How Can A Beginner Start Learning About Network Security?

Step 1. Networking:

I recommend starting with CompTIA Network+ for learning netwoks fundamentals and CCNA Routing and Switching next.

CompTIA Network+ is a vendor neutral networking certification that is trusted around the world. It validates the essential knowledge and skills needed to confidently design, configure, manage and troubleshoot any wired and wireless networks.

CCNA Routing and Switching exam tests a candidate’s knowledge and skills related to network fundamentals, LAN switching technologies, IPv4 and IPv6 routing technologies, WAN technologies, infrastructure services, infrastructure security, and infrastructure management.

Wireshark is a great tool to really understand how networks works behind the scenes. It’s a must have tool for anyone need to really get deep in networking.

After than you should go for CCNP Routing and Switching → CCNA Security → CCNP Security. When you get to this point you will have a very strong understanding of how networks and networks security work. Now you can go to the next big step on becoming a hacker “Programming”.

Step 2. Programming and Scripting:

Because you can’t hack a system without knowing how it works and what are it’s vulnerabilities. Most people recommend learning C or C++ but I suggest you start with Python.

Without scripting skills, the hacker will be relegated to using other hackers’ tools. This limits your effectiveness. Every day a new tool is in existence loses effectiveness as security admins come up with defenses.

Programming knowledge proves essential for analyzing software for vulnerabilities and other tasks required for being a great hacker.

Step 3: Security and Pen-testing:

You need to learn how security admins work and think and outsmart them. You need to learn about Firewalls and IDS. CompTIA Security+ is a good stepping stone. Then you will need to study more advanced certificates like CEH,. etc

. Here is a part I always like to mention in almost every long term plan:

There isn’t 1 right way to do anything, there are many ways and you have to find yours.
When some one tells you what is the best path to do something, it’s the best worked for them or from there point of view. It doesn’t guarantee it will work for you.

Learn it all, then forget it all. Learn the way, then find your own way.

The Last piece of advice is that you don’t have to have a perfect plan to start. You just need the headlines and major goals. When you start things become clearer and you will know what you want and what you need to do.

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