With the boom of cybersecurity, many people including career shifters and fresh graduates are looking to enter the field. However, most of them are confused as to what path to take given there are numerous domains within cybersecurity. It is also easy to get lost in what area they want to specialize in since all domains are worth it and interesting to explore. Given this scenario, I want to provide them with resources that they can easily understand as newbies but still build up foundational skills that they can use regardless of what career path they take.
Here are the some free or minimal costs courses and certifications that anyone can use which will enhance their knowledge and get their career in cybersecurity started:
- Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF) in Cybersecurity certification
The first course and certification that I recommend to newbies to take is the Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF) in Cybersecurity. This course is one of the two FREE cybersecurity certifications that Fortinet is offering in an attempt to help anyone breach into the field.. And to acquire this, you are required to take and complete 1 core course and 1 elective course that will enhance your skills and knowledge in cybersecurity.
Regardless of what you choose, courses will equip you with a solid understanding of cybersecurity and the core principles of information security. The course will enable you to identify various types of cybercriminals, understand their attack methods, and apply appropriate countermeasures. Additionally, it will cover different social engineering techniques used to deceive individuals, and provide insights into recognizing these tactics. You will also explore the various types of malware and their delivery methods, helping you develop strategies to prevent and mitigate such security threats effectively.
- Fortinet Certified Associate (FCA) in Cybersecurity certification
Following the FCF, the next that I recommend is the Fortinet Certified Associate (FCA) in Cybersecurity. This is the next level of certification after FCF that is offered by Fortinet. Here, you will be able to get a simple hands on experience on the Fortigate console which will allow you to get a grasp of how it works.
More specifically, you will learn how to configure interfaces and routing, as well as set up and manage firewall policies. You will be able to explore how to authenticate network users and inspect SSL traffic for enhanced security. The course also teaches you how to block malware and control web access using web filtering, to prevent network threats. Learners will also discover how to control application access, create secure IPsec and SSL VPNs, and perform system maintenance and monitoring.
- Cisco NetAcad
The next resource to learn cybersecurity that I recommend to newbies is the Cisco Netacad. This is a program by Cisco that helps anyone learn real-world skills. You are able to create an account for free here and access numerous courses and learning paths that will directly and indirectly help you in your cybersecurity career.
Inside the Netacad, newbies will have the chance to learn more about ethical hacking and cybersecurity essentials. Both of which have labs that allow students to get hands-on experience by applying what they have learned in the course. They also have the Junior Cybersecurity Analyst career path that gives users a chance to earn a certification for a small fee.
Aside from this, you can also learn about networking and programming. They have courses for networking basics and essentials which will prepare you for their network technician career path. This will surely aid you in your cybersecurity career since networks are one of the important parts of cybersecurity. Their programming courses also teach you python and java which you can use for scripting. This will help you develop scripts for a SOAR should you use it in the future. You can also learn Linux essentials here. Something that will definitely aid you in your career as you will be dealing with various operating systems.
- ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
The last one and probably the most important one is the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC). This is being offered for free by one of the leading cybersecurity organizations, ISC2. This organization is known for the CISSP certification, which is one of the most prestigious certifications any cybersecurity professional would want.
By getting the CC you will have access to the free training materials and exam voucher. The training materials are sufficient enough to prepare you for the exam which will test you across 5 domains which are the Security Principles, Incident Response, Business Continuity (BC) and Disaster Recovery (DR), Concepts Access Controls Concepts, Network Security, and Security Operations. Which is why passing the CC will allow you to build credibility and ensure employers that you know the fundamentals of cybersecurity. I strongly recommend having this certification as this will serve as the foundation of your career and boost your chances of getting employed.
As we wrap up this blog, I want to emphasize the importance of patience and persistence for those just starting out. Starting out with these courses and certifications will undoubtedly help you build a solid foundation for your cybersecurity journey. However, remember that this is just the beginning. The field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and to truly excel, you must commit to lifelong learning. Embrace challenges, stay curious, and keep honing your skills. Your dedication will pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career in this field
Jeremy Ross M. Lopez
Created by Jeremy Ross M. Lopez as part of the Mentoring Training Programme
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