Best Places to Start Your Cybersecurity Journey
Embarking on a cybersecurity journey can be both exciting and daunting. With the digital world expanding, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been higher. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, there are several platforms that can help you build a strong foundation. Here are some of the best places to kickstart your cybersecurity journey:
TryHackMe
Build Foundation:
TryHackMe is an excellent starting point for anyone new to cybersecurity. The platform is designed to help you build a solid foundation in various cybersecurity concepts.
Learning While Doing:
One of the best features of TryHackMe is its hands-on approach. You’ll learn by doing, which is crucial in the field of cybersecurity.
Many Free Rooms:
There are numerous free rooms available, allowing you to get started without any financial commitment. If you want to delve into more advanced topics, there are paid options that are reasonably priced.
HackTheBox Academy
Like TryHackMe but More Detailed:
HackTheBox Academy offers a similar experience to TryHackMe but goes into more detail. It’s perfect for those who prefer a more structured learning path.
More Reading:
While it still provides hands-on labs and exercises, HackTheBox Academy includes a lot more reading material, making it ideal for those who like to understand the theory behind the practice.
HackTheBox
After Finishing Either or Both, Start Practicing:
Once you have a good grasp of the basics from TryHackMe or HackTheBox Academy, it’s time to put your skills to the test on HackTheBox.
Lab, Hands-On:
HackTheBox offers a wide range of labs that are hands-on and practical. This is where you’ll start to see how the concepts you’ve learned are applied in real-world scenarios.
No Hints, Just Hack:
Unlike some other platforms, HackTheBox doesn’t provide hints. This means you’ll need to rely on your problem-solving skills and creativity to succeed. It’s a great way to simulate real-life hacking challenges.
PicoCTF, OverTheWire, and CTFtime
Worth Mentioning:
These platforms are also valuable resources for anyone looking to improve their cybersecurity skills.
Completely Free:
All of these resources are completely free, making them accessible to everyone.
Not Fully Cybersecurity, but Challenge Your Thinking:
While they aren’t solely focused on cybersecurity, they offer a variety of challenges that will test your problem-solving abilities and push you to think outside the box.
Think Outside of the Box:
These platforms are known for their creative and unique challenges, which are excellent for developing a hacker’s mindset.
Conclusion
Starting a journey in cybersecurity requires dedication, curiosity, and the right resources. TryHackMe and HackTheBox Academy are fantastic for building a strong foundation and understanding the theoretical aspects. HackTheBox offers a more practical, hands-on approach with real-world scenarios. Additionally, PicoCTF, OverTheWire, and CTFtime provide excellent opportunities to challenge your thinking and problem-solving skills. By leveraging these platforms, you’ll be well on your way to becoming proficient in cybersecurity.