Here's how you can acquire practical knowledge of Information Security tools and technologies.

Platforms like CyberSecLabs, Hack The Box, and TryHackMe offer virtual environments where you can practice penetration testing and security operation. Participate in CTF competitions to solve security challenges and apply various tools in a competitive environment. Platforms like CTFtime and PicoCTF host these events. Use software like VMware or VirtualBox to set up virtual machines for testing different tools and techniques in a controlled environment. Learn tools like Wireshark for packet analysis, Nmap for network scanning, and Snort for intrusion detection. Set aside time regularly to practice using different tools and techniques. Consistency is key to mastering complex skills. Continuously challenge yourself with more difficult scena

I would suggest exploring online courses from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Linkedin Learning to build a strong foundational knowledge in Information Security. Additionally, hands-on labs available on Hack The Box, and TryHackMe offer practical experience. Participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions through platforms like CTFtime and PicoCTF can also help you apply your skills in real-world scenarios.

There are a fair number of free and paid e-learning communities popping up on Skool.com focused on cybersecurity. Saw content curated for non-technical business executives as well.

Online learning platforms indeed provide a plethora of courses tailored to Information Security, catering to learners at various skill levels. You can begin with foundational courses that introduce core concepts such as cryptography, network security, and threat analysis. These courses lay a solid groundwork for understanding the fundamentals of cybersecurity.

Acquiring practical knowledge of Information Security tools and technologies through online learning platforms is invaluable. Beginning with foundational courses lays a strong groundwork, covering essential concepts like cryptography and network security. Progressing to specialized courses deepens understanding of tools such as firewalls and SIEM software. Virtual labs offer hands-on practice, enhancing skill development in a safe environment. Continuous learning through these platforms equips individuals with relevant expertise, crucial for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of Information Security.

Outside of just prebuilt labs from courses and certifactions. Building your own virtual lab enviroment is also a very valid option. This has a few additional benefits. When you setup your own virtual enviroments to learn security solutions, you also get experience with building the infrastructure, and other aspects that you would not of such as setting up the Network, AD, Server setup ect. This allows you a safe space to play with and learn security concepts, and adds double learning with the setup. Giving a more rounded knowledge base and experiences.

Acquiring practical knowledge of Information Security tools through hands-on experience is paramount. Virtual labs and simulation environments provide authentic scenarios to practice configuring firewalls, detecting threats, and conducting penetration tests. These interactive experiences not only deepen understanding but also hone crucial skills required in real-world situations. Emphasizing practical learning enhances proficiency and prepares individuals to effectively address cybersecurity challenges, making it an indispensable approach for aspiring InfoSec professionals.

To gain practical knowledge of Information Security tools and technologies through open-source resources, begin by researching and selecting relevant tools. Set up a lab environment for experimentation and explore documentation and tutorials provided by the open-source community. Engage in hands-on practice, join online communities for support and collaboration, and consider contributing to open-source projects. Stay updated with the latest trends and developments, and practice ethical hacking techniques to enhance your skills.

Open-source tools like Wireshark and Metasploit allow you to engage in real-world scenarios. You can capture and analyze network traffic, perform penetration testing, and simulate attacks in a controlled environment. The open-source community offers tools for various InfoSec domains, including network analysis, vulnerability scanning, intrusion detection, cryptography, and more. This diversity allows you to gain knowledge across multiple areas of cybersecurity. Open-source projects typically have active communities of developers and users who share knowledge, provide support, and collaborate on improvements. Engaging with these communities can enhance your learning experience.

Gaining practical knowledge of Information Security tools through the open-source community is invaluable. Tools like Wireshark and Metasploit, freely available for download, provide hands-on experience in network analysis and penetration testing. Experimentation with these tools not only enhances technical skills but also deepens understanding of InfoSec concepts. Moreover, contributing to open-source projects fosters a sense of community and enables active involvement in enhancing tools used globally. This collaborative approach enriches personal learning and fortifies the collective knowledge base of the InfoSec community, offering significant opportunities for skill development and professional advancement.

Participating in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions is an excellent way to become proficient with various information security tools. These challenges are designed to cover a wide range of information security topics, allowing participants to use many of the tools that real-world hackers and security engineers employ daily. CTFs provide brief yet valuable exposure to these tools, and expanding one's knowledge from there is a personal endeavor. Reviewing different walkthroughs and solutions can offer insights into various problem-solving approaches, demonstrating the versatility of these tools. Thus, playing CTFs is an effective method for understanding and mastering infosec tools.

Engaging in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions offers a dynamic platform to apply Information Security knowledge in a competitive and enjoyable setting. These events present diverse challenges, including cracking codes and exploiting vulnerabilities, fostering problem-solving skills and exposing participants to various security scenarios. Moreover, CTFs provide opportunities to learn from peers and experts, enhancing both technical proficiency and collaborative abilities. Embracing CTFs not only makes learning enjoyable but also cultivates valuable skills essential for success in the field of Information Security.

Engaging with Information Security-focused networking groups and communities offers a rich learning environment. Through talks, workshops, and seminars led by seasoned professionals, participants gain insights into the latest tools and techniques. Interacting with experts and peers fosters a collaborative atmosphere where challenges can be discussed and solutions explored. This collective knowledge-sharing enhances both technical skills and strategic understanding, empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of Information Security with confidence and expertise.

Having a home lab is the best way to gain hands on experience with new tools and technology. The major drawback is finances, so this is best for open source tools and inexpensive hardware. Despite possible costs, you can perform activities on your own network that may not be possible on other networks. For example, you may not have authority to perform penetration tests on your organizations network, especially with untested tools. On your own network though you can use whatever tools you deem useful.

Personal projects are the best. You're navigating through the unknown whilst using your curiosity to figure things out. They allow for your creativity to flourish as you find new and innovative solutions to problems. Take a moment to understand what you want to learn about, come up with a plan for how you want to tackle it(coding it yourself or exploring open-source or free-trial tools) and set aside time to explore. You'll figure things out for yourself, come up with creative solutions, and in many ways, give back to the community with your knowledge. Do CTFs and online labs, but make room for personal projects, it's a unique way of expressing yourself in this dynamic field.

Honestly, lab and training would not be effective. Instead you will need to have hands on experience and it is better to define personal project or engage in project or even be volunteer and then with your action you will gain experience.

Working on personal projects is an excellent way to understand the functionality of various infosec tools. By creating small scripts for specific tasks or automation, you can gradually expand your understanding. Integrating existing tools into scripts streamlines workflows and automates tasks, enhancing your ability to manage multiple tools effectively. When developing your own comprehensive tool, studying existing projects provides valuable insights into best practices for development and deployment. This method fosters a deeper understanding of open-source tools and their complexities.

I would suggest exploring online courses from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Linkedin Learning to build a strong foundational knowledge in Information Security. Additionally, hands-on labs available on Hack The Box, and TryHackMe offer practical experience. Participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions through platforms like CTFtime and PicoCTF can also help you apply your skills in real-world scenarios.

Security communities and forums. Join forums and discussion groups, become a member of professional organizations like ISSA, ISC2, and SANS and attend security conferences, and webinars to network with other professionals and learn from their experiences.