Free Sources for Cyber Security Training

There are many certifications in cyber security and their value is often a subject for debate. The one thing that people agree on is the training and understanding of the basics in cyber security is extremely important.  If you are considering a career in cyber security, below are some links to free training that will get you started.

First start with the basics

Experience will be important but running through a number of the following trainings will be a great introduction to what the job is all about.  

1. Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) from EC-Counsil https://codered.eccouncil.org/course/ethical-hacking-essentials
2. Website Hacking Techniques  https://codered.eccouncil.org/course/website-hacking-techniques
3. Digital Forensics Essentials (DFE) https://codered.eccouncil.org/course/digital-forensics-essentials
4. Network Defense Essentials (NDE)  https://codered.eccouncil.org/course/network-defense-essentials?logged=false
5. Introduction to Dark Web, Anonymity, and Cryptocurrency https://codered.eccouncil.org/course/introduction-to-dark-web-anonymity-and-cryptocurrency
6. Certified in Cybersecurity℠ – CC  https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CC
7. 20+ Free AWS Certs Related to Cybersecurity. All are focused on training and knowledge of the Amazon Web Service offerings which isn’t a bad set of knowledge to have. https://explore.skillbuilder.aws/learn
8. Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) program Levels 1,2 & 3. These are centered around Fortinet devices as you proceed. https://training.fortinet.com/
9. Introduction to Cybersecurity  from Cisco https://www.netacad.com/courses/cybersecurity/introduction-cybersecurity
10. Cybersecurity Essentials from Cisco  https://www.netacad.com/courses/cybersecurity/cybersecurity-essentials
11. Networking Essentials from Cisco  https://www.netacad.com/courses/networking/networking-essentials
12. Android Bug Bounty Hunting: Hunt Like a Rat from EC-Counsil https://codered.eccouncil.org/course/android-bug-bounty-hunting-hunt-like-a-rat  

Time to level up your hand-on skills

The above links will get you started with a good basic understanding of the industry and what security is. The next step is getting a little hand-on experience!

The following are to “cyber ranges” which is similar a shooting range for cyber. Where you practice your skills in a safe (and legal) environment. They will give you challenges that you use your skills to solve.  These are a fair way to practice basic offensive or defensive skills. 

These are really games but if you have no background in the industry, don’t be afraid to include these skills in a resume or job application. Most people in the industry understand that you need to start somewhere and these sites really do put your skills to the test, even if they are created to have a solution (which is a bit unrealistic). It will show that you have, at least, put your learning into practice.

1. Hack the Box:  https://www.hackthebox.com/
2. Try Hack Me https://tryhackme.com/

Note: The answers to these games are online so it is possible to cheat, particularly at the lower levels. As you progress, there are fewer and fewer people that have solved the high level challenges and while they will help you, they are less likely to give away the answers.

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Paul Bergman

CEO at Tracc Development, Inc.

Paul Bergman runs a business strategy and cybersecurity consulting company in San Diego. He is also CEO of a mentoring non-profit in San Diego, Lamp of Learning. He writes on cybersecurity and board management for both corporate and nonprofit boards.

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