Cybersecurity 101: What You Need to Know to Get Started

Introduction

Beginners often feel lost when stepping into the security domain. Questions like How do I do this? How is this happening? Why did I choose the security domain? Well, it's natural to feel this way, we all do when we start something new. Today let's see how to make things a tad bit easier.

There is not one sure-shot way to succeed in the security domain, but these few steps will help you to find that balance in the chaotic world of security. 

First, as our parents tell us to get a degree, well yes do that, but your focus should be in the computer science domain you can pursue degrees like

1. BCA
2. B.Tech CSE
3. B.Tech IT
4. BSc Computer Science 

A degree will help you to build the foundational knowledge and skills that are required in the security domain

Secondly, get some certifications related to security, there are general certifications available that are industry approved like:

1. CompTIA A+, Network +, Security + and Pentest +
2. CEH
3. eJPT
4. Microsoft Compliance Certification

These certifications will increase your further knowledge as well as help you land a job in a good company as these certifications are industry approved and HR generally seeks people who hold these certifications. One such platform which provides practical based knowledge is CyberYami, you can kick-start your learning journey from here.

The third step is the most crucial step, as it includes keeping yourself updated with the latest security trends and IT technology advancements. Updating yourself is very important because the IT field is ever-changing, and there are many advancements and many new security vulnerabilities that come with it, so knowing these things is very important for a security practitioner. 

The fourth point is to note that practical knowledge is very important in the security domain, so you have to make and maintain a number of projects relating to the security domain and you can also contribute to the open source community. You can make tools or code some exploits to CVEs. Building exploits come under Exploit Development. 

The last and final point is to build a strong network of professionals in the security domain. You can look into LinkedIn presence and send connection requests to professionals working in this domain, this can further help you to land a job or to build your knowledge further. Twitter is also a great way to connect and share information regarding breaches and security domains.