It all started with a heart-wrenching conversation I had with a close friend while on a drive home. He shared with me the devastating news of how his mobile money account had been hacked, and the thief had made away with a significant amount of money – money that he had worked hard for. As I listened to his story, I couldn’t help but think about how easy it was for someone to take advantage of my friend and steal his hard-earned money. It made me wonder, how can I protect myself and my loved ones from falling victim to cybercrime?
That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and dive deeper into the world of cybersecurity. I began researching ways to enhance the security of my own online accounts and stumbled upon Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), a powerful security measure that requires users to provide two or more forms of identification before accessing a system or service.
I knew that implementing MFA on my own accounts and encouraging my loved ones to do the same could be a powerful defense against cybercriminals. I felt a sense of responsibility to share this information with my friends and family, so they wouldn’t have to suffer the same fate as my friend.I never imagined that a simple conversation with a friend would lead me down this path of learning more about how to protect my own personal information in today’s digital age,taking action to protect myself and those around me. But it did, and I’m grateful for it. It serves as a reminder that we must all take an active role in securing our online presence. So I began to ask questions and do my own research on the subject of cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and sensitive information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. With the increasing reliance on technology in our daily lives and the growing sophistication of cyber threats, it has become more important than ever.
As I dove deeper into the world of cybersecurity, I was immediately hooked. I became fascinated with the idea of protecting networks, devices, and sensitive information from cyberattacks. I knew I had to start my journey in cybersecurity by networking with other individuals who shared my interest. I joined professional apps like LinkedIn and followed experts on Twitter like @BowTiedCyber, @CyberSecurityN8, and @NandanLohitaksh who are all cybersecurity enthusiasts and professionals. These platforms have been vital in getting my foot in the door and learning from the best in the industry.
I also came to realize that the first step in getting into cybersecurity is understanding the basics of computer networking. Familiarizing myself with how computers and computer nodes communicate to each other is crucial in understanding how to secure them and provided a strong foundation for understanding cyber threats and how to defend against them. One resource that I found particularly helpful was TryHackMe, a platform that offers hands-on cyber security training and challenges for beginners. Similar platforms include HackTheBox, Cybersecurity Ventures and OWASP.
Exciting career opportunities in the cybersecurity field include penetration testers, security analysts, and incident responders. These professionals work to identify and mitigate cyber threats facing corporate companies, personal social media accounts, and other fields that require cybersecurity. Examples of cyber threats that are commonly faced include phishing attacks, ransomware, and Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs).
To further validate my entry-level skills in the field, I also researched and took beginner certification exams in cybersecurity. One exam I took and passed was the Certified in Cybersecurity offered by (ISC)2. However, as a beginner, I faced some challenges when studying for and taking this certification. One of the main obstacles was the vast amount of information that needed to be mastered in a short period of time. Additionally, I found that some of the material covered in the exam was difficult to understand without prior knowledge or experience in the field. I also struggled a bit with the format of the exam, which was timed and consisted of multiple-choice questions, making it challenging to demonstrate my understanding of the material. Another challenge I faced as a beginner in cybersecurity was keeping up with the constantly evolving nature of the field. Cyber threats and technologies are continually changing, and it can be difficult to stay up to date on the latest developments and best practices. This,I believe will make it challenging to stay current with the material covered in the certification exam and to maintain knowledge after successfully passing the exam.
To combat these challenges, I found that it was essential to stay organized and make a study plan. I broke down the material into manageable chunks and set realistic timelines for completing each section. I also found it helpful to use a variety of resources such as textbooks, online tutorials, and practice exams to supplement my learning. Despite these challenges, I persisted and was able to pass the exam.I realized that it requires a significant effort and dedication to prepare for these certification exams.
Overall, while preparing for and taking these certification exams was challenging, it was also an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only did it validate my skills and knowledge in the field, but it also motivated me to continue learning and growing in the field of cybersecurity. I hope my experience will help other beginners who are thinking of taking these certification exams and facing similar challenges.Other beginner certification exams in cybersecurity include CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
As I continue on this journey, I am beyond excited to share my experiences and knowledge with others and to one day, pursue a career in the thrilling and ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. I am particularly passionate about ethical hacking, as it allows me to use my skills for good, identifying vulnerabilities and improving the security of systems for the betterment of society. I want to share this excitement with my readers and show them just how important cybersecurity is in our daily lives. Join me as I share my journey, from beginner to expert, and stay updated on all my latest findings and insights in the field. Trust me, it’s going to be a wild ride! So, buckle up and stay tuned!