good prompt to get legitimate output. I recommend checking the below link.

https://github.com/danielmiessler/fabric

Watch the videos in the link, and then you can start playing with the prompts with the free version of ChatGPT, it will start programatic thinking and will introduce mark down language that you build from into more complicated concepts. Just FYI, the prompt examples are large and the free version will thottle you so can't copy and paste them in rapid succession.
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CL’s Answer

Kickstart your journey into the world of Cyber Security with CompTIA Security +. This comprehensive course lays the groundwork for your understanding of the field, introducing you to a wealth of cyber terminology. It's a stepping stone, paving your way towards an entry-level position where you can apply and grow your newfound knowledge. To secure your certification, immerse yourself in study and gain practical experience in safeguarding an environment from potential intruders. Remember, every step you take is building upon the knowledge you've already gathered. So, keep going, keep learning, and keep growing in your cyber security journey.
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Walter’s Answer

First, I would start learning Cybersecurity by going over the Comptia Security+ exam study materials and/or the ISC2 Certified In Cybersecurity exam materials. Don't pay for the test just yet. Just look over the materials and make sure Cybersecurity is something you truly have interest in. If so, I suggests fully studying for the Security+ exam and getting that certification when you're able.
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Edmond’s Answer

Hi Emmanuel,
To get a big picture of cybersecurity tailored to students in general, check out the articles and resources in the "Career Options" section of https://niccs.cisa.gov/education-training/cybersecurity-students

The same page has a lot of other resources where you can learn about the profession.
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Mohammed’s Answer

YouTube is a fantastic resource! Just type in 'intro to cyber security' and you'll find a wealth of information at your fingertips. It's that simple and effective!
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Steve’s Answer

Cybersecurity is a wide and exciting field. To get a general overview of it, it would help you to review the material used in Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification. Go through the material from a high level to get an overview.
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Filip’s Answer

There are plenty of ways to start exploring the world of cybersecurity, and they're as close as YouTube or even your neighborhood library. One approach is to look up leading companies in the cybersecurity field and check out any free resources they might offer to help you boost your skills. Remember, it's important to consider the source of your information- make sure it's from a reputable company in the industry and that it's been published within the last few years. This ensures the information is still up-to-date, given how rapidly the cybersecurity landscape changes. Older resources can still be useful, but always bear in mind the pace of change in the industry. Another great option is to see if there are any courses available at a local school or through an organization that can help you further develop your skills in this area.
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Nick’s Answer

Cybersecurity is an extremely broad field and may seem overwhelming if you try to learn about all of it, so I would follow other commenter's suggestions by watching YouTube videos on various cybersecurity topics to get a better idea of what specialty interests you. For instance, some popular ones are incident response, digital forensics, alert triage/security operations, threat hunting, content development, threat intelligence. Once you find a specialty that interests you, begin to hone in on it, and find a learning path that suits that field.

However, YouTube videos will only get you so far. What employers look for, and the best way to learn, is hands-on experience. If you're interested in digital forensics, find some online capture the flags or writeups of a digital forensics investigation. Download the dataset, some free tools, and work through the investigation on your own. Some people like to start blogs and document their learning and writeups to show prospective employers. Certifications can be helpful in passing HR filters but aren't 100% needed.

Networking is something that is also critical to make it in this field. The old adage, "it isn't what you know, it's who you know", applies here. Find some local cybersecurity meetups in your area so that you can meet some other professionals in your area and see what steps they took to make it in the field. As your skills progress, and people get to know you, this is a great way to get a foot in the door for interviews. People are more willing to take a chance on an entry-level position for someone they know vs. a random application from off the street.
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