What would you recommend for IT security?

Inkedusmc

Well just like the title says. I am in sales right now ( broker of life insurance ) I do well but Just bored out of it and just recently saw what a IT Security does and honestly I've been intrigued since.

I have 0 experience of computer work. I literally know the basics ( control+alt+ delete ) lol.

Overall I am sure that I am going to get flamed for that as well lol.

But I come to you as I can see that this forum knows what they are talking about.

Would you recommend ITT Tech, Devry or Community College?

The reason I ask is because I see that devry and Itt are hand on into the field and would probably teach you the ways. When it comes to community college I am a little lost.

What would you guys recommend?

Any and all information would be greatly appreciated

-Mark

Hammer80

Whatever you do stay far very far away from ITT Tech or Devry or any other for profit school. Trust me I went to ITT Tech and it was the worst decision of my life and I am still paying for it 13 years later. Community College is your best deal, but since you only know how to login onto the computer this is going to be problematic, your current knowledge vs. what you need to know for security work is like knowing how to use a butter knife vs. a surgical scalpel. I would recommend a CompTIA A+ class and certification, it will teach you the basics of hardware and operating systems and give you an idea if this is something you want to pursue, if after an A+ class you are bored out of your mind or not getting it then this may not be the field for you. Better yet pull up youtube and search for Professor Messer Security+ and watch a couple videos to see what security is all about. Good Luck with whatever you choose to do.

danny069

I'd do this route if you are interesting in IT Security, ->Community College (Associates in a IT Security Option) ->ComptTIA A+, Security+,->Bachelor's Degree( 2 more years after you already received your Associates) ->CASP ->CISSP and it goes on and on like branches in a tree.

powerfool

I think that the Community College track is probably a good one. I don't know if I would focus on security at the CC level, though... just general IT/IS where you get familiar with computing and maybe do some certs like Windows 8/10, A+, etc (maybe even MCSA). Try to get a paid internship/entry-level job while you are there as experience trumps all else. Then, once you have the CC level stuff done and some experience under your belt, start focusing more on security. I think you need a sound foundation in computing to be able to be a highly effective information security practitioner.

dhay13

it can be done. i changed careers about my mid 30's and knew next to nothing about computers when i started. i completed 2 A.A.S degrees (computer forensics & security, and network & PC specialist) at a local community college and finished my B.S. in information technology at a traditional 4 year school in 2010. it is a steep learning curve and will take time but you have to commit the next few years to it and likely have to start at the bottom doing regular IT work. computers themselves are the easy part. after my first few courses i could disassemble and reassemble a computer pretty easily (and it even worked...lol).

if this is something you have your heart set on then go full-speed ahead but if you only go in 50% you will have a very tough time

dhay13

just to add to my post...most community colleges have student lab monitors and will often hire students part-time to help in the IT department. at least mine did. a good way to gain some experience there

chrisone

I would suggest A+, Network+, then Security+ all in this 2016 calendar year. Next year look towards CEH, SSCP, perhaps a CCNA. Third year look towards CISSP but it will be hard to get the experience requirements needed to get officially certified.

Danielm7

I'll take a different angle here. What exactly did you see that makes you want to change your entire career path? Hopefully it wasn't a youtube video / Mr Robot / Hackers (the movie) / etc. Security is one of most difficult specializations to break into, especially without a specific background, or a background in everything IT related. Not trying to dissuade you if this is what you really want but it's not an easy path in the least.

dhay13

the Network+ and Security+ in your first year starting at 0 will be very difficult. i would shoot for the A+ this year and focus on schooling

Inkedusmc

Thanks guys I appreciate the all the good info but I will def continue to pursue it through community college

TheFORCE

Inkedusmc wrote: »

Thanks guys I appreciate the all the good info but I will def continue to pursue it through community college

You might want to look into some job postings in your area in the field of IT sales. Since you already have experience with sales in another field. IT sales are very big right now and I'm not talking about selling PC's. I'm talking about cloud brokers, vendor sales of IT solutions to big companies, contract negotiations etc. As new technologies emerge, in this case cloud based solutions, new jobs and opportunities also emerge for those that can tranafer their skills from other industries. My company just recently closed some contracts and my first point of contact initially and even now was the sales team of the vendors. All they were doing was explain some features of the products, why it would benefit us, how we can use it etc etc. Do some searches for what i mentioned above, use the skills you already have, you won't be disappointed.

anhtran35

Do you have a college degree now? Are you employed? What are you currently doing?

AVOID profit schools( Devry/ITT/Strayers/etc ).

Cyberscum

Inkedusmc wrote: »

Well just like the title says. I am in sales right now ( broker of life insurance ) I do well but Just bored out of it and just recently saw what a IT Security does and honestly I've been intrigued since.

Well what about IT security intrigued you?

Honestly IMO your fastest route to money (if that's what intrigued you and if you are eligible is the military). Look into reserves or guard units in your area, specifically 3D series of the Air Force. You go through hell and back, but you will be a wanted asset in less than 2 years.

I say that because you must have been a marine. But the "inked" part might restrict you from some braches, as you know.

The AF has a decent cyber program for priors.

E Double U

Inkedusmc wrote: »

I have 0 experience of computer work. I literally know the basics ( control+alt+ delete )

Sounds like you know more than enough to be a manager. Throw reboot in there and you'll be impeccable.

thaiguy314

I'll second everyone and agree to definitely avoid for-profit schools. you're going to end up paying 20,000 dollars for college credits that won't transfer anywhere and now you owe as much for a barely legitimate associate's degree that you could've paid to get a bachelors at a real school. Community college is a great way to go to gain some knowledge and build a foundation. Coursework is typically easier, credits are legit and will transfer if you ever want to pursue a bachelors, and will cost you a fraction of a university or for-profit school.

I did my first two years at a CC before I transferred to Texas State. Texas State was relatively cheap- $3500/semester for a full load. San Antonio College was $800 for the exact same load AND all of my credits transferred. After you get a good grasp of the knowledge, I'd go for your Security+. great entry level cert that tends to be a bare minimum for any government position.

Inkedusmc

anhtran35 wrote: »

Do you have a college degree now? Are you employed? What are you currently doing?

AVOID profit schools( Devry/ITT/Strayers/etc ).

Yes I have a Bachelors in civil engineering. Yes I am employed. sales.

Inkedusmc

Cyberscum wrote: »

Well what about IT security intrigued you?

Honestly IMO your fastest route to money (if that's what intrigued you and if you are eligible is the military). Look into reserves or guard units in your area, specifically 3D series of the Air Force. You go through hell and back, but you will be a wanted asset in less than 2 years.

I say that because you must have been a marine. But the "inked" part might restrict you from some braches, as you know.

The AF has a decent cyber program for priors.

It wasn't just the money but the whole thing about it. How it's a huge demand, more of a career that is financially safe. regardless of the economy

Danielm7

Inkedusmc wrote: »

It wasn't just the money but the whole thing about it. How it's a huge demand, more of a career that is financially safe. regardless of the economy

Could you clarify the "whole thing about it" because security is a HUGE number of different types of jobs. Not trying to be picky but no one can help you get to a goal if we don't know what the actual goal is. What did you see someone do?

aftereffector

If you have a clearance and a baseline certification (Security+ for instance) and you live near a reasonably large military installation, you will have a very good chance of getting an entry level job doing something related to IT security.

bpenn

aftereffector wrote: »

If you have a clearance and a baseline certification (Security+ for instance) and you live near a reasonably large military installation, you will have a very good chance of getting an entry level job doing something related to IT security.

Without in depth technical knowledge you will most likely be looking at Information Assurance and Compliance if you go DoD.

Inkedusmc

Inkedusmc wrote: »

It wasn't just the money but the whole thing about it. How it's a huge demand, more of a career that is financially safe. regardless of the economy

I want to go against the hackers and what not. And as well make a good living lol

Cyberscum

Inkedusmc wrote: »

I want to go against the hackers and what not. And as well make a good living lol

Well again, in what capacity? Forensics, network security, policy, OS hardening, Secure programming etc...

Try and get a good grasp on what areas of security exist.

SECURITY ZIP - Home is a good place to start. Then read some blogs, articles etc...

I say again that you can go from zero to hundred by joining the services, but to each their own.

Polymorphic28

Strayer University isn't that bad. I started with a job earning 55K my junior year of college. A year later I'm earning 64K due to promotion. The cost for this school is somewhat expensive, but not compared to other profit schools.

Inkedusmc

Cyberscum wrote: »

Well again, in what capacity? Forensics, network security, policy, OS hardening, Secure programming etc...

Try and get a good grasp on what areas of security exist.

SECURITY ZIP - Home is a good place to start. Then read some blogs, articles etc...

I say again that you can go from zero to hundred by joining the services, but to each their own.

Oh my apologies. network securities and secure programming as well

NetworkingStudent

1) Go to It Pro tv website
Sign up for the IT Fundamentals course - This course is free.
This is a precusor website

2) As others have said in this thread, sign up for the comptia a+ classes at a community college.

Inkedusmc

Thank you Network student. I appreciate the good info and have already registered for class thank you all

mkazi

I also changed my Career path from Business Administration to IT...at around 25 years of age. However, i had always been a computer geek and interested in building PC's, Networking, etc..finally decided to go the Cisco route and did my Network+, A+ and CCNA R&S...now i am thinking about taking CEH and CCNA Security, Security+, VMware or CCNP R&S to focus on Security. I had taken my Network+ and A+ course at a community college, passed both with A's and then took the certs. It is important to take A+ and Network+ (and also CCNA R&S) as a basic foundation before starting any security courses.

fuz1on

We all wanted to hack the gibson - cuz if you mess with the best, you die like the rest!

Honestly, you need to just start learning about computers - anything and everything. Community college and MOOCs are great to get your feet wet but InfoSec is an advanced specialization - it's a mid-senior level entry position.

FlyOnTheWall

aftereffector wrote: »

If you have a clearance and a baseline certification (Security+ for instance) and you live near a reasonably large military installation, you will have a very good chance of getting an entry level job doing something related to IT security.

What is the process for getting your secret clearance? I live in San Diego, there is military all over the place. I'm getting my A+ in a couple weeks, and looking to get my Network+ & Security+ within the next year. I'd love to have an entry level job related to IT security while I'm at WGU.