the hacker’s roadmap (how to get started in IT in 2023)
TLDRThe video outlines a roadmap for beginners to enter the IT and cybersecurity field in 2023, emphasizing the importance of building a solid foundation through certifications like CompTIA A+ and Network+, as well as gaining practical skills in Linux, coding, and networking. It suggests starting with the basics, moving towards security and hacking certifications, and highlights the value of hands-on experience through CTFs and entry-level jobs.
Takeaways
- 🚀 Start your IT journey with a solid foundation by studying for the CompTIA A+ certification, which is essential for beginners and covers a broad range of IT fundamentals.
- ☕ Coffee is a must-have for the long hours of studying and learning ahead in the IT and cybersecurity fields.
- 🔍 Understand that the CompTIA A+ certification is a stepping stone, filling knowledge gaps and providing a sample platter of IT areas to explore.
- 💡 Networking is a critical skill for all IT professionals, especially for cybersecurity roles, and certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA are highly recommended.
- 🔐 Security Plus certification from CompTIA is a must-have, providing foundational security knowledge and often being a requirement for government jobs and DOD 8570 compliance.
- 💻 Gaining practical experience with Linux操作系统 is vital for any IT professional, and the Linux Plus certification is a good option to demonstrate your skills.
- 👨💻 Start learning a programming language such as Python or Go early in your career, as coding skills are fundamental throughout your IT journey.
- 🎯 Engage in hacking practice through Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges to apply and enhance your learning in a real-world context.
- 📜 For those interested in cybersecurity, obtain certifications like CompTIA PenTest+ or the eJPT from INE to demonstrate your hacking abilities and qualify for entry-level penetration testing roles.
- 🏆 The OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) is a highly respected certification for those aiming to prove their hacking skills, but it should be pursued after gaining foundational experience.
Q & A
What is the first step recommended in the roadmap for getting started in IT and cybersecurity in 2023?
-The first step is to establish a strong foundation in IT skills, which includes starting with CompTIA A+ certification. This is essential as it provides a broad understanding of IT concepts and prepares individuals for further specialization.
Why is CompTIA A+ considered a good starting point for IT beginners?
-CompTIA A+ is considered a good starting point because it is designed to be an entry-level certification that assumes no prior knowledge. It covers a wide range of topics that are foundational to IT, making it a comprehensive introduction to the field.
What are some of the reasons to consider taking the CompTIA A+ certification exam despite its cost?
-The CompTIA A+ certification exam is valuable because it fills knowledge gaps, provides a broad overview of IT, and can help land an entry-level job, such as technical support or help desk roles. Additionally, it demonstrates to potential employers that the candidate has a foundational understanding of IT.
How does the Security+ certification from CompTIA benefit someone in the IT field?
-The Security+ certification is beneficial as it provides foundational security knowledge that is essential in IT, regardless of the specific area one wishes to specialize in. It is also required by many jobs, especially in the government sector, due to its alignment with the DOD 8570 compliance.
What are the two main networking certifications recommended in the script and what are their key differences?
-The two main networking certifications recommended are CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA. Network+ is vendor-neutral and covers a broad understanding of networking concepts. CCNA, on the other hand, focuses on Cisco products and provides practical knowledge specific to Cisco's networking technologies, which is highly valued in the industry.
Why is learning Linux considered a necessary skill for IT professionals?
-Learning Linux is a necessary skill because it is a fundamental component of many IT systems and platforms. Understanding Linux provides a solid foundation for various IT roles, including cybersecurity, networking, and system administration.
What programming languages are recommended for beginners in the IT field?
-For beginners, Python and Go (Golang) are recommended as starting programming languages. Python is known for its ease of use and extensive support, while Go is a newer, fast-emerging language with growing industry adoption.
What are CTFs and how do they benefit someone interested in hacking?
-CTFs, or Capture the Flag competitions, are events that provide a legal and controlled environment for individuals to practice and improve their hacking skills. They benefit beginners by offering real-world scenarios, validating the skills learned through study and certification, and highlighting areas for further learning and growth.
What are the two hacking certifications recommended for those looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity?
-The two recommended hacking certifications are CompTIA PenTest+ and the eJPT from INE. Both certifications aim to prepare individuals for a junior penetration tester role, providing practical knowledge and skills necessary for ethical hacking and security assessments.
Why is the OSCP considered a significant certification in the cybersecurity field?
-The OSCP, or Offensive Security Certified Professional, is considered significant because it demonstrates a high level of expertise in hacking and penetration testing. It is recognized as a challenging certification that validates the holder's ability to apply advanced cybersecurity skills in real-world scenarios.
Outlines
🚀 Kickstarting Your Cybersecurity Journey
This paragraph outlines a comprehensive path for beginners looking to enter the field of cybersecurity or IT in general. It emphasizes the importance of a solid foundation through the CompTIA A+ certification, which is considered a prerequisite for further specialization. The speaker humorously suggests that coffee is essential for the rigorous study ahead and provides statistics to support the value of the A+ certification. The paragraph also touches on the necessity of understanding the basics before delving into more specialized areas like ethical hacking, networking, or cloud engineering. The speaker warns against skipping foundational knowledge and suggests that the A+ certification can help fill gaps in one's understanding of IT.
🔒 Building a Strong IT Foundation with Security and Networking
The second paragraph delves into the significance of the CompTIA Security+ certification, which is not only foundational for IT security knowledge but also often a requirement for government jobs due to its DOD 8570 compliance. The speaker recommends IT Pro TV's Security+ course for its engaging content. Following this, the paragraph highlights the importance of networking skills in cybersecurity, with recommendations between the CompTIA Network+ and the Cisco CCNA certifications. The speaker's preference for the CCNA is evident, as it is considered the gold standard in networking certifications. The paragraph also discusses the cost and value of these certifications in terms of marketability and practical knowledge.
💻 Gaining Practical Skills in Linux and Coding
This paragraph discusses the necessity of learning Linux and coding for a well-rounded IT professional. The speaker suggests that while the Linux+ certification can be beneficial, it may not be as crucial as gaining practical experience with Linux. They recommend starting with a basic Linux course to become proficient. In terms of coding, the paragraph emphasizes the importance of learning a programming language early in one's career, with Python and Go being recommended for beginners. The speaker advocates for incorporating coding practice into one's routine, even if it's just a few days a week, using free resources and courses available online.
🎯 Advancing Towards Cybersecurity Specialization
The fourth paragraph shifts the focus towards the practical application of cybersecurity skills. It encourages beginners to start practicing hacking through Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges, which provide real-world, hands-on experience with hacking techniques. The speaker suggests that engaging with CTFs can help solidify the foundational skills learned thus far and can clarify the value of these skills in a cybersecurity context. The paragraph also introduces the concept of hacking certifications, such as the CompTIA PenTest+ and the eJPT from INE, which can help aspiring cybersecurity professionals land their first job in the field.
🥊 The OSCP: The Pinnacle of Hacking Certifications
The final paragraph discusses the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification, which is considered a significant achievement in the cybersecurity field. The speaker advises that the OSCP should be pursued after gaining experience with certifications like the PenTest+ or eJPT. The paragraph emphasizes that the OSCP is challenging but rewarding, marking a turning point where one might feel like a 'real hacker'. However, the speaker also cautions against pursuing further certifications beyond this point, arguing that real-world experience becomes more valuable. The paragraph concludes with a reminder that the path outlined is flexible and that the ultimate goal is to gain employment and practical experience in the IT and cybersecurity industry.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡cybersecurity
💡IT foundations
💡CompTIA A+
💡networking
💡Linux
💡coding
💡CTF (Capture the Flag)
💡certifications
💡CompTIA Security+
💡career path
💡OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
Highlights
The roadmap for starting a career in IT or cybersecurity in 2023.
The importance of building a solid foundation in IT before specializing.
CompTIA A+ as a starting point for IT knowledge, with a 58% approval rate from IT professionals.
The necessity of the CompTIA Security+ certification for any IT role, especially for government jobs.
Networking skills as a crucial part of IT and cybersecurity, with recommendations for CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA.
Learning Linux and the various options for Linux certification.
The value of coding in an IT career, with Python and Go as recommended languages for beginners.
The concept of Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions for hands-on hacking practice.
CompTIA PenTest+ and EJPT certifications for those looking to become junior penetration testers.
The OSCP certification as a significant milestone in a cybersecurity career.
The importance of real-world experience over additional certifications.
The strategy of learning and applying for jobs simultaneously to gain practical experience.
The potential to learn and acquire skills on the job, sometimes without the need for formal certifications.
IT Pro TV as a valuable resource for learning various IT and cybersecurity courses.
The recommendation to start learning and practicing coding and hacking early in one's IT journey.
The potential to skip certain certifications based on pre-existing knowledge or experience.