How to Ace the Cybersecurity Study Guide: A Comprehensive Overview

This study guide is designed to help you learn the essentials of cybersecurity, breaking down complex topics into manageable sections for beginners.

What to Learn (Part 1)

The Basics

- CIA Triad: Understand the core principles of cybersecurity: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.

- Cybercrimes & Cyberattacks: Familiarize yourself with various types of cybercrimes and how attacks are carried out.

- OWASP Framework: Explore the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities and strategies to prevent them.

- OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence): Learn how to gather information from publicly available sources.

- Reconnaissance, Scanning & Enumeration: Discover techniques for identifying and mapping network resources.

- Exploitation & Attacking Vectors: Study methods for taking advantage of system vulnerabilities.

- Privilege Escalation: Understand how attackers gain higher-level access to systems.

- Windows Active Directory: Get to know the basics of Active Directory and common attack methods associated with it.

- Exploit Development & Payloads: Learn how to create and deploy exploits and their payloads.

Advanced Topics

- Malware, Rootkits, Reverse Engineering: Investigate different malware types and reverse engineering techniques.

- Pivoting and Persistence (Post Exploitation): Study ways to maintain access and move within a network after an initial breach.

What to Learn (Part 2)

Linux

- Gain a foundational understanding of the Linux operating system and its command-line interface.

Computer Networking

- OSI Models: Learn about the seven layers of the OSI model.

- Network Topologies: Understand different network designs and their applications.

- Common Protocols: Familiarize yourself with protocols like TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, etc.

- Common Ports: Learn about frequently used ports and their services.

- IPv4 and IPv6: Understand the differences between these two versions of Internet Protocol.

- Basics of Subnetting: Learn how to divide networks into smaller subnetworks.

Programming Languages (Choose at least one)

- Python: Essential for scripting and automation tasks in cybersecurity.

- C/C++: Useful for understanding low-level system operations.

- JavaScript: Important for web application security.

- HTML: Basic knowledge is necessary for web security.

What to Learn (Part 3)

Tools to Master

- Nmap: A tool for network scanning.

- BurpSuite: A scanner for web vulnerabilities.

- Wireshark: A tool for analyzing network protocols.

- Metasploit: A framework for penetration testing.

Operating System (OS)

- Use Kali Linux, which is widely preferred for penetration testing.

Playgrounds for Practice

- Engage with platforms like:

  - TryHackMe: An interactive learning platform for cybersecurity skills.

  - HackTheBox: An online space to test hacking skills.

  - Cybrary: Offers both free and paid courses in cybersecurity.

  - HackerOne: A bug bounty platform where you can report vulnerabilities and earn rewards.

What to Learn (Part 4)

Free Resources on YouTube

- Watch tutorials like:

  - "Ethical Hacking in 15 Hours" by The Cyber Mentor

  - "Beginner to Advanced Bug Bounty" by PHD Security

  - "Wireshark Master Class" by Chris Greer

  - "50 Most Popular Linux & Terminal Commands" by FreeCodeCamp

  - "Cyber Security Full Course 2024" by Simplilearn

Paid Resources

- Explore comprehensive courses on:

  - Udemy courses on Wireshark, Nmap, Web Hacking, etc.

  - MIT’s Post Graduate Program in Cyber Security through Simplilearn.

What to Learn (Part 5)

Certifications

Consider pursuing these certifications:

- eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT)

- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

- CompTIA Security+

- CompTIA PenTest+

Additional Subjects

Learn about frameworks such as:

- MITRE ATT&CK: Understanding adversary tactics and techniques.

- NIST Framework – GRC: Guidelines for managing cybersecurity risks.

- ISO 27001 – GRC: An international standard for information security management.

This guide provides a structured approach to learning cybersecurity fundamentals, advanced topics, tools, resources, and certifications essential for a career in this field.