The beginner's playbook for launching a cybersecurity career

Here are some resources that could help a beginner get started in a cybersecurity career:

1. Online courses: Coursera, Udemy, and Plaurasight, offer a variety of cybersecurity courses that cover a range of topics, from basic computer security to more advanced topics like ethical hacking and network security.
2. Books: There are many books available on cybersecurity, both for beginners and for more advanced learners. Some popular books for beginners include "The Basics of Cyber Security" by Mark Stanislav and "Cybersecurity for Dummies" by Chey Cobb.
3. Cybersecurity conferences: Attending conferences is a great way to learn about the latest developments in the field and network with other cybersecurity professionals. Some popular conferences include Black Hat, DEFCON, OWASP, BSides, and RSA Conference.
4. Professional certifications: Earning a professional certification, such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Security+, OSCP, and another equivalent, can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers.
5. Join a community: There are many online communities, forums, and groups focused on cybersecurity where you can learn from more experienced professionals and discuss the latest trends and challenges in the field. Some popular communities include Reddit's r/netsec and the SANS Security community.
6. Get hands-on experience: One of the best ways to learn about cybersecurity is to gain practical experience. You can do this by setting up your own lab at home, participating in online hacking challenges and competitions, or volunteering with organizations that need help with their cybersecurity.
7. Blogs and websites: There are many blogs and websites that cover cybersecurity topics, from general news and information to more technical discussions. Some popular sites include Krebs on Security, Dark Reading, The Hacker News, and Security Week.
8. Government resources: Many government agencies, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), offer a variety of resources on cybersecurity, including publications, guidelines, and training materials.
9. Practice tests: Taking practice tests and quizzes can help you prepare for professional certification exams and assess your knowledge of cybersecurity concepts. Many free practice tests are available online, or you can purchase study guides and practice exams from organizations like (ISC)2 or CompTIA.
10. Internships and apprenticeships: Many companies offer internships and apprenticeships in cybersecurity, which can provide hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals. These programs can also lead to job offers and connections in the field.
11. Networking: Building a network of contacts in the cybersecurity industry can be valuable for finding job opportunities, learning about new developments, and getting advice and support. You can network with other professionals at conferences, meetups, and other events or through online communities and forums.
12. Job boards: Many job boards and websites focus specifically on cybersecurity job opportunities. These can be a good place to search for entry-level positions and internships and to learn about the types of jobs and companies that are hiring in the field.
13. Professional development: Continuing to learn and develop your skills is important in any career, and cybersecurity is no exception. You can stay up to date with the latest developments and techniques by attending workshops, conferences, and seminars, reading industry publications, and earning additional certifications.
14. Mentorship: Finding a mentor who is experienced in cybersecurity can be a valuable resource for getting advice, guidance, and support as you begin your career. You can ask for mentorship through professional organizations, online communities, or by networking with other professionals.
15. Portfolio: As you gain experience and knowledge in cybersecurity, creating a portfolio of your work can be helpful. This can include projects you have completed, certifications you have earned, presentations you have given, and other achievements. A portfolio can help demonstrate your skills and experience to potential employers.
16. Volunteer opportunities: Volunteering with organizations needing help with cybersecurity can be a great way to gain experience and make connections in the field. You can volunteer with non-profits, schools, community organizations, or other groups that need assistance with securing their systems and data.
17. Hackathons and competitions: Participating in hackathons and competitions can be a fun and challenging way to gain experience and showcase your skills. These events often offer prizes, recognition, and networking opportunities and can help you build a portfolio of work and achievements.
18. Government and industry reports: Government agencies and industry organizations often publish reports and studies on cybersecurity trends and challenges. These can be valuable sources of information and insights and help you understand the field's current state and where it is headed.
19. Social media: Following industry leaders, organizations, and publications on social media can be a great way to stay connected and informed about the latest developments in cybersecurity. You can also use social media to share your knowledge and experiences and connect with other professionals in the field.
20. Podcasts: Listening to podcasts on cybersecurity can be a convenient and engaging way to learn about the latest developments and trends in the field. There are many podcasts available on a wide range of cybersecurity topics, from general news and information to more technical discussions.

#cybersecurity #cybersecuritycareer #cybersecurityresources #beginnercybersecurity #onlinecourses #books #conferences #certifications #communities #experience #blogsandwebsites #governmentresources #professionalorganizations #practicetests #internships #networking #jobboards #professionaldevelopment #mentorship #portfolio #volunteeropportunities #newsandpublications #hackathonsandcompetitions #onlineteachingplatforms #governmentandindustryreports #industryeventsandmeetups #socialmedia #associations #podcasts #challengesandcompetitions