Key Aspects to Succeed in Cyber Security

Jul 12, 2024

Cyber Security Insights by a Security Operations Analyst

Why Cyber Security is Hard

  • Common Misconception: Many people think cyber security is easy due to abundance of vacancies.
  • Reality: The field is not beginner-friendly.
    • Requires extensive knowledge ranging from basic computer understanding to security architecture.
  • Career Path: Many professionals start in IT (help desk jobs) before moving to cyber security roles.

Key Knowledge & Skills for Cyber Security

  • Systems Understanding: Key to secure devices like laptops, using solutions such as cloud EDR, securing web traffic, and network access controls.
  • Security Architecture: Knowing how systems interact helps in problem-solving during incidents.
  • Technical Skills: Basic knowledge of Python, SQL, cloud stacks, coding languages.
  • Theoretical Knowledge: Courses like A+, Security+, and Network+ can provide foundational knowledge.
  • Practical Skills: Familiarity with SIEM solutions like Splunk.

Important Traits for Success in Cyber Security

  1. Drive to Learn
  • Curiosity to delve into details, e.g., understanding how a company was hacked.
  • Self-initiative to learn and stay updated with latest technologies and vulnerabilities.
  • Continual learning of new skills (e.g., coding languages, cloud stacks).
  1. Understanding Technical Systems
  • General understanding of security system interactions.
  • Example: Securing an external laptop in the organization using solutions like CrowdStrike, IBM, AWS.
  • Problem-solving efficiency by understanding security architecture.
  • Automation: Creating scripts to automate repetitive tasks, e.g., handling email attachments.
  1. Grind & Consistency
  • Need to grind hard to gain experience, especially as a beginner.
  • Consistent self-study using personal time.
  • Schedule: Blocking out at least 1 hour a day for self-study.

Career Preparation

  • Educational Resources: Recommend Professor Messer’s playlists (free on YouTube) for foundational knowledge.
  • Technical Skills: Learning basics of Python and SQL for troubleshooting and understanding logs.
  • Hands-on Practice: Using free versions of SIEM solutions like Splunk for practical experience.
  • Project Portfolio: Building a home lab to simulate environments, showcasing understanding of system interactions.

Conclusion

  • Continuous Learning: Stay updated with trends and developments in cyber security.
  • Support & Resources: Utilize free educational resources and build practical skills through hands-on projects.