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Getting Started in Network Security?

Posted by Cliff on from the internet-self-defense-tips dept.

pixelgeek asks: "Security has not only become an important topic but also a critical issue for admins and even the average user in their home. To someone new to the topic the wealth of material can be a bit daunting and, you can imagine, a little confusing. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to start getting a handle on the concept of network/computer security and what are the most important and useful applications (CLI primarily) that a person should examine and learn?" We've touched on these issues before, but it was a while ago. Taking a network security class, could help, but which classes are really worth the money and might there be enough information on the web to make such a choice, unnecessary?

3 of 193 comments (clear)

  1. man iptables by sw155kn1f3 · · Score: 0, Redundant

    man iptables, dude

    --
    - Arwen, I'm your father, Agent Smith.
    - Well, you're just Smith, but my father is Aerosmith!
    1. Re:man iptables by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Redundant

      One word: WRONG!

      Security is not an Engineering discipline. Knowing one security tool, or even many tools does little or nothing towards cultivating the approach, process, culture and awareness-in-context that are basic to a professional in the Information Security field.

      One could do worse than browse the documents collection in the Reading Room at SANS.org,and the archive of Bruce Schneier's Crypto-gram newsletter.

      If Information Security still appeals to you, and you can specialize in an area suited to your temperment -go ahead.

  2. Da Internet by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Redundant

    I've found that there is a wealth of information on the 'net (after all, that's what it's primary purpose was intended for). When I went through my thirst for knowledge stage in my early teens, I found quite a bit, rfcs, howtos etc. It was just a matter of sifting through all of the bullshit. I then realized
    that it's not what you know, it's that little piece of paper that says that you know it. I'd say go and do a course like (in australia) a cert IV in Network Admin or something like that. I didn't finish high school so I am doomed to remain a control electrician for the rest of my life, don't make my mistake. If you can't find something you really want to do, do a course with something that is even remotely related to it and dom't be so bloody picky. Well, enough of my rant :)