2 answers
Alana
Student
Columbia, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
469 views
I'm a 16-year-old looking to get cyber security experience before I go to college to put on scholarships and my college resumes. Do you know any learning/jobs for me as a high school junior to get my feet wet in cyber security?
I want to be a digital forensic investigator for the government or FBI, and I was wondering if any programs can help me pay for college and get a job after graduating.
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2 answers
Sameer Syed
Cybersecurity and Technology Leader
7
Answers
Fremont, California
Updated
Sameer’s Answer
Cybersecurity is a fantastic field with plenty of opportunities for young, enthusiastic learners. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
1. Online Learning Platforms:
CyberStart: A free, government-sponsored program designed to introduce students to cybersecurity concepts.
Coursera, edX, and Udemy: These platforms offer a wide range of cyber security courses, from beginner to advanced. Look for courses on network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and more.
TryHackMe and HackTheBox: These platforms provide hands-on hacking challenges to help you learn practical skills.
2. Certifications:
While certifications might be challenging to obtain at your age, consider exploring entry-level certifications like CompTIA A+ or Network+. These can bolster your resume and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
3. Internships and Volunteer Opportunities:
Local Cybersecurity Firms: Reach out to local cybersecurity firms and inquire about internship or volunteer opportunities. Even a part-time or summer internship can provide valuable experience.
Cybersecurity Clubs and Competitions: Join local or online cybersecurity clubs to network with professionals and participate in competitions. These can help you gain practical experience and build your skills.
4. Personal Projects:
Build a Personal Website: Create a website to showcase your skills and projects. This can help you build a strong online presence.
Set Up a Home Lab: Experiment with different network configurations, security tools, and hacking techniques.
Contribute to Open-Source Projects: Contribute to open-source cyber security projects to gain practical experience and collaborate with other developers.
5. Networking:
Attend Cybersecurity Conferences: Attend local or online cybersecurity conferences to learn from experts and network with professionals.
Join Online Communities: Participate in online forums and communities like Reddit's r/cybersecurity to ask questions, share knowledge, and connect with other cybersecurity enthusiasts.
Remember, the key to success in cyber security is continuous learning and practice. Stay curious, experiment, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.
1. Online Learning Platforms:
CyberStart: A free, government-sponsored program designed to introduce students to cybersecurity concepts.
Coursera, edX, and Udemy: These platforms offer a wide range of cyber security courses, from beginner to advanced. Look for courses on network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and more.
TryHackMe and HackTheBox: These platforms provide hands-on hacking challenges to help you learn practical skills.
2. Certifications:
While certifications might be challenging to obtain at your age, consider exploring entry-level certifications like CompTIA A+ or Network+. These can bolster your resume and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
3. Internships and Volunteer Opportunities:
Local Cybersecurity Firms: Reach out to local cybersecurity firms and inquire about internship or volunteer opportunities. Even a part-time or summer internship can provide valuable experience.
Cybersecurity Clubs and Competitions: Join local or online cybersecurity clubs to network with professionals and participate in competitions. These can help you gain practical experience and build your skills.
4. Personal Projects:
Build a Personal Website: Create a website to showcase your skills and projects. This can help you build a strong online presence.
Set Up a Home Lab: Experiment with different network configurations, security tools, and hacking techniques.
Contribute to Open-Source Projects: Contribute to open-source cyber security projects to gain practical experience and collaborate with other developers.
5. Networking:
Attend Cybersecurity Conferences: Attend local or online cybersecurity conferences to learn from experts and network with professionals.
Join Online Communities: Participate in online forums and communities like Reddit's r/cybersecurity to ask questions, share knowledge, and connect with other cybersecurity enthusiasts.
Remember, the key to success in cyber security is continuous learning and practice. Stay curious, experiment, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Thank you!
Alana
Deeshani Batra
Software Engineer
69
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Deeshani’s Answer
I understand that you're eager to build your cybersecurity skills before college, and it's great that you're thinking ahead. It’s normal to feel uncertain at this stage, but focusing on developing skills and gaining experience will help you build a solid foundation. Don't be discouraged by the challenges—there are opportunities out there that can help you gain the knowledge and credentials you need. Stay focused on what excites you about digital forensics, and trust that the hard work you're putting in now will pay off in the future, whether through scholarships or job opportunities. You’re on the right track!
To gain cybersecurity experience, consider taking online courses and earning certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker. Participating in Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges and cybersecurity competitions can also help build your skills. Look for internships or volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience and build your network. Consider programs like the DHS Cybersecurity Scholarships or CyberCorps, which offer funding for college and job opportunities in government cybersecurity roles after graduation.
hope this helps!
To gain cybersecurity experience, consider taking online courses and earning certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker. Participating in Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges and cybersecurity competitions can also help build your skills. Look for internships or volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience and build your network. Consider programs like the DHS Cybersecurity Scholarships or CyberCorps, which offer funding for college and job opportunities in government cybersecurity roles after graduation.
hope this helps!
For the DHS cyber security internship do I need to have any experience or can you tell me what you know about it?
Alana
For the DHS cybersecurity internship, experience is not always required, especially for entry-level applicants. The internship program is designed for students at various stages, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels. As long as you have a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles, some relevant coursework, or an eagerness to learn, you can apply.
Deeshani Batra