What would be the best path to start my career in cyber security?

Benjamin Flankin — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 10:13:28 -0400

I'm still in high school and I'd consider myself to be of a beginner-intermediate skill level when it comes to security. I've learned about 6 programming languages (Python, C, C++, C#, LUA, JavaScript) and I'm still decent in 4 of them. I'm at the point where I can learn any language in a week or two. I also do CTFs on HTB and VulnHub. I'm going to do security whether I join the Army or not, I just want to find the most optimal path to become skilled. I really don't care about money, I just don't want to be in debt. Like already mentioned I want to grow and become as skilled as possible.

What would be the best path to start my career? Any advice/info is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 11:25 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:25:57 -0400

https://news.usni.org/2018/06/13/navy-implements-warrant-officer-1-rank-for-cyber-specialists

Look at this first....

Navy Brings Back Warrant Officer-1 Rank for Cyber Sailors - USNI News

Navy pay can't keep up with private sector cyber jobs, so the service now offers a quick path to management as a way to keep talent.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 11:27 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:27:08 -0400

https://www.goarmy.com/army-cyber/cyber-direct-commissioning-program.html

Then this....

Cyber Direct Commissioning Program

System admin, web developer, programmer. Put your civilian experience to work and become an officer in the Army through the Cyber Direct Commissioning Program.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 11:28 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:28:21 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force_Academy_Preparatory_School

Now this....

United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School - Wikipedia

The U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School—usually referred to as "the Prep School" or "The P School"—was established in May 1961. The school's founder and first commander was Colonel Lee Charles Black. It is located on the campus of the United States Air Force Academy near the Community Center. The Prep School's mission is to prepare, motivate, and evaluate for admission to and success at the Air Force Academy. Students at the prep school...

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 11:29 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:29:12 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Military_Academy_Preparatory_School

This also....

United States Military Academy Preparatory School - Wikipedia

The United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS), sometimes referred to as West Point Prep, is a preparatory school for the United States Military Academy (USMA). Located in West Point, New York, its official mission is "to provide academic, military and physical instruction in a moral-ethical military environment to prepare and motivate candidates for success at the United States Military Academy."[1]

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 11:30 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:30:19 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Academy_Preparatory_School

Now this....

Naval Academy Preparatory School - Wikipedia

The Naval Academy Preparatory School or NAPS is the preparatory school for the United States Naval Academy. NAPS is located on Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. The mission of the Naval Academy Preparatory School is "To enhance Midshipman Candidates' moral, mental, and physical foundations to prepare them for success at the United States Naval Academy".[1]

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 11:31 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:31:58 -0400

https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/advance-your-career/warrant-officer/flight-warrant-officers.html

This needs only high school, however, I've read Army WOCS is quite rough....

Flight Warrant Officers

If you have dreamed of becoming a helicopter or fixed-wing pilot, the Army can help you turn that dream into a reality. Warrant Officers fly some of the most exciting, technologically advanced aircraft in the world.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 11:32 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:32:17 -0400

http://www.ocsfoundation.org

Look at this....

OCS Foundation

SERVICES FOR: Candidates Alumni Officer Families

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 11:33 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:33:41 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Maritime_colleges_in_the_United_States

Look at all of these..,

Category:Maritime colleges in the United States - Wikipedia

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 11:35 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:35:00 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_military_schools_and_academies

You'll want this....

List of United States military schools and academies - Wikipedia

Most military schools in the United States are high schools that place a high emphasis on military preparation, academic rigor, and physical fitness. Most military schools are private and have high tuition, with financial aid available. In addition, most military schools are reserved to males, though military schools for females do exist.[1]

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 11:36 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:36:12 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwich_University

Read about this....

Norwich University - Wikipedia

Norwich University – The Military College of Vermont is a private university located in Northfield, Vermont. It is the oldest private military college in the United States. The university was founded in 1819 at Norwich, Vermont, as the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy. It is the oldest of six senior military colleges, and is recognized by the United States Department of Defense as the "Birthplace of ROTC" (Reserve Officers'...

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 11:36 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:36:41 -0400

http://www.vmi.edu

My nest friend in USAF went here....

www.vmi.edu

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 11:37 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:37:09 -0400

http://www.citadel.edu

This one is in South Carolina....

The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina - The Citadel - Charleston, SC

The Citadel is proud to announce a pair of substantial gifts to name the Swain FamilySchool of Science and Mathematics.Learn more

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 11:38 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:38:24 -0400

http://www.USPHS.gov

Look at their Jr and Sr COSTEP, and their use of comp sci (CS) and IT for health info mgmt (HIM), I'm merely suggesting it as an alternate, just as it:s not all that well known....

www.USPHS.gov

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 11:39 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 11:39:43 -0400

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/united-states-marine-corps-platoon-leaders-course-3332801

This also is less well known than ROTC similarly....

US Marine Corps Platoon Leader Course: What You Need to Know

The Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) is an alternative for NROTC or OCS for college students who wish to become commissioned officers.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 12:18 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:18:30 -0400

http://www.acm.org

Look at this try to join as a student....

Association for Computing Machinery

ACM, the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, delivers resources that advance computing as a science and a profession. ACM provides the computing field's premier Digital Library and serves its members and the computing profession with leading-edge publications, conferences, and career resources.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 12:19 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:19:20 -0400

http://www.ieee.org

Same here esp for their computer society, they have numerous other relevant societies, as well....

IEEE - The world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology...

Did You Know? In 1971, Ray Tomlinson chose the @ symbol to distinguish messages sent from different servers and computers. Prior to this, messages could only be sent to others on the same computer. Tomlinson, an IEEE Senior Member and electrical engineer, was trying to find ways in which humans and computers could interact. Inspired by colleagues who didn’t answer their telephones, Tomlinson began tinkering around and eventually invented what...

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 12:20 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:20:16 -0400

http://www.afcea.org

This group as well is one of the major ones in the field, trust me, I was doing that stuff before you were born....

www.afcea.org

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 12:21 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:21:11 -0400

http://www.crows.org

This one also, it:s less well known then AFCEA, it:s got a weird name, Assoc of Old Crows (AOC), trust me, highly worthwhile....

www.crows.org

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 12:21 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:21:31 -0400

http://www.usni.org

Look at this....

U.S. Naval Institute

Provide an independent forum for those who dare to read, think, speak, and write to advance the professional, literary, and scientific understanding of sea power and other issues critical to global security.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 12:21 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:21:44 -0400

http://www.ausa.org

And this....

Association of the United States Army

Voice for the Army – Support for the Soldier

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 12:21 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:21:56 -0400

http://www.afa.org

This too....

Home

Description

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 12:24 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:24:20 -0400

http://www.uopeople.edu

This is tuition free, for assocs and Bach in comp sci (CS), only admin and exam costs, however, while I've read and seem good things, including Vatican endorsement, and they pro rate admin and exam fees by per capita income in a given country, they're not regionally accredited yet, they are accredited by DEAC, which is a Federally recognized body, I just don't know if industry accepts ten, let alone the services or the VA, I !erepy thought you'd find knowing about them useful....

University of the People Accredited Online American University | University of the People

Welcome to the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, accredited, online, American university. Follow your dreams. Your career starts here.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 12:25 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:25:47 -0400

http://www.excelsior.edu

His was part of NU State gvt, then privatized, their electronic technology (ET), mechanical technology (MT) and computer software, not comp sci (CS), programs are very well tyouht of by the services, heyre also regionally accredited as well....

www.excelsior.edu

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 12:26 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:26:12 -0400

http://www.charteroak.edu

This one is state in Connecticut....

www.charteroak.edu

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 12:26 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:26:39 -0400

http://www.tesu.edu

This one is state in New Jersey....

College Degrees for Adults at Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University provides opportunities for adults to earn a college degree. Explore our programs, online courses and flexible transfer credit policies today.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 12:42 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:42:25 -0400

OK, now that I've got all that out of the way, as I'd told you, I was doing all that for uyars, way before you were born, I've been over it, through it, around it, under it, lived it, breathed it, know essentially everything there is to know about it...knowing programming languages, while desirable, is not the focal point of the topic...comp sci (CS) and electrical engineering (EE) is...further, you can't focus on one service, you need to look at all of them, USCG as well, also, USCGA in New London, CT, the academy for them, and also USMMA Kings Point where my next younger brother went, I commissioned him when he went USMpNR-MMR, which is ISNR for !merchant marine...I fathom you don't want to owe a lot, I get that, however, to help you further, I need you to explain a good deal more, so far as you or your parents would want you to, a good many on here can offer you thoughts, however, your parents are your guides, anything you do in the services always involves ten, always, trust me, been there, done that (BTDT)...I'm not saying to not do it, I'm saying to take your time and research all services adequately, not just cyber, also flight programs, Navy electronic and nuclear power six year enlistment programs,, possibly trying for an academy as enlisted, or an ROTC or USMC PLC, I've known of instances while I'd been in, one airman in particular, who got into USAFA directly where I'd been assigned, so it can be done...I was At!y ROTC first, then went USAF OTS, however, I didn't tale adequate time to look or plan properly, so I wound up with a group I hadn't planned on, in an aspect of EE I hadn't wanted, I'd wanted bioengineering on the clinical side, and to go for !ed and be a flight surgeon, none of that happened because I was impulsive and rushed, which is why I'm saying t take your time, and not rush it, be sure, as sure as you can, OK? There are certain life camgng things in life, going into a service is top of that food chain in terms of impact, hat's why you need to take your time, and do it right, you're young, entyhusiastc, I get that, however, you haven't said if you've looked at other services, the various schools involved, other options, other possible ambitions and/or objectives...for example, do you want a couple of tours and to go civilian? Would you want senior enlisted? Warrant officer? Commissioned? Would you want a full 20-30 yr career? You also need to understand that, from your first day on active, you'd need to be in school, even after your technical training, you need to know about DANTES for military transcripts and its relation to the college level exam program (CLEP), also, how much advanced placement (AP) stuff he you done in high school? How much STEM coursework? Boy Scouts? Civil Air Patrol (CAP)? naval Sea Cadets? JROTC of any kind? Young Marines? How much have you been exposed thus far? How much have you actually read about the services, the cultural aspects, the day to day work environment? Hobbies? Reading interests? Sports? Martial arts of any kind? All of that is germane to understanding what to suggest to you, it isn't solely aboit learning programming languages...have you actually built computers? Have you had much hardware exposure? Have you done any vocational high school programs in electronics at all? Let !e send this then I'll suggest some more, OK?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 12:44 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:44:43 -0400

https://www.uscyberpatriot.org/

You'll find this of interest it's run by AFA and Navy Sea Cadets for high school students and younger....

AFA CyberPatriot Website

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 12:45 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:45:36 -0400

http://www.seaperch.org

This is the Navy Sea Cadet program for high school in underwater robotics, look at it as well, OK?

www.seaperch.org

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 12:46 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:46:48 -0400

Digest all that, ten try to elaborate, so far as your parents would want, so I and others can suggest more, if you'd want, OK? I hope you found all that of at least some use and/or interest, I'd be most interested to hear !ore, no rush, whenever you'd want, OK?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 12:48 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:48:50 -0400

http://www.mors.org

And you might find ops research of interest, it's little known of at your age, a very good STEM field, look also at !materials science as an undergrad major, as well, OK?

Military Operations Research Society

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 1:33 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 13:33:00 -0400

I just thought to add...what you listed was impressive for your age, I only thought to guide you as to things you might not have encountered before...have you done any switching theory? Digital gates level design? Karnaugh maps? Quine McCluskey reduction? Automata theory? Mealy Moore machines? Error correcting coding theory? Compiler design? Interpreters? Data structures,incl linked lists and object oriented programming? Linux exposure? Android app design? If you want serious Comp s I those are the serious topics along with microprocessor design, assembly language programming, and all the quantum computing theory you can absorb...comp sci is inextricably interwoven with elec Engel you cant evade that I assure you, you’ll also need to think about masters and PhD ultimately as well as professional engineering (PE) licensure, not just IT certifications, promise...have you done any IT certifications yet? Physics? Chem? Calculus? Differential equations? Linear algebra? Complex variables? Modern algebra including group theory? Point set topology? I told you I’ve done this long before you were born, that’s the serious science,look up everything I just listed here and elaborate so far as your parents would want and I’ll try to suggest more if you and they want, OZk? And take the time to research all services all options as I told you it’ll save you a good deal of potential headaches later plus you’ll be infinitely better prepared honest ok?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2018 1:34 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 13:34:23 -0400

In other words I’m trying to show you a larger world than the one you’ve envisioned thus far, honest....

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2018 1:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 13:02:56 -0400

Looking too far into the future can get a little blurry so my advice to you is to look at the next few years as you move forward. If you are considering the military, know that all branches have cyber forces, so those bases will be covered by going to your local recruiting center and having some conversations to see what each branch may offer you that may be the best fit for you. The military will have tuition assistance as well as items such as the GI Bill that will help you towards your educational goals. A job/career in development in itself will keep you out of debt. Those are thoughts in the short term.

As a cyber trainer, I will always describe cyber as an inch deep and a mile wide on topics. The things you'll do best in is those things you have a passion for. Scripting, coding, penetration testing, are all just the tip of the ice berg. You can receive training in so many different areas. Just know the training pipeline will be long before getting some real experience that will be beneficial. I'll be glad to answer any other questions and provide guidance as I can. It helps if you ask some more targetted questions towards what your passions and what you envision yourself doing and enjoying.

Response by Amn Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2023 2:18 AM

Amn Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 02:18:34 -0400

To embark on a career in cybersecurity, it is advisable to pursue a path that combines education, practical experience, and industry certifications. Starting with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity can provide a solid foundation. Additionally, gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level positions in cybersecurity can be beneficial. Acquiring industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can further enhance your credentials. Networking with professionals in the field, participating in cybersecurity competitions, and staying updated on the latest trends and technologies are also key steps towards a successful career in cybersecurity.