Jumpstarting a new cybersecurity career path can feel like a daunting initiative, however, it may be more attainable than you think. By utilizing online cyber resources and persistent learning exercises, you can start learning everything you need to know to understand career options and land your dream job.
Virtual machines and digital libraries are great places to start on your cyber learning journey. A virtual machine is a software program or operating system that exhibits the behavior of a separate computer and is capable of performing tasks such as running applications and programs like a separate computer. This enables you to create multiple independent VMs environments on one physical machine and it aids in detecting things like malware and ransomware attacks. A digital library is an online platform that offers a diverse collection of cybersecurity learning objectives, along with an online database of digital materials like videos and reports.
Here are some resources that can help you pursue a career in cybersecurity:
- Oracle VM VirtualBox – this powerful virtualization product is for enterprise as well as home personal use. This is the best VM for home users and can be run on a multitude of operating systems.
- Kali Linux – this is an open source tool used in information security training and penetration testing services. Kali Linux is one tool available for use in our Project Ares platform for offensive skill building and practice.
- Security Onion Virtual Machine – this free and open sourced Linux distribution aids in intrusion detections, enterprise security monitoring, and log management. Security Onion is also available in Project Ares.
- Flare Virtual Machine – a freely available and open sourced Windows-based program that offers a fully configured platform with a comprehensive collection of Windows security tools.
- Cybrary – this community based digital library gives you the ability to collaborate in an open source way and create an ever-growing catalog of online courses and experiential tools to learn all things cybersecurity from offensive, defensive and governance.
- Clark Cybersecurity Library – a digital library that hosts a diverse collection of cybersecurity learning objectives from Intro to Cyber to Adversarial Thinking . It is a high-quality and high-availability repository for curricular resources in the cyber education community.
From entry level positions to cybersecurity professionals, digital libraries help in understanding cyber concepts and virtual machines allow learners to apply and hone cyber skills that security professionals use on the job such as risk management, information systems security, and network security.
To complete your well-rounded cyber education, pairing these tools with hands-on practice in cyber range like Project Ares is key.
Circadence’s own Project Ares uses gamified cyber range learning environments to emulate immersive and mission-specific network threats for a variety of cybersecurity work roles and job titles. The Project Ares platform is constantly evolving with foundational and specialized scenarios we call Battle Rooms and Missions to address the latest threats in the workplace. Learn tools, tactics and procedures and apply multiple skill sets in Mission scenarios hands-on to build experience. Using Project Ares is a great stepping stone to launching into a career in cybersecurity.
From concept learning to skills application, gamification paired with persistent, hands-on training in virtual environments is an ideal approach to understanding the ins and outs of complex cyber networks and how to recognize potential vulnerabilities in today’s evolving threat landscape. Pairing Project Ares with any of the aforementioned resources is a sure-fire way to kick off your cybersecurity career and prepare for security certifications!
Photo by Andras Vas on Unsplash
