What associates degree in IT should I concentrate on before getting a cyber security degree (I have 0 computer experience)?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 22:44:51 -0500

Cyber security. Cyber defense. Degrees

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Nov 7 at 2017 11:10 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 23:10:10 -0500

Just a suggestion...do not waste your money on a trade school. Employers and Universities don't recognize degrees from trade schools. Go to a University and seek a Computer Science degree for your undergrad studies.

Response by SGT Steve Burke made Nov 7 at 2017 11:23 PM

SGT Steve Burke — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 23:23:55 -0500

There are degrees for Cyber Security. Research schools that offer them. Stay away from the private colleges though. Picking up entry level certifications as you got help out too. A+, Network +, CCNA Routing and Switching and Security + are good ones. You can skip Network + if you get the CCNA.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2017 9:00 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 09:00:05 -0500

As mentioned by others, there are several avenues to gain IT experience if part of your long term plans are to get a cyber security degree. Utilizing your tuition assistance you can do several online classes from places like UMUC or various other 2 and 4 year colleges that can provide foundational computer experience. There is Skillport that has ACE accredited courses, as well as various training modules in the disciplines that are used such as CompTIA courses and GIAC training. There's also a ton of good Youtube videos.

You can access books through Safari Online Books (http://techbus.safaribooksonline.com/?uicode=dodarmy).

You can access several free training modules from the Defense Cyber Crime Center (http://www.dcita.edu/).

You can learn Splunk (https://workplus.splunk.com/veterans).

You can learn basics of coding (https://www.codecademy.com/)

You can learn Python (https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-189-a-gentle-introduction-to-programming-using-python-january-iap-2011/)

Many resources to get you going on the path to being a successful cyber security professional.

Safari Books Online - Premium - Home

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Nov 8 at 2017 11:14 AM

Capt Dwayne Conyers — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 11:14:04 -0500

CISSP is a good certification.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2017 11:38 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 11:38:14 -0500

First, determine if this is really what you want to do. Then decide the path.
Networking, Helpdesk, Services, Cabling/Fiber, Security - Management of some or all of those business areas.

Each one of these has professional certifications which can lead to jobs. Having a degree is what provides you with management of these jobs.

If you have a steady job already, delve into the certification for what you want to do (Cisco, Microsoft, ITIL, Security+, etc) and make sure that this is the field you want to enter. Then make out your degree plan. As far as Associates, anything that lends to your final undergrad degree will suffice.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Nov 8 at 2017 11:39 AM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 11:39:59 -0500

My advice... get a CompSci degree & use THAT to help you along the way to Cyber-Security jobs.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2017 5:15 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 17:15:32 -0500

A lot of great answers already here. I would not focus so much on an associates degree as the certifications folks have mentioned. Sec+, Net+, CCENT / CCNA are great starts for baseline knowledge. If you have never used Linux before then consider Linux Essentials as well. Many employers want CISSP though it is not all that technical and more managerial. If possible, look for seminars or conventions you can attend such as Shmoocon or DEFCON and talk with people there...the discussions that occur at such events are great guiding points and may help you focus your education more. I would avoid SANS due to expense until you really have a great idea about where you want to focus. Best of luck!