Cybersecurity Skills Development

Basics of Cybersecurity: What Every Tech Professional Must Know Today In our world, cybersecurity knowledge isn't optional anymore. Let me share some actual numbers and practical insights that matter to every Tech professional: The Big Three Threats You Need to Know: 1. Phishing attacks cause 90% of all data breaches. These aren't just spam emails - they're sophisticated scams that can fool even experienced users. The fix? Strong email filters and two-factor authentication are your best defense. 2. Ransomware isn't just about paying ransom - companies lose millions in downtime alone. Regular backups and solid recovery plans are essential, not optional. 3. DDoS attacks can shut down your entire business in minutes. Cloud-based protection and load balancing aren't fancy extras - they're basic necessities. What has really worked in 2024: - End-to-end encryption for all sensitive data - Regular security training for all staff (not just IT) - Automated threat detection tools - Continuous system monitoring The Truth: Most successful attacks exploit basic security gaps. Good security isn't about complex solutions - it's about getting the fundamentals right every single day.

Every morning before starting my day, I do a quick check across our environment to make sure everything is good. Here’s the simple checklist I stick to as a Security Engineer: - SIEM Alerts: Review critical and high-severity alerts from the last 24 hours. - Firewall & IDS Logs: Look for blocked connections, port scans, or unusual traffic. - Authentication Logs: Check for failed logins, unusual sign-ins, or access from new locations. - Endpoint Security: Ensure EDR/AV agents are active, up-to-date, and no threats are pending. - Backup Status: Confirm successful overnight backups; investigate any failures. - Patch Updates: Monitor for critical CVEs or zero-days and check update status across systems. - Threat Intelligence: Scan feeds for new IOCs or active campaigns relevant to our industry. - User Reports: Review phishing or suspicious activity reports from employees. - System Health: Make sure all key security tools (SIEM, firewalls, EDR) are running properly. - Log & Escalate: Document anything suspicious and escalate if needed. This doesn’t take long, but it helps me start the day with full visibility and peace of mind. #Cybersecurity #BlueTeam #InfoSec #SecurityEngineer #SIEM #SOC #Checklist #DailyOps

When I was starting out in cybersecurity, one thing that gave me an edge was doing practical projects I could proudly talk about. That’s why I always share this with beginners: You don’t need to wait for your first job to build experience. Start with job simulations. There’s a platform called Forage where you can do free cybersecurity job simulations from real companies like Mastercard, AIG, and Datacom. These aren’t just theory you’ll get to solve real problems and add them as projects on your resume or LinkedIn. Here are 4 I recommend (100% free and beginner-friendly): 1.Datacom Cyberattack Investigation & Risk Assessment Investigate a simulated cyberattack and perform a risk assessment. Link: https://lnkd.in/dsfz9aTd 2.Mastercard Cybersecurity Awareness Team Join Mastercard’s awareness team to identify and reduce cyber risks. Link: https://lnkd.in/dD-cWPY7 3.Tata Group IAM Developer Simulation Support a consulting team and improve identity & access management. Link: https://lnkd.in/dZjndnAA 4.AIG Ransomware Attack Response Respond to a ransomware attack using security alerts and basic Python. Link: https://lnkd.in/dVDnKKYd These helped me, and I hope they help you too. You can start building real skills today no job title required. Which one will you try first? #CybersecurityCareer #BeginnerCybersecurity #JobSimulations #Forage #Cybertalkswithjojo

How to Actually Get Experience in Cybersecurity (Part 2) In my previous post, I talked about the importance of organizational context in getting cybersecurity experience. But how do you actually get that kind of experience when you’re still trying to break into the field? Here are four practical ways to gain real-world, contextual cybersecurity experience even if you don’t have a job yet: 🔹 Case Study-Based Projects Instead of just learning how to “set up a SIEM” or “analyze logs,” create scenario-based projects that mimic real-world incidents. Example: → A company suffered a data breach due to weak access controls. Your task? Investigate, document the security gaps, and suggest mitigation strategies. → This is how security teams operate in real organizations. 🔹 Home Labs – Simulate Business Use Cases Many people set up security tools in a lab environment, but the real value comes from simulating actual business use cases. Example: → Instead of just installing a firewall, simulate a phishing attack and analyze how logs can help detect and prevent future incidents. 🔹 Capture The Flag (CTFs) – Focus on Real-World Impact CTFs are great, but don’t just stop at solving challenges—understand the security implications behind them. Example: → If a CTF involves SQL Injection, ask: How did this vulnerability get introduced? What security controls should have been in place? How does this apply in a real-world application security review? 🔹 Internships & Volunteering – Gain Hands-on Experience You don’t always need a formal job to get real-world security exposure. Example: → Offer security support to local small businesses, startups, nonprofits, or open-source projects. Many small companies don’t have dedicated security teams and will appreciate the help. Cybersecurity isn’t just about knowing how to do things—it’s about understanding why they matter in a business context. Share this so others can learn. #CybersecurityCareerGrowth #Cybersecurity

The imperative to prepare for the transition to quantum-safe cryptography doesn't necessarily mean an immediate switch. Consider these two critical aspects: ☝ Complexity of Cryptographic Algorithm Transition: Transitioning cryptographic algorithms is a complex undertaking. A quick examination within your organization or with your service providers may reveal the use of obsolete algorithms like SHA-1 or TDEA. For example, the payment card industry still employs TDEA, despite its obsolescence was announced in 2019. It's essential to enhance your organization's cryptography management capabilities before embarking on the transition to quantum-safe cryptography. ✌ Scrutiny Required for New PQC Algorithms: The new Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms are relatively recent and warrant careful examination. Historically, we have deployed cryptographic algorithms on a production scale only after several years of existence, allowing comprehensive scrutiny. While PQC standardization offers some security assurances, it doesn't cover the software implementations deployed in your environment. Consider employing phased deployments and hybrid implementations to avoid compromising the existing security provided by classical cryptography. Recent news, as mentioned in this article, highlights the immaturity of implementations of new PQC algorithms. While the title might be somewhat misleading, it's crucial to recognize that occasional flaws in implementations, like those found (and solved) in various instances of Kyber, serve as reminders. As we transition to these new implementations, we must first gain control over our cryptography. Here's a suggested action plan: 🚩 Cryptography Management: Prioritize gaining control over your cryptography. 🚩 Understanding Quantum-Safe Cryptography: Familiarize yourself with the development of quantum-safe cryptography. 🚩 Transition Plan Preparation: Follow recommendations to prepare a comprehensive transition plan. Some of my favourite resources are: - Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)'s "Quantum-safe cryptography" (https://lnkd.in/dqkSAQSP) - Government of Canada CFDIR's "BEST PRACTICES AND GUIDELINES" (https://lnkd.in/d-w_Nbfj) - National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)'s "Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography" (https://lnkd.in/dYMKnqBb) 🚩 Decision-Making: Make informed decisions based on the acquired knowledge. In summary, a thoughtful and phased approach is key to ensuring a smooth transition to quantum-safe cryptography. https://lnkd.in/dxAgF2ac #cryptography #quantumcomputing #security #pqc #cybersecurity

Trying to land a job in cybersecurity? Here's the secret: Skills matter more than credentials. And the best way to build those skills? Practice. Here’s how I’d start if I were you: -Set up a home lab using tools like Snort, Suricata, or Zeek. -Simulate attacks using Exploit DB and Kali Linux. -Document your findings on LinkedIn, YouTube, Medium, or GitHub.   Want to take it up a notch? -Compare IDS systems (ex. Snort, Suricata, Zeek, Wazuh etc.) -Compare integration methods (ex. Splunk vs. ELK Stack) -Present work at a conference. -Write a paper. (Ex. https://lnkd.in/g9uZmnxH)   ✍️Certificates/Degrees are great, but you won't go far if you can't talk about the concepts! Projects show initiative. Plus, it helps with small talk during interviews. Here’s a few examples with links: 1.Monitor Your Home Network: -Set up Snort: https://www.snort.org/ -Ex. Use it to log and analyze traffic—like web browsing or SSH connections. 2.Simulate Attacks in a Safe Environment -Download Kali Linux and Metasploitable2: https://lnkd.in/gzebUBeE -Ex. Run mock attacks (port scans, brute force attempts, etc.) and test detection ability. 3. Write Your Own Rules -Create custom Snort rules to detect behaviors: https://lnkd.in/g7PUp4H2 -Ex. Blocking access to admin pages or spotting malicious uploads. 4.Visualize Your Findings -Integrate Snort with Splunk or ELK Stack to build dashboards: https://www.splunk.com/ -Ex. Visualize alerts, traffic trends, and risks. 5. Practice with Real Vulnerabilities -Use the Exploit-DB to explore known exploits: https://lnkd.in/gGs8QHfT -Simulate attacks in your lab and see how Snort responds. Start small. Experiment. Build confidence. You GOT THIS! 🤩

Tips I give my students as they graduate and start looking for their first cybersecurity role: 1. Turn your school projects into a living portfolio. Spin up a GitHub page or personal site where you walk through 2-3 of your strongest class labs or projects. Explain the task, the tools you used, how you solved the problem, and what you would do differently now that you know more.   2. Build credibility in public spaces. Keep an updated LinkedIn profile. React to posts from people already in roles you want, share short snippets of your experiences, labs, or CTF challenges, and ask thoughtful questions. A dozen genuine interactions a week snowball into relationships, and those relationships often lead straight to interviews that never hit the job boards.   3. Keep your skills sharp. Pick a hands-on platform; TryHackMe, Hack the Box, OverTheWire, Security Blue Team, Immersive Labs, TCM Security, etc -- and commit to an hour a day. Treat it like the gym and be consistent. Then document. Create a blog or write short posts on LinkedIn. The goal is to keep learning and share what you're learning.   4. Nurture soft skills. Cybersecurity is a team sport. Practice explaining vulnerabilities to non-technical friends in plain language and learn to write concise and detailed write-ups. Always question and seek clarification. You'll never regret working on your writing and speaking skills, no matter where your career might take you. What did I miss? Have some good advice for a new college graduate ready to find their next role? #CyberSecurity #Graduation #GetHired

How I built my cybersecurity skills with hands-on projects (And you can too.) A few years ago, I was eager to break into cybersecurity but struggled with a big question. "Where do I even start?" I didn’t have access to expensive tools or real-world experience, and every job posting seemed to ask for hands-on skills I didn’t have yet. So, I decided to build my own experience. I found free resources, set up labs, and started working on practical projects that would not only teach me real skills but also help me stand out on my resume. Now, I want to share six beginner-friendly cybersecurity projects that YOU can start today to boost your resume and confidence. 🔵 For Future SOC Analysts If you're interested in Security Operations, these projects will help you develop essential threat detection and investigation skills: 1️⃣ Set Up Your Own SOC Home Lab with LetsDefend – Investigate security alerts just like a real SOC analyst. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eCPqEAez 2️⃣ Master SIEM Basics with #TryHackMe Learn how to analyze logs and detect security threats. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d28sigJY 3️⃣ Wireshark for Packet Analysis – Understand network traffic and uncover security incidents. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dk5c9N4h 🐞 For Aspiring Pentesters & Ethical Hackers If breaking into systems (legally!) excites you, these projects will give you a strong foundation in penetration testing: 4️⃣ Run Your First Vulnerability Scan with Burp Suite learn how to find security flaws in web applications. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eBb6t7cX 5️⃣ Metasploit for Beginners Get hands-on experience with ethical hacking and exploitation techniques. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eyNRMAGE 6️⃣ Free Malware Labs with RangeForce learn how to analyze and defend against real malware attacks. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/evvJ35RM 🚀 Just Getting Started? If cybersecurity feels overwhelming, start with IT fundamentals! Most entry-level IT jobs require foundational skills, making it easier to transition into cybersecurity later. Here’s a free hands-on IT training course to kickstart your journey: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gtFSfMw3 P.S.What’s your favorite cybersecurity learning resource? Drop it in the comments so we can help more people break into this exciting field. P.S.S. Today is world Victoria Olamide day. Happy birthday 🎉 🎉 ♻️ Repost to help someone take their first step into cybersecurity. #Cybersecurity #CybersecurityTraining #CybersecurityProjects

🎓 Are you actually trying to learn or do you just want a certificate? 📜 It’s easy to go through the motions, watch a training video, complete a certification, or run through a checklist. But are you truly learning, or just getting it done? I used to go through tryhackme, Hack the box, and others just notching off the rooms. What I realized is that while a small portion of the material would stick, most of it was blown away with the next thought. It wasn't until i started really paying attention and taking detailed notes that i started learning everything i was ingesting. (And not copy and paste notes, actual notes that are in your words so that you know you understand the material). In cybersecurity (and any career), intentional practice beats passive training every time. Here’s how to make sure you’re training with purpose: 🔹 Set a Goal: Don’t just complete a course—define what you want to gain from it. Are you trying to understand incident response deeper? Improve your scripting skills? Be specific. 🔹 Take notes: Creating notes about material that you are covering is incredibly helpful and when you make the notes in your own words, you retain so much more then a simple copy and paste. 🔹 Teach It to Someone Else: If you can explain it clearly, you understand it. Mentoring, blogging, or even a quick LinkedIn post about what you learned helps cement your skills. 🔹 Challenge Yourself: If a task feels too easy, push deeper. Ask “Why?” and “How does this work?” rather than just memorizing. The best cybersecurity professionals are always curious. 🔹 Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or log of what you’ve learned and applied. Looking back will show you how far you’ve come and help guide your next steps. Purposeful training isn’t about just passing a test. It’s about becoming truly skilled and adaptable. In cybersecurity, that makes all the difference. #CyberSecurity #CareerGrowth #TrainingWithPurpose