My Personal Learning Path

There are some fundamentals that must be learned in order to help alleviate my own learning curve when it comes to cybersecurity.  I decided to add a subpage in order to showcase the specific resources I used to help me close my learning gaps.  Everyone's journey in to this vast field of cybersecurity is different.  Embrace YOUR journey.  As for me, I have created a structured approach for myself. 

As mentioned in the blog, networking is fundamental to the field of cybersecurity.  My focus is not so much on the certifications as it is on obtaining a working knowledge of this concept.  I just completed a CCNA course through San Antonio College.  Next, I have to continue to practice.

The vast majority of the resources I use are free to everyone.  I will annotate which are free to the community at large and which are free for veterans.

Also, I am holding myself accountable to learn something each day about cybersecurity. 

Finally, I intentionally enroll in short term training that may last a few hours in order to have a quick win while I am completing longer courses.  I need to see myself progression through my learning plan and I continue to learn cybersecurity.

My Personal Cybersecurity Journey Courses/Resources

Programming Languages

Python 3.  (Small fee for Veterans through VetsInTech)

Cisco Networking Academy/Skills For All (Free)

Cisco Networking Academy (Skills for All)

I signed up for the Network Technician Career Path.  This path includes free courses. Each build upon one another in terms of networking.

Code Red

Network Defense Essentials. (Free)

Google IT Certificate (Free for Veterans through several organizations.)

I worked on foundational skills to support career transition.

CompTIA Network+ (Free through Udemy, LinkedIn, and Professor Messer's YouTube videos)

Networking is absolutely fundamental.  

Udemy (Free through my local public library)

Jeremy's IT Lab and Neal Anderson CCNA courses.  Each course comes with lab exercises.  It is nicely laid out.  There is a lecture then a packet tracer lab and long with a follow-up explanation.  Labs consisted of configuring networks for a variety of reasons. Udemy can be a free resource through the local public library. This is a free resource through Gale.  Just Google, Gale presents Udemy.

**Accountability: Dedicate 30 days to configuring networks.  Complete a lab assignment each day. (8/1/2023)

Cybersecurity (Technology and Tool Specific)

Google Cybersecurity Certificate. (Free for Veterans through several organizations.)

Nmap/Zenmap (Project)

Wireshark (Project)

Cyber Threat Intelligence Resources

Cybrary's MITRE ATTACK Courses (Free)

Digital Forensics 

Code Red Digital Forensics Essentials (Free)


Cloud Training

Microsoft Azure (Free. Attend Microsoft Virtual Training Days)

I am scheduled to take (and pass) AZ 900 certification exam in December 2023.