You’re interested in network security but don’t have a degree. How can you get started?

1 Explore the fundamentals

Before you dive into the technical aspects of network security, you need to understand the core concepts and principles that underlie it. You should familiarize yourself with the different types of networks, such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and wireless networks, and how they communicate using protocols, such as TCP/IP, UDP, and HTTP. You should also learn about the common network security threats, such as malware, phishing, denial-of-service (DoS), and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, and how they can affect network performance, confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

2 Learn the tools and techniques

Once you have a solid foundation of network security theory, you can start learning how to use the tools and techniques that network security professionals rely on. You should learn how to configure and manage network devices, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs, and how to apply security policies and rules to them. You should also learn how to use network analysis and monitoring tools, such as Wireshark, Nmap, and Snort, to scan, capture, and inspect network traffic and identify potential anomalies or malicious activities. You should also learn how to use encryption, authentication, and authorization methods to secure network data and access.

3 Practice your skills

The best way to improve your network security skills is to practice them in realistic scenarios. You can set up your own home lab using virtual machines, emulators, or physical devices, and create different network configurations and challenges for yourself. You can also use online platforms, such as Hack The Box, TryHackMe, or Cybersecurity Lab, that offer interactive exercises and simulations that test your network security knowledge and abilities. You can also participate in online competitions, such as Capture the Flag (CTF), that involve solving network security problems and challenges.

4 Get certified

One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your network security skills and knowledge to potential employers is to get certified. There are many network security certifications available, depending on your level of experience and specialization. Some of the most popular and respected ones are CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security, and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). These certifications require you to pass exams that cover various network security topics and scenarios. They also require you to renew them periodically to keep up with the latest developments and trends in the field.

5 Build your portfolio and network

Another way to showcase your network security skills and knowledge is to build your portfolio and network. You can create a personal website or blog where you share your projects, experiments, or insights related to network security. You can also use platforms, such as GitHub or LinkedIn, to display your code, scripts, or tools that you have developed or used for network security purposes. You can also join online communities, such as Reddit, Discord, or Stack Overflow, where you can interact with other network security enthusiasts, ask questions, give feedback, and learn from each other. You can also attend online or offline events, such as webinars, workshops, or meetups, where you can network with network security professionals, mentors, or employers.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?