the hacker’s roadmap (how to get started in IT in 2023)

Getting started in IT in 2023

• To get started in cybersecurity or IT in general in 2023, you need to follow a well-established path that consists of eight parts. The first five parts apply to everyone, regardless of what specific field they want to get into.

• It's essential to create a solid foundation of IT skills, as building on a strong base will be vital for your future success.

"You wanna layer a really solid foundation, a strong base of IT skills that you can build on."

• If you have zero knowledge of IT, you will need to start with certifications like CompTIA A+. Although it's a hotly debated topic, it's a great starting point.

"The A+ is like a sample platter for IT."

• The A+ certification starts you from the basics, assuming that you have no prior knowledge. It's the best way to fill in the gaps in your knowledge and help you level up your IT skills.

• The A+ certification has two exams; the first covers virtualization, cloud, and network troubleshooting, while the second covers OS security and software troubleshooting.

"Like right now, you may wanna become a hacker because it looks really cool, let's not lie, it looks awesome, right?"

• The A+ certification prepares you to land your first job, which is usually technical support, and will help you troubleshoot a computer and understand the methodology behind it.

• Other entry-level certifications like Google IT Support may also help you, but A+ is more marketable and has more value for hiring managers.

IT Certifications and Courses

• Marketability is important in the IT industry.

• Compt A plus certification provides foundational knowledge on computer hardware and peripherals.

• Certification has two parts that cost $249 each; hence it is not cheap.

• At least find a great course for the Compt A plus like IT pro TV.

• IT pro tv has a fantastic course of every IT-related subject.

• IT pro TV certification includes a practice test to test your knowledge.

• Security plus certification from CompTIA is one of the valuable certifications to have in IT.

• It provides foundational security knowledge that you need to get an ideal job in the IT industry, and it's also required by a ton of jobs, specifically government jobs.

• Passing security plus certification will improve your resume's chances of getting picked for your dream job.

• Security certification is priced at $392 and required by a ton of jobs.

• IT pro tv is once again recommended but for the security plus certification.

• Comp TIA Network Plus or Cisco ccna are the two available networking certifications to choose from.

• Comp TIA is vendor-neutral and focuses on the concept of networking.

• Cisco CCNA is the gold standard and focuses on using CISCO's products solely.

• Focus more on CISCO with the certification, which will help make your resume attractive to any employer.

"Compt A plus certification provides helpful foundational knowledge on computer hardware and peripherals." (208)

"Security plus certification from CompTIA is one of the valuable certifications to have in IT." (291)

Why the CCNA Certification is Valuable

• Learning the Cisco certification (CCNA) is a good decision especially if you want to work in the IT industry

• Acquiring the CCNA certification can give you better chances of getting hired, as it is considered as gold standard and carries more weight than the Network plus certification

• CCNA is a valuable certification to put on your resume and shows employers that you possess practical knowledge in configuring and managing networks

• IT Pro TV offers great courses for both Network plus and CCNA certifications, and there are also free options available online

• Cisco's CCA exam is more difficult than the Network plus certification, but it is also cheaper at $300, compared to $359 for the Network plus certification.

"I will say I think the CCNA will be a more difficult exam... They have fantastic courses on both of these."

Learning Linux for IT

• Linux is an essential skill in the IT industry, and everyone needs to learn it

• You can go the certification route and take the Linux Plus certification exam, but it is not necessary as the certification is more about the knowledge than being a huge boost to your resume

• A good course on Linux is enough, and there are many free resources available online, including NetworkChuck's "Linux for Hackers" course on YouTube

• The goal of learning Linux is not to be an expert, but to gain enough knowledge to be dangerous and move on to other IT skills

"Literally everything in IT requires that networking, coding, obviously cloud and yes hacking. If you don't know a bit of Lennox, you're gonna have a bad time."

Starting to Code

• Learning to code is an important skill for anyone in the IT industry

• Python and Go are good languages to start with as they are easy to learn and highly in demand

• You can start learning to code right away as it is a skill that will be used throughout your entire IT journey

Learning Python

• It is recommended that beginners should start learning Python early on in their journey.

• Python is a good language to start with as it has a lot of free resources available.

• There is a Python course available on YouTube, which can be used to learn the basics.

• One can start with Python without any prerequisite knowledge.

"My recommendation is just at some point early in your journey, you could be right now just start to become familiar with some sort of coding language."

Making Python a part of your study routine

• One should make learning Python or go Lang knowledge a part of their study routine.

• Spending a little time with Python one to two days a week is recommended.

• There are many resources available to learn Python, such as IT Pro TV and Code Academy.

"But I would just make it part of your study routine to add a little bit of Python or go Lang knowledge as you go."

Starting with hacking

• Just like with coding, one should start playing around with hacking early on in their journey.

• Practically, this might look like taking one to two days out of the week to try a few CTFs (capture the flag).

• CTFs are a chance to practice hacking on real targets.

• They are amazing for two reasons - they show what hacking is actually like and they show how valuable the skills you are learning are.

• There are many free CTFs available, such as Pico CTF, Try Hack Me, and Hack the Box.

"Starting to hack, just to play around with hacking and the idea of it and doing beginner level things should start pretty early in your journey."

Hacking certifications

• If you find out that you love hacking and want to continue into cybersecurity, you can consider getting a hacking certification.

• Two certifications are recommended to start with - CompTIA Security+ and EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

CompTIA Pen Test Plus and eJPT

• CompTIA Pen Test Plus and eJPT are two certifications that test foundational skills for becoming a junior penetration tester.

• CompTIA Pen Test Plus and eJPT have their differences, but their goal is the same.

• IT Pro TV has an entire course on Pen Test Plus, and e-learning security has an entire lab pack for eJPT.

• The official training curriculum for eJPT is only available through INE.

• CompTIA Pen Test Plus costs about $392 for the exam voucher, while eJPT costs $249.

"They want you to become a junior penetration tester, meaning you're like just you're brand new now."

"Now either of these will be fantastic if you're trying to get that first job in hacking."

Getting started in IT

• Certifications are not always necessary to start a career in IT.

• Having basic knowledge and experience can be enough to land a job, especially in help desk roles.

• Real-world experience is more valuable than certifications.

"All these certifications pale in comparison to real world experience."

Skills needed for success in IT

• Foundational skills, security skills, networking skills, coding skills, and Linux skills are all necessary for success in IT.

• It's important to build these skills slowly over time instead of trying to do it all at once.

"The goal is to find a job that when you're actually working there, you can pick up some of these skills in real life."

Advice for getting started

• Start with foundational certifications like A+ and pick up some Python.

• Try out hacking challenges like TryHackMe, PicoCTF, and HackTheBox to gain experience.

• Don't feel like you have to learn everything at once.

"Just start right now."

IT certifications

• The speaker mentions that he is going to pursue several IT certifications.

• Specifically, he mentions Security plus, Network plus, CCC, and A.

• He seems confident in his abilities and tells the audience to "let's see what you got."

• The segment ends with a playful "see you in the bonus."

"I am gonna do Security plus Network, plus and CCC and A, let's see what you got. See you in the bonus."