How to Teach Yourself Cyber Security

As our world becomes increasingly digital and security is ever more important, have you ever wondered how to teach yourself cyber security?

Cyber security involves protecting systems, networks, and programmes from digital attacks.

Cyber attacks usually aim to access, change, or destroy sensitive information, interrupt normal business processes, or extort user money.

Teach yourself cyber security: understanding the basics

Before diving into how to teach yourself cyber security, it’s crucial to understand the basics.

Cyber security encompasses several sub-disciplines, including information security, network security, application security, operational security, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.

Each area focuses on specific security aspects, but all work together to create a robust defence against cyber threats.

Information security protects information from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

On the other hand, network security is about protecting the network infrastructure from intrusions.

Application security involves securing software applications from threats from the software environment.

Operational security focuses on handling and protecting data assets.

Disaster recovery and business continuity planning include preparing for, responding to, and recovering from cyber incidents.

Teaching yourself information security

Information security is a critical aspect of cyber security.

To teach yourself information security, you must understand the three fundamental principles: confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA).

Confidentiality involves ensuring that information is accessible only to those authorised to have access.

Integrity consists of safeguarding the accuracy and completeness of data.

Availability ensures that information is available when needed.

There are several resources available online to help you teach yourself information security.

You can also read books such as “Information Security: Principles and Practice” by Mark Stamp and “Network Security: Private Communication in a Public World” by Charlie Kaufman, Radia Perlman, and Mike Speciner.

Teaching yourself network security

Network security is another crucial aspect of cyber security.

It involves protecting the usability, reliability, integrity, and safety of your network and data, including software and hardware technologies.

Effective network security manages access, targeting threats and preventing them from spreading on your network.

To teach yourself network security, you need to understand the different types of network security.

These include firewalls, email security, antivirus and antimalware software, and virtual private networks.

Books like “Network Security For Dummies” by Chey Cobb and “Hacking: The Art of Exploitation” by Jon Erickson can also be helpful.

Teach yourself cyber security: practical application

Learning about cyber security is not just about understanding the theory; it’s also about applying that knowledge in practical ways.

This involves using various tools and techniques to protect systems and networks from cyber threats.

These tools include antivirus software, firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS).

Antivirus software is a programme that detects and removes viruses from computers.

Firewalls are systems that prevent unauthorised access to or from a private network.

IDS are devices or applications that monitor networks for malicious activity or policy violations.

On the other hand, IPS are network security appliances that examine network traffic flows to detect and prevent vulnerability exploits.

Teaching yourself to use cyber security tools

There are several ways to teach yourself to use cyber security tools.

One way is to take online courses that provide hands-on training.

Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Cybrary offer courses that teach you how to use various cyber security tools.

You can also read books like “Metasploit: The Penetration Tester’s Guide” by David Kennedy, Jim O’Gorman, Devon Kearns, and Mati Aharoni.

Another way to teach yourself to use cyber security tools is to set up your lab for practice.

This involves setting up a virtual environment to practice using various tools and techniques.

Websites like VulnHub and Hack The Box provide platforms to practice your skills.

Teach yourself cyber security: staying updated

Cyber security is a rapidly evolving field.

New threats and vulnerabilities are discovered daily, and new tools and techniques are developed to combat these threats.

Therefore, staying current on the latest trends and developments in cyber security is crucial.

There are several ways to stay updated on cyber security trends.

One way is to follow cyber security blogs and websites.

Websites like Krebs on Security, Schneier on Security, and Dark Reading provide up-to-date information on the latest threats and vulnerabilities and the latest tools and techniques to combat them.

Teaching yourself to stay updated on cyber security trends

If you decide to teach yourself cyber security, an important aspect is staying updated on trends involves developing a habit of reading and learning.

You can subscribe to cyber security newsletters, follow experts on social media, and attend cyber security webinars and conferences.

Websites like Cybersecurity Ventures, The Hacker News, and Infosecurity Magazine offer newsletters that you can subscribe to.

You can also follow cyber security experts like Brian Krebs, Bruce Schneier, and Kevin Mitnick on social media.

Attending cyber security webinars and conferences can help you stay updated on the latest trends.

These events are a way to share knowledge and insights and for participants to learn from each other.

Websites like BrightTALK, Cybersecurity Summit, and Black Hat provide information on upcoming webinars and conferences.

Bootcamps: a popular alternative

A faster and ever-increasingly popular alternative to entering the cyber security industry is through accredited programmes such as those offered by the Institute of Data.

Our 3-month full-time or 6-month part-time programmes are taught by industry experts who offer real-world experience and insights.

Conclusion

Choosing to teach yourself cyber security is a challenging but rewarding endeavour.

It requires continuous learning and staying ahead of the latest trends.

However, with the right resources and a dedicated approach, you can teach yourself cyber security and become proficient in protecting systems and networks from cyber threats.

Remember, if you teach yourself cyber security, it’s not just about protecting your systems and data. It’s also about contributing to a safer and more secure digital world.

So, start teaching yourself cyber security today, and make a difference in the world of tomorrow.

Are you ready to boost your career prospects?

The Institute of Data’s Cyber Security programme offers a practical, hands-on curriculum taught by industry-experienced professionals.

We’ll get you job-ready with a supportive environment and flexible learning options designed to accommodate your busy schedule.

Want to learn more? Our local team is ready to give you a free career consultation. Contact us today!