This morning I met with my assigned Undergraduate Student Advisor. I discussed my technical background and experience with SANS in the past. Previously I participated in Cyber FastTrack CTF events in hopes of getting a scholarship to their training. My advisor said that many students reported that these events really gave them the confidence to attend other CTF events and I agreed.
If you're new to the field it’s a great place to start. They also have their online training platform called CyberStart Game. Students can usually get a registration code for free or reduced price cost, otherwise it's $80-$150 USD (depends on if there is sale running or not).
Next, we set up my schedule for the next year and a half. I am going with the standard 13 week course timeline with 1 month breaks in between courses. This gives my third party funding enough time to get a check mailed off to SANS. I chose the 13 week option over the 8 week option because I wanted to give myself as much time as possible to learn the material.
After my meeting was over, I went to the registration site and signed up for my first course: ACS 3201 Security Foundations. My advisor reported that SANS has now added a certification for this course where previously there was none so I was happy to hear that. Even if it's new and relatively unknown, I'll take it. Since being a student at Western Governor's University I've developed a love for achieving certifications. As I like to say, "Catch certs not feelings".
Below is the course description taken from SANS.edu:
Content: SANS SEC 275 Foundations
Assessment: GIAC GFACT Exam
ACS 3275 Security Foundations is the best course available to learn core knowledge and develop practical skills in computers, technology, and security foundations that are needed to kickstart a career in cybersecurity. The course features a comprehensive variety of innovative, hands-on labs, and practical exercises that go far beyond what is offered in any other foundational course in cybersecurity. These labs are developed by leading subject-matter experts, drawing on the latest technology, techniques, and concepts in cybersecurity.
The course provides a level of sufficient theoretical understanding and applied practical skills that will enable you to speak the same language as industry professionals. You’ll develop fundamental skills and knowledge in key IT subject areas such as:
* Computer Components & Concepts
* Operating Systems, Containers, & Virtualization
* Networking Fundamentals
* The Web: Search Engine & Servers
* Practical Programming – Python and C
* Advanced Computer Hardware (e.g., CPU & Memory)
* Introduction to Basic Security Concepts
* Introduction to Forensics
* Introduction to Reconnaissance, Exploitation, and Privilege Escalation
* Introduction to Network & Computer Infiltration (e.g., Lateral Movement)
Now the wait begins for my payment to be processed so I can access the course on July 1.
