Getting Started in Cyber | + Free Certification Links

The field of cybersecurity can be both exciting and rewarding. Here are some steps you can take to start your journey :)

Free Cybersecurity Training and Certification Resources

Introduction

The field of cybersecurity is rapidly growing, and skilled professionals are in high demand. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your existing knowledge, there are plenty of free resources available to help you build your skills. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best options for getting started in cybersecurity.

Starting Your Cybersecurity Journey

Getting started in cybersecurity involves a mix of learning, hands-on practice, and networking. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Learn the Basics: Understand essential concepts like network security, encryption, and threat detection.
2. Hands-On Practice: Set up a lab environment to practice real-world scenarios. Tools like Metasploit and Hack the Box can be valuable.
3. Certifications: Consider pursuing certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
4. Stay Curious: Cybersecurity is ever evolving. Stay updated by reading blogs, attending webinars, and participating in online communities.

Remember, the journey into cybersecurity is exciting and rewarding. Dive in, explore, and contribute to making the digital world safer!

I hope you find this information helpful! If you have any specific questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask. ????????

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all path to a cybersecurity career. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, switching careers, or already in IT, take steps that align with your goals and interests. You can start right where you are now!

What Jobs Are there?

These two resources are a great first step in finding what is out there.

1. Cybersecurity/IT Jobs | CISA: Click Here

- The Cybersecurity/IT Jobs page on the CISA website provides information about career opportunities in the field of cybersecurity.

- CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) is responsible for strengthening the security, resilience, and workforce of the cyber ecosystem in the United States.

2. Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework) | NICCS: Click Here

- The NICE Framework is a nationally focused resource that helps employers develop their cybersecurity workforce.

- It establishes a common language to describe cybersecurity work and workers across public, private, and academic sectors.

- Key components include:

- Work Role Categories: High-level groupings of common cybersecurity functions.

- Work Roles: Groupings of work for which someone is responsible or accountable (not synonymous with job titles).

- TKS Statements: Discrete building blocks describing work tasks, knowledge, and skills.

- Competency Areas: Clusters of related knowledge and skill statements.

What Training is Available?

Now there is never a complete list, but this is a start. :)

1. CodeRed by EC-Council: CodeRed offers free courses in cybersecurity.
2. Auvik Litmos: Auvik Litmos offers a course (Course ID: 2579492) that you can access after logging in.
3. Fortinet Training for Cybersecurity Professionals: Fortinet provides free training for cybersecurity professionals.?
4. SkillsForAll: SkillsForAll offers various courses, including cybersecurity.?
5. (ISC)2 1MCC: (ISC)2 offers the 1MCC (One Million Cyber Challenge) program.?
6. MITRE ATT&CK Training: MITRE ATT&CK is a framework for understanding adversary behavior. Their training resources help enhance cybersecurity skills and knowledge.
7. Databricks Training: Databricks provides training related to data engineering, analytics, and machine learning.?
8. Postman Academy: Postman Academy offers both instructor-led workshops and self-study learning modules. Whether you’re new to Postman or an ongoing learner, you can enhance your skills in API testing and development.
9. HubSpot Academy: HubSpot Academy provides comprehensive online training in marketing, sales, and customer service. Their globally recognized certifications cover topics like inbound marketing, social media, email marketing, and more.
10. Snyk Learn: Snyk Learn offers developer security education and product training. You can explore interactive lessons on finding and fixing vulnerabilities, as well as using Snyk for security
11. Microsoft:?Free Training and Badges. Assessments and tests. Exams are relatively affordable.
12. Microsoft Defender XDR Ninja Training: This training program focuses on becoming a Microsoft Defender XDR ninja.
13. Duo Level Up?: Duo offers a course on protecting applications using their security solutions.?
14. Juniper Learning Portal: Juniper offers free courses through their Learning Portal. You can learn about Junos OS, Mist AI, and more. Additionally, they provide recertification options for existing Juniper certifications.
15. Aruba Training: Aruba’s training program covers networking and security.
16. AWS Educate: AWS provides educational resources through AWS Educate. It’s a great platform for learning about cloud computing, AWS services, and more.
17. AttackIQ Academy: AttackIQ offers free courses in MITRE ATT&CK, purple teaming, and breach & attack simulation.?
18. Aviatrix ACE Program: Aviatrix focuses on multicloud networking and security. Their ACE program offers certification?and expertise in cloud networking.
19. MAD20 for Individual Skills Development on MITRE ATT&CK: Threat-informed defense training on MITRE ATT&CK, offensive and defensive skills to combat cyber threats. Earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits and certifications free.
20. Vanta Security Awareness Training (SAT): Covers essential security topics, including reporting suspicious activity, protecting accounts, and secure data handling.
21. Cisco DevNet Start Now: Certifications in network programmability, developer fundamentals, and more. Learn about data serialization formats (XML, JSON, YAML), APIs, Python, Ansible, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
22. FAIR Institute: The FAIR Institute is a research-driven not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the discipline of cyber and operational risk management. Free Cyber Risk Management Course/Certification
23. IBM Training - Free:?Curated learning content used to acquire various skills or knowledge for a specific product, solution, job role or technology area. Collections can also be role-based and include badges
24. Presentation Skills Certification | Visme: Upon completion of the course, you’ll receive a Visme Versity certification. You’ll also receive a Visme expert badge in your Visme account.
25. Google Analytics Certification from Google | Class Central: Free Google Analytics Certification
26. Google for Data Scientists: Free Courses and certifications with Google Analytics
27. Google for Creatives: Free Google Certifications in Applied Digital skills, and sub categories.
28. Google for Developers:?Free Courses and some certs for Developers
29. Google Cloud Skills Boost:? Your one stop to build marketable skills through labs, courses, and learning paths. When you're ready, prove you know your stuff by earning a skill badge that you can share on social media and hiring platforms like LinkedIn and Credly.
30. Qwiklabs Courses | A Google Company:?Free courses and Certifications for Google and Google Networking
31. Palo Alto Networks: Free Palo Alto Cyber Certifications
32. RIPE NCC: ?Not-for-profit membership organization that supports the infrastructure of the Internet through technical coordination in our service region. Free Training and Certifications.?
33. NIST Risk Management Framework:?The RMF Online Introductory Courses are developed by NIST and available on-demand, and free of charge. The purpose of these courses is to provide those new to risk management with an introduction to key publications associated with the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) methodology for managing cybersecurity and privacy risk.
34. h4cker: Training resources by Omar Santos (books, video courses, and practice tests) for different industry certifications like CCNP and CCIE Security, CyberOps Associate, CyberOps Professional, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Security+, PenTest+, and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).?

Courses for Federal, State, Tribal governments or Military Veterans. (Restricted)

1. Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)?2: TEEX provides a cybersecurity program. Although the exact content isn’t specified, it’s worth exploring for comprehensive training.
2. Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE)?2: FedVTE provides free cybersecurity training for government employees and veterans. It covers various topics related to information security. There is the open public content section or sign up with our FEMA ID.
3. First Responder Training System (FRTS)?3: FRTS offers courses for first responders. Unfortunately, the exact content isn’t specified, but it’s relevant for emergency personnel.
4. Boots-2-Cyber:? Created by and for Veterans, is led by a team of Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps veterans with over 100 years of combined IT and cybersecurity expertise. Our mission is to hire experienced veterans trained by the United States Government (USG) to thrive in diverse, dynamic, and high-stakes environments and build upon this expertise with cybersecurity training and redeploy as Cyber Warriors.
5. ?Naval Postgraduate School?| Masters Degree: The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree program?is offered at no cost to eligible local, state, tribal, territorial, and federal officials.?
6. Federal Cyber Defense Skilling Academy | CISA: CISA’s Federal Cyber Defense Skilling Academy provides full-time federal employees an opportunity to focus on professional growth through an intense, full-time, three-month accelerated training program. Those interested in developing foundational cybersecurity skills are encouraged to apply. ?
7. Google Cloud Launchpad for Veterans:? no-cost Google Cloud training and certification journey. Gain in-demand skills and become a leader in digital transformation. Exclusively for US and Canada Military Veterans and Service Members.

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