Top Cyber Security Projects for Beginners (2025)

Overview

• Updated video on cyber security projects to enhance resumes and project portfolios.
• Six new hands-on projects relevant for hiring managers and recruiters in 2025.

Project 1: Securing Azure Active Directory

• Importance: Core skill for IT, Security, and SRE roles.
• Tasks Involved:
  • Create/manage users and groups in cloud/hybrid environments.
  • Configure Azure AD admin units and deploy Azure AD Connect.
  • Set up Azure Active Directory Domain Services and Multi-Factor Authentication.
• Learning Resources: Available on Coursera.
• Industry Trend: Growing relevance due to shift from physical data centers to cloud infrastructure.

Project 2: Build a Phishing Attack Simulator

• Purpose: Security awareness training for phishing attacks.
• Key Concepts:
  • Use of GoPhish, an open-source phishing framework.
  • Create phishing email templates and launch email campaigns.
  • Track real-time responses/results of phishing simulations.
• Relevance: Phishing is a common attack vector; understanding it is valuable in interviews.

Project 3: Simulated IT Ticketing System

• Role Simulation: Experience IT roles that overlap with cyber security responsibilities.
• Tasks:
  • Handle user-generated tickets for software/hardware issues.
  • Troubleshoot access issues and perform password resets.
  • Documentation and report creation on ticket status and solutions.
• Resources: Offered by Course Careers with a free intro to IT course.

Project 4: Host-Based Intrusion Detection System (HIDS)

• Tool Used: OSSEC, an open-source host-based IDS.
• Focus:
  • Log analysis, integrity checking, rootkit detection, and alerting.
  • Ideal for those interested in blue team roles like SOC analysts.
• Skill Development: Command-line tool usage and network security monitoring.

Project 5: First Ethical Hacking/Pen Test

• Scope:
  • Covers penetration testing, threat hunting, and cryptography.
  • Involves tools like OWASP Zap, Snyk, and TryHackMe.
• Learning Method: CTF-style rooms for hands-on hacking experience.
• Additional Resource: Free TryHackMe guide to ethical hacking.

Project 6: Cyber Security Job Simulations

• Platform: Forage offers job simulations from companies like PWC and MasterCard.
• Experience: Simulates real job scenarios for security analysts and red teamers.
• Accessibility: Free simulations.

Building a Portfolio

• Importance: Hosting projects on a portfolio website increases visibility to employers.
• Platform Suggestion: Hostinger for WordPress hosting.
  • Benefits include a free domain, SSL, and email account.
  • Use AI tools for easy website building.

Conclusion

• Action Plan: Complete projects, build a portfolio, and update LinkedIn.
• Networking: Engage with the cyber security community on LinkedIn.

Note: Additional details like specific links and promotional content were omitted for brevity.