Hi everyone! I'm 16 and really interested in getting into cybersecurity and ethical hacking. Right now, I don't have much experience except for using a computer and watching a few YouTube videos about the field. I'd love to know what skills I should work on and what educational paths I should consider in high school and college to prepare for a career in this area.
5 Answers
Start with a Microsoft Windows certification because most companies use Windows systems for cybersecurity tasks. After that, get your CompTIA Security+ certification. Both are great starting points and really help you understand the basics of the field.
Just keep in mind that certifications can be pricey, so be sure you're ready before diving into them.
Look into platforms like TryHackMe or Hack The Box. They provide hands-on experiences that can help you learn in a fun and practical way.
I recommend taking a general computer science course to understand how computers and coding work. Understanding networks is a big part of cybersecurity too, so looking at syllabi from cybersecurity programs at major universities could provide clarity on what you should focus on.
Cybersecurity isn't just about the hacking you see in movies. It's a lot of working with logs and helping people with technology issues. You'll find yourself analyzing data more than anything else as you dive deeper into the field.
That makes sense! I had a feeling it would be more hands-on than just hacking.
Exactly! Movies often exaggerate things. Real cybersecurity work is way more nuanced.
Participating in newbie Capture The Flag (CTF) events can also be really beneficial. They're great for practical experience!
Thanks! I’ll check out the Microsoft cert; I didn’t know about that!