Pathway to Cybersecurity Career in 2024

Introduction

• Welcome from Yaniv Hoffman
• Focus: Breaking into cybersecurity or IT in 2024
• Promise: Comprehensive path to secure a job and potentially six-figure salaries
• Strategy consists of 7 key steps

Key Steps Outline

• First Four Steps: Essential for anyone in IT
• Last Three Steps: Enhance hacking and cybersecurity skills
• Resource Highlight: Paul Jeremy's roadmap for beginners, intermediates, and experts

Poll Insight

• Community poll on first IT certification: Majority chose CompTIA Security Plus

Part 1: Fundamentals

• CompTIA A Plus Certification
  • Validates fundamental IT skills (technical support, IT operations)
  • Covers: Hardware, software, networking, security, virtualization, cloud, operational procedures
• Not sufficient alone to secure a job

Part 2: Networking Skills

• CompTIA Network Plus
  • Vendor-neutral, covers broad networking concepts
• Cisco CCNA
  • Industry gold standard, Cisco-focused, includes real-world experience
  • Exam updates (August 20, 2024): Generative AI, cloud network management, machine learning
• Networking skills crucial for IT

Part 3: Security Skills

• CompTIA Security Plus Certification
  • Validates skills in risk management, threat analysis, cryptography, identity management, security infrastructure
  • Vendor-neutral, versatile across platforms

Part 4: Operating Systems

• Windows and Linux
  • Linux is essential
  • Free learning resources for Linux: Linux Foundation training, EDX Linux courses, Ubuntu documentation, Linux command line book by William Shortz

Part 5: Coding and Scripting

• Essential for IT and cybersecurity
• Languages to learn: Python, Go, Bash
  • Python: Simple and versatile
  • Go: Performance and efficiency
  • Bash: Scripting in Unix-based systems
• Coding skills enhance problem-solving and process automation

Part 6: Hacking Certification

• Entry-level Certifications: EJPT (eLearn Security Junior Penetration Tester), CompTIA PenTest Plus
• Advanced Certifications: CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)

Part 7: AI and Data Science Certification

• Enhancing cybersecurity with AI skills
• Courses to consider:
  • Microsoft Certified Azure AI Fundamentals
  • IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate
  • NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute Courses

Additional Tips

• Engage with Cybersecurity Community: Online forums, conferences, local meetups
  • Platforms to join: GitHub, Reddit (r/security, r/NetSec, r/hacking), Stack Exchange, cybersecurity Discord servers (Cyber Mentors Discord, Bug Crowd, HackerOne), OWASP
• Hands-On Hacking Practice: Use platforms like Hack the Box, Capture the Flag challenges, Try Acme, Over the Wire, Voonub

Paul Jeremy's Cybersecurity Roadmap Project

• Comprehensive website, collaborative GitHub repository
• Cybersecurity certifications categorized by career paths
• Demarcation lines for levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
  • Beginner Certs: CompTIA Security Plus, Networking Plus, ITF Plus
  • Intermediate Certs: CISM, CISA, OSCP, CEH
  • Expert Certs: CCISO, OSCE, NGAC Security Expert

Conclusion

• Following a structured roadmap can pave the way to a successful cybersecurity career
• Certifications combined with hands-on experience and community engagement are key
• Dynamic field offering continuous learning opportunities

Closing

• Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more cybersecurity updates
• Stay safe and keep learning!