How To Get Cyber Security Experience Before You Get A Job

How do you get Cyber Security experience before you get a job?
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Entry level jobs frequently want 2-5+ years of Cyber Security experience. As a result, beginners can become extremely frustrated. When I was a beginner I was in the same position you are now. How can you get experience before you get a job? For example, did you know that many vendors offer trial periods for products? On the other hand websites like eBay sell used gear. In other words, you do not always need the latest technology to build Cyber Security experience.
Do not make the mistake of assuming you will get experience when you finally land a job! Join me for easy ways to build your Cyber Security experience at home. Most importantly, this strategy will make you more attractive to potential employers!
Useful resources:
Microsoft Server: amzn.to/3ehKBpr
Linux: amzn.to/2ZxzK6y
Cisco: amzn.to/3bTRpbf
Build Your Own Cybersecurity Testing Lab: amzn.to/2YDIeZ8
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[@JonGoodCyber]

Some useful resources to learn from: Microsoft Server: amzn.to/3ehKBpr Linux: amzn.to/2ZxzK6y Cisco: amzn.to/3bTRpbf Build Your Own Cybersecurity Testing Lab: amzn.to/2YDIeZ8

[@infosec4266]

This path way in field cyber security he seems that good for me 1 : CS50 ( just a look) 2: IT fundamental (just a look) 3: A+ 4:security+ 5 : network+ and CCNA routing & switching +CCNA security 6: Operating systems[(windows & linux(with various distributions )] 7:programming (C+ python) so, how do you look this roadmap ? Give me your opinion about this one and tell me which your roadmap you prefer it ?

[@philipvaughan320]

I hope everyone is successful in their future career searches

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thank you for supporting people and wishing them good fortune!

[@NEWNATURE777]

Shalom! Got a new sub here, thanking Mr Good for clarified between CCNP vs CCNA excellent piece of information! MARANATHA 👍

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thank you for the feedback and support! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@duurduranto]

Another awesome video. Keep em coming. Can't wait for the next one

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thank you for the feedback and I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Gus_Unicus]

This is well noted. Will definitely refer to the resources which you've indicated on the video description. Very insightful video. Currently gaining experience relevant to Cyber Security while pursuing my degree in the University. Thank you.

[@JonGoodCyber]

Glad it was helpful and thank you for watching!

[@blakeelming9214]

Appreciate you!! Gold info

[@JonGoodCyber]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it and thank you for the feedback!

[@Bluedragon-co4kb]

@Jon Good Nice NAS in the background brother 👌 👏 👍 🙌 😎 🙏

[@JonGoodCyber]

Synology definitely makes a great product!

[@AnkitSharma-sc9jj]

thanks for this valuable video.

[@JonGoodCyber]

No problem! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@haythamelsangry]

thanks for this video and please go ahead with this series so we can build experience with home labs.

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@IHostPaidBinds1]

Agreed!

[@charliethompson7518]

thankyou for the videos. always nice to have opinions and a pathway that has been successful to set you up on your own path. im currently in a dilemma as to how to start off with my foundation learning. now I have spoke to a company that provide the compti courses however I have also come across an undergraduate university course which in 4 - 5 years will give me a degree in cyber security. would be grateful for some advice on the potentials of both and if im fast tracking by going for the university course.

[@JonGoodCyber]

I do touch a little bit on certifications vs degrees in my eBook ( www.jongood.com/newsletter/ ), so I would definitely grab a free copy. How old are you? Do you already have a degree? There is no question that certifications are far less expensive than a college degree and will get you in the workforce fast. With that being said, a degree will give you soft skills (social, communication, research, etc.) that will be more of a challenge to develop in the workforce. Also, if you don't have a degree then there are companies that will pass on your resume either to get an initial interview or there will be limits on your progress up the ladder in both salary and responsibility. Degrees aren't for everybody (and they by no means equate to success) but you have to be willing to live with the drawbacks of not having one in a society that would prefer a degree. You could also go work for a company that offers tuition assistance so don't discount that fact. I hope this helps!

[@IHostPaidBinds1]

Can’t wait for the next video!

[@JonGoodCyber]

I'll keep making them as long as people keep watching them!

[@tyc648]

This helps a ton!

[@JonGoodCyber]

Excellent! I am glad you enjoyed the video.

[@luyanafranco]

Thanks Jon!

[@JonGoodCyber]

No problem, you are welcome!

[@mrcotter2531]

Great video Jon 👍🏼

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thank you and I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

[@oram7284]

Great content, thank you very much. I have the option of getting a 2019 windows server. Should I get standard or data center version? I also see 50 user CAL and 50 Device CAL, any importance?

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thank you for the feedback and I'm glad you enjoyed the video! If you are trying to purchase Windows Server, CALs keep you in compliance with Microsoft licensing for either devices or users. If you are only using Windows Server for a lab environment, then I would get the evaluation version directly from Microsoft which does not require CALs. Also, if this is for a lab I would get the data center version but if this is for production you will need to evaluate the differences and pick the version that works best for you.

[@oram7284]

Got it, thank you very much! Just finished core 1 of the a+ so trying to study for core 2 and sec+. I'll be watching your content religiously

[@naruharu100]

This was very informative! Could you make a video about the different paths of cyber security? I know the basics of Kali Linux but when I talk to other members in the field, they don't seem to know anything about it, they know what it is but don't know what to do, or they know how to use it.

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thank you for the feedback and the request! I will add it to my list. I would also recommend grabbing a free copy of my eBook (sign up here www.jongood.com/newsletter/ ) because I did include some information about different paths you can take. It's not unheard of that some people aren't familiar with Kali. Typically unless somebody is learning ethical hacking or has an assessment type job, they aren't usually going to be working much in Kali. A lot of the commercial tools for defense that we use tend to be web based or have their own client.

[@naruharu100]

@@JonGoodCyber thank you very much! I'll definitely check that out!

[@mrcotter2531]

Jon - I was looking at your excellent career roadmap in the newsletter, and I’m I’ve also run across coursera’s website (and reviews with Pros/Cons) and its list of company partners and certification offerings. So do u think it would be helpful: 1. to complete one of their certificate programs given by IBM for a cybersecurity product like Qradar, and thereby increase your hiring odds for an entry level position? 2. Or Use coursera in conjunction with other cybersecurity cert tests 3. Get AWS cloud admin certification via cert test. Realizing that there are only so many hours in a day/month to accomplish certification, what would you recommend?

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thank you for the feedback and I'm glad you enjoyed it! I think as an entry level employee, you need to really focus on learning the core concepts for Cyber Security. To be completely honest, anybody can learn tool xyz but learning the basics and how things operate is much more crucial. Coursera is interesting and you can definitely find value from websites like that but when it comes down to it, industry certifications (Cisco, ISC2, CompTIA, GIAC, etc.) are going to be more valuable to an employer than some random class. Knowing cloud is definitely a good way to progress quickly since companies are looking at switching whatever they can to enable remote workforces. If it were me and those were my choices, I would go at cloud with ALL of my effort. I think even with the potential cons of doing that, you probably will be much better off. You can even compliment it with things like Security+ from CompTIA along the way.

[@techq4421]

Excellent 👍 make more videos 👌

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thank you for the feedback and support!

[@checknate8820]

Is operating your own cloud server with ownCloud on you network a good option to gain practical experience on configuring an apache server securely?

[@JonGoodCyber]

There are lots of options that will give you valuable experience. Using a major cloud provider like AWS is going to be the MOST beneficial though because it will for sure show up in enterprises whereas you might never see certain smaller vendors.

[@hamzalong1511]

Heyy man i just subscribed and liked glad to join the fam!!

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thank you for the support and glad to have you!

[@donvaitkevicius3261]

Anyone knows which certs would match the UK market. I heard that CompTIA is not recognised by employers in the UK.

[@JonGoodCyber]

One thing that I would do is pull up a few job postings and see if there are common certifications listed. I also recommend checking out my free eBook ( jongood.com/getstarted/ ) where I provide useful information regarding skills and other certifications.

[@fabriciogarcia6307]

Thanks a lot for the video. I have a one question: i want to start my cybersecurity career doing the CCNP scor 350-701, i dont have previous certification, is a good idea?

[@JonGoodCyber]

Going straight for the CCNP would be pretty challenging. One reason the CCNA level can be difficult is because the information is brand new to learner...when you go to the CCNP level, you dive much deeper into the subjects and have to know things that much better. For that path, I would highly encourage you to get the CCNA first because not only do you learn the basics, but you also get a certification on the path.

[@fabriciogarcia6307]

@@JonGoodCyber thanks im studying for ccna first, but i want to take the time to go further

[@JonGoodCyber]

Sounds like a good plan! When I was looking at the CCNP Security a few years ago, the only real training options were Cisco or through INE. The biggest piece of advice I can give is to be flexible because you never know what life or career changes will come your way and make you pivot.

[@yourfellowhumanbeing2323]

Thanks

[@JonGoodCyber]

No problem and I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@mervinmontalban3262]

Building a home lab please I have no idea where to begin

[@JonGoodCyber]

No problem as that can definitely be a confusing time to decide what you actually need. The first thing you will want to do is grab a copy of my free eBook (sign up here www.jongood.com/newsletter/ ). I have a section dedicated to building a homelab. You will also want to watch my video on the "BEST Computer for Cyber Security" ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5DJhnRthcqmhNE ) because I will actually show you some good examples of homelab computers that you should consider. I will also be building out more videos to show you some tasks and things you should know as you are progressing in your career.

[@BooksBros]

What about Kali Linux? If I use that will that give me Linux experience

[@JonGoodCyber]

It would give you some because things like file permissions are the same but it all depends on what you do with it. Typically exposure to a lot of the tools on Kali isn't the same thing as securing Linux in the enterprise or configuring different services.

[@SpookVolt]

Is this ideal for someone who has a background in security guard work who wants to transition to digital security?

[@JonGoodCyber]

Yes this series along with all the videos here ( kzbin.info/door/bbBt23LHt4WhjiWh67NJ3wplaylists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=5 ) are with beginners in mind. I would also grab a free copy of my eBook ( www.jongood.com/newsletter/ ) where there is additional information to help your journey.

[@Jennielync]

one person i follow - her name is Katherine McNamara she was a security guard, she now works for Cisco

[@tannerh151]

I want to become a SOC analyst entry level. I have a degree in International Relations. My background is in Management wanting to switch careers. I am finishing up my Network+, then onto Security Plus+, then I will begin with Linux+. I have zero desire to do helpdesk. Should this be enough to get an entry level security analyst role?

[@JonGoodCyber]

I don't think anybody really "desires" to work in helpdesk. Some organizations might be willing to take a chance in a SOC for tier 1, but understand that the majority of people at least have a few years experience before breaking into a SOC. Those three certifications are a good start but it might not be enough and you should try to apply to ANY job in IT that you can, and then keep applying to security roles to switch. If you want to take a chance after finishing the three you listed, I would look at CompTIA CySA+, Cisco CyberOps Associate, and Blue Team Level 1 ( securityblue.team/ )...they are by no means "beginner" but they are a very good indicator of a tier 1 analyst. I think if you passed at least one of those, you could have a high chance of breaking into a SOC.

[@tannerh151]

@@JonGoodCyber Now I have a path. It seems like a long road, but I once drove from California to New Jersey in 2.5 days. I can handle the path

[@JonGoodCyber]

@@tannerh151 I personally try to plan out several years ahead with what I want to accomplish. With that being said, you want to stay flexible because you have no idea what kind of twists and turns you will face.

[@Ryan-mn7gm]

@@tannerh151 also a national security student currently enrolled in a 4 year university in Virginia. I’m thinking about attempting to get certified in some skills this summer and hopefully get an analyst internship over winter or fall. How is your job search coming and do you have any advice for someone who’s still in college attempting to land a job a year from now

[@THISISAGE]

Legend

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thank you, I appreciate the feedback!

[@saudia646]

Bro, need more video

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thanks for the feedback. I will be adding additional content around this subject.

[@michaelgarcia5051]

More tutorials please.

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thank you for the request! I definitely have more planned so make sure that you subscribe if you haven't already and keep watching.

[@michaelgarcia5051]

I subscribed already!

[@saidibrahim5931]

how to get experience if u did not work before ?

[@JonGoodCyber]

Although a lot of the enterprise tools are out of reach for people to learn at home due to cost, there are definitely foundational skills that you can learn through studying and labbing. Then as you gain work experience, even if it's not in Cyber Security, you start to get more context and you can increase your skills and labbing difficulty.

[@SloneKyle]

for the youtube algorithm ;)

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thank you for the support!

[@ells3061]

IoT networking

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@infosec4266]

This path way in field cyber security he seems that good for me 1 : CS50 ( just a look) 2: IT fundamental (just a look) 3: A+ 4:security+ 5 : network+ and CCNA routing & switching +CCNA security 6: Operating systems[(windows & linux(with various distributions )] 7:programming (C+ python) so, how do you look this roadmap ? Give me your opinion about this roadmap and tell me which your roadmap you prefer it ?

[@JonGoodCyber]

A few things that I notice right off the bat and that is you should get the fundamentals down first before you start working about security, and second the CCNA: Security isn't available anymore because of how Cisco restructured the certification. I would recommend checking out my Getting Started page ( www.jongood.com/getting-started/ ) where I provide a skill and certification roadmap in my eBook.

[@AYCHMENG]

which came first the chicken or the egg

[@JonGoodCyber]

Google said _"eggs certainly came before chickens"_ ... mystery solved!

[@Zaye_James]

💯

[@JonGoodCyber]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@sorryferroggiaro2026]

comment

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thank you for the support!

[@ausmanx1161]

I got red hat Linus for free on VMware

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thanks for sharing! Red Hat is definitely a popular operating system in any enterprise.

[@MastermindRell]

This info kinda bland

[@JonGoodCyber]

Unfortunately not everything in Cyber Security will be exciting but it doesn't make it any less important.

[@MastermindRell]

@@JonGoodCyber granted. I have had several cyber and soc interviews since July 2020, when I acquired my security plus. And honestly nothing here will help land that job or help with an interview 🙃 its like common knowledge or assumption to me.

[@MastermindRell]

@@JonGoodCyber ok learn server. Learn Linux, learn windows. If you interested in cyber you better be familiar with that already. Need to go deeper on a technical aspect in my opinion. Should I learn Java, python, c+ .. scripting. Wire shark. Something deep n technical

[@JonGoodCyber]

I appreciate the feedback but unfortunately as we all progress in our careers, what seems like common knowledge might not be for everybody especially early on in a career. In my beginner section ( kzbin.infoplaylists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=1 ) there are plenty of other videos on a lot of different subjects that pertain to getting into Cyber Security. I also have an eBook ( www.jongood.com/newsletter/ ) that has additional information. This video in no way was ever intended to be the only source of information that I provide.

[@MastermindRell]

@@JonGoodCyber cool beans I TRULY APPRECIATE your content and the fact that your a content creator and responding. But this one in particular is like someone teaching basketball. Ok learn how to dribble. Shoot. Pass.

[@AliImran-lo2is]

+rep

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thank you for the support and I'm glad you enjoyed the video!