Getting Started in Cyber Security FAQ

Where Do I Start?

How much do you know about computers?  And by computers, I mean Windows computers, either laptops but especially desktops, but Linux too... and to a lesser extent Macs, but they do count.

If you don’t know enough about computers to assemble your own computer, you might start with the CompTIA A+ certification.  Different people have different ways they learn best, but my favorite way to get this is through CBT Nuggets at $59/month.  

After you get the A+ certification, get the Network+ certification.  You’re working your way up to a Security+ certification.

Order of operations for foundation:

1. CompTIA A+

2. CompTIA Network+

3. CompTIA Security+

4. Specializations... See Certifications chart toward the bottom of this document.

Learning Resources

https://sarabiasecurity.blogspot.com/2022/06/where-to-start-early-career.html

Should I join the military to pursue a career in cybersecurity?

It’s a good opportunity for a lot of young people.  It depends on a lot of factors.  Do you feel a compelling need to get out of your current household and strike out on your own? (I did feel this, but for various reasons the military was not a good fit for me.)  Do you need a new support system that will feed you, clothe you, house you, provide healthcare?  The military is a great way to meet basic needs, but it’s also a huge commitment and your life will suck for a few years.  It’s a trade-off.  It’s also a great service to the country and your community.  The recruiters will tell you life will be great, but really life will suck at first.  You will learn to accept authority and follow directions.  They will rebuild you.  They will also help pay for college!  Which brings us to another question…

More info about cyber sec in the military

Should I go to college to pursue a career in cyber security?

“It depends” is my favorite answer.  There are degrees that help one pursue a career in cyber security.  Are you wanting to be an executive, a manager?  If so, then yes, you’ll need at least a bachelor's degree.  Some of the more relevant degrees would include Cyber Security, Computer Science, and Computer Information Systems.  Other degrees can also go into cyber security, they just have more work to do on their own free time to learn information systems and cyber.

What about these cyber security boot camps I see?

Maybe.  I don’t have a lot of experience with these, and I’d love to hear your feedback.  I think depending on how they’re executed they could provide a lot of value.  I think it also depends on how much experience you have going in.  I personally did one that led me to getting the CISSP certification.

What are all these certifications?  How do they stack up to each other?

If you like to read, here’s a good article on them…

https://blog.edx.org/best-cybersecurity-certificates

If you like graphics, here’s a good graphic on them…

What if I don't want to join the military? How do I pay for all this crap?

In an ideal world, your parents might pay for it... but maybe they can't, or they want you to pay your way. You'll have to get a job! I don't say that flippantly, I had to get a job to pay my way, and it was hard, but I learned a lot along the way.

If you're a young man or woman who's into fitness, you might consider a physical job such as working for a moving company. One of the best moving company to work for is probably Two Men and a Truck, and they do a lot of higher end moves, but you have to work your way up to them. There are also semi-physical jobs where you get a lot of activity, which is good for a young person (good for anyone really), and learn skills at the same time. If you're in the Nashville area and are dependable, have good communications skills, and are reasonably fit (able to move a washing machine on a dolly or lift a microwave), then check out maintenance technician jobs that pay about $15/hour. I have a friend who's a maintenance manager for a chain of luxury condominiums; when he's not looking for a worker he knows someone who is. The hours are 8am-5pm and you learn how to maintain a home at the same time, building skills in construction, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc., while staying active and making about $2000 per month after taxes (more depending on your skills).

I can't afford to live in Nashville, though. What do I do?

Well, some people choose to live with their parents... that's a cost effective thing... but it may be a big headache and you might want to get out. I did. Look for room/roommate rentals on Craigslist or on Roommates.com. You can probably find a room for $400-600 per month if you're willing to look 30 minutes outside of Nashville. I'm not going to rent you a room, but message me if you have questions as I've been down this road and there are certainly pros and cons, but it's the #1 way for a young person to strike out on their own without going to a dorm room or a barracks.

Once I have certifications and/or education, how do I find a job?

The number one way to find a position is to network. Personal referrals is the #1 way to find a job. I've had about 15 jobs and 20+ clients in my 25 year career and I had a personal referral (who you know) about 95% of the time. But you don't have to take my word for it... 9 Best Ways to Find a Job.  If you don't know how to network, search "networking referrals job search" and check out some articles you find.  I don't mean computer network... I mean tell people you know, people you run into at the coffee shop, I mean tell everyone you come into contact with that you're looking for a job in computers / cyber security. The goal is to have someone introduce you to someone who will give you an opportunity.