SSCP exam textbook is very good. But what about hands-on practical learning?

I'm reading the Darril Gibson All-In-One SSCP exam guide second edition. My knowledge of IT Security is pretty much limited to what I read so far in this textbook. I can't afford expensive courses or a second college degree. Are their any good books with CD's that I can do hands-on lab exercises on?

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jamesleecoleman

Can you afford more ram?
Maybe get some VMs going?

Bluesbreaker

My home built desktop PC has 16GB of ram, 500 GB hard drive, 550 watt power supply, and 3.7Ghz processor. I would rather spend on more hardware then a diploma mill degree. I'm willing to listen to suggestions.

jamesleecoleman

Getting that paper is going to help you out a lot. It'll also help set a baseline as to an over all education for what you study.

See if you can get 32 gigs of ram and a SSD at the size of a 240. What kind of processor do you have, dual or quad?

-Grab Ubuntu Linux for now and start playing with hashing tools, wireshark, tcpdump, and nmap.
-Set up another Linux VM and use metasploitable 3 on it and attack it with metasploit.
-Grab untangle firewall and set it up in a VM, play around with it.

After a while, start setting up a virtual network so you can expand on what you're doing.

Bluesbreaker

I have a dual core processor with Linux Mint 18 for operating system. If necessary, I'll see about building a second desktop PC.

I see myself taking at least six months to study and practice before taking this exam. My only IT experience is a couple years of mobile device support. I already read entire Network+ textbook

triplea

IMHO that wont help you through the test. Will give you experience but not what you need for the test

get the official book and study it til you understand it.

Bluesbreaker

You say...............................IMHO that won't help you through the test. Could you be more specific? Are you referring to the book, the VM and hardware he speaks of, or both?

And when you say official book, do you mean the ISC book? I wasn't going to study with just one source anyway.

I was doing a little research today. I was thinking it might be good to buy books used by the community college with hands-on labs and software. That way I could teach myself without paying for the college course. I figure colleges would know what study books are good. This is what worked for me in the past.

Let me know what you think. I'm glad to listen.

triplea

sorry yes I mean the official ISC book official study guide covering from april 2015

theres virtually no hands on for the test even though its supposed to be technical.

however the listed kit and VMs etc give great experience.

Bluesbreaker

Hey Triplea,

I notice from another thread you recently passed SSCP. Good job, man.

There are three different official ISC books. Got a full title and ISBN by any chance? I'll check it out

I'm going to start another thread on something I found online. Please contribute if you want.

Bluesbreaker

This is the official ISC study book and kit you used.........................correct Triplea?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/111931402X?ref=emc_b_5_t

mrvl13

jamesleecoleman wrote: »

Getting that paper is going to help you out a lot. It'll also help set a baseline as to an over all education for what you study.

See if you can get 32 gigs of ram and a SSD at the size of a 240. What kind of processor do you have, dual or quad?

-Grab Ubuntu Linux for now and start playing with hashing tools, wireshark, tcpdump, and nmap.
-Set up another Linux VM and use metasploitable 3 on it and attack it with metasploit.
-Grab untangle firewall and set it up in a VM, play around with it.

After a while, start setting up a virtual network so you can expand on what you're doing.

That is exactly what is needed.....excellent advice.

Bluesbreaker

jamesleecoleman wrote: »

Getting that paper is going to help you out a lot. It'll also help set a baseline as to an over all education for what you study.

See if you can get 32 gigs of ram and a SSD at the size of a 240. What kind of processor do you have, dual or quad?

-Grab Ubuntu Linux for now and start playing with hashing tools, wireshark, tcpdump, and nmap.
-Set up another Linux VM and use metasploitable 3 on it and attack it with metasploit.
-Grab untangle firewall and set it up in a VM, play around with it.

After a while, start setting up a virtual network so you can expand on what you're doing.

I can add up to 32GB of RAM and a SSD. But I only have a dual core 3.7Ghz processor. Will that work? I'd have to run a power supply calculation also. My power supply is 550 watts.

triplea

9781119059653

one I used

Bluesbreaker

Thanks Triplea,

Did this SSCP CBK kit you used, include any type of hands-on lab exercises with mock IT security environment? I really have no business taking the exam unless I spend at least several months of practical learning. I also like James' idea of VM on my desktop PC also.