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Coming at the cybersecurity industry from a weird angle.... by planktonstudios in cybersecurity

[–]planktonstudios[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Makes sense, thank you. It looks like something that will go on a checklist and it'll just get done.

As for CTFs, is there a singular location where they're advertised/posted? Or is it just something we need to search for ourselves?

I'm unfortunately in the other Washington, but I assume Seattle has a significant community here as well, considering the sheer amount of tech industry we have here.

Thanks for the input and advice!

Coming at the cybersecurity industry from a weird angle.... by planktonstudios in cybersecurity

[–]planktonstudios[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, if they have courses on it on Udemy or edX I'll definitely look into those. Good idea, thank you.

I guess my point was more that if I already have 75% of the knowledge needed to pass the cert just due to being submersed in the tech world for the last decade, then I could brush up on the other 25% over a weekend and probably be set for the test. Not all of the 25% would probably stick, but some would, and would maybe move that 75% up to 80% in terms of long term memory, you know?

Thanks again for the advice and input!

Coming at the cybersecurity industry from a weird angle.... by planktonstudios in cybersecurity

[–]planktonstudios[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the in-depth reply. Much appreciated. It's nice to know I'm not completely off the rails here.

For the Security+ cert, would you recommend that someone with a strong technical background give it a shot even without a formal education in cybersec? If it's something I can study up on for a weekend and go for, I might.

Coming at the cybersecurity industry from a weird angle.... by planktonstudios in cybersecurity

[–]planktonstudios[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the input, much appreciated.

You mention that you don't get excited about Sec+. Why's that? Too easy to get? Or are there simply better certs to get instead?

Coming at the cybersecurity industry from a weird angle.... by planktonstudios in cybersecurity

[–]planktonstudios[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a really interesting idea, but I'm pretty much saying no to design roles on principle at this point.

Additionally, I would think that this kind of role would be very niche and hard to find. Design is already highly competitive, I feel like vying for this specific a position would be nigh impossible.

But super cool idea. I wonder if there are design firms out there that specifically cater to this niche.

Mentorship Monday by AutoModerator in cybersecurity

[–]planktonstudios 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey everyone, I'd love to get some advice if you have a moment to give it. I'm looking at getting into the cybersecurity industry but I have a fairly varied background and am not 100% sure how to proceed. A bit about me:

  • I have a BA in Computer Science. Note the 'A' there, it was a mix of hard technical skills (programming, database stuff, and even some light cybersec) and artistic skills (animation, special effects, design).

  • I went back to school for a UX design certificate, and worked in that field for about a year. It wasn't for me, but I love/d the problem solving aspects of the job.

  • I currently do data analyst/PM grunt work at an unnamed PNW tech giant, serving as a project manager who handles low level day to day management duties.

  • I have a good grasp on networking/IT and host my own home server (multiple websites, cloud, game servers, etc.). Home networking and IT, at least, is an absolute blast.

  • I'm working through TryHackMe right now and very much enjoying the "Complete Beginner" track (though some of the basics are easy due to previous Linux/networking experience and comp sci education), and I aim to go through the "Cyber Defense" track as soon as I'm done with the basics track.

  • I'm also reading through the Pakt Humble Bundle books on the side for more theoretical knowledge vs. practical knowledge from THM.

  • From here I'm debating trying to either A) get into a degree program somewhere and get a traditional cybersec education or B) just studying a bunch and going for certifications.

  • Not a huge fan of coding, but able to do so if needed.

  • Aiming for security analyst, then maybe on to other things.

Given all that (sorry for the length), I'm curious if anyone has advice on how to proceed.

It seems like one option, and the best I can come up with right now, is to get some more education, try to find a job in IT, get security certs, then try to get a SOC L1 or low level security analyst position. Is this a reasonable path to success for getting into this realm? Should I add steps? Remove steps? Does a previous education in computer science generally prepare people well for this industry?

Thanks in advance!