Current Path questions

Arod95

Well recently I have decided after researching into the security field of IT that I want to become a Penetration Tester. Currently I have my A+, Net+, MSCA:2008/2012, MSCE: Server Infrastructure, and MTA security fundamentals. I am currently studying for my cwna (school requirement), and afterwards I will be going for my ccna, security+, ccna:security, and Linx+. I know programming is big part of penetration testing, and with all the different programming languages I honestly do not know where to start, or what to learn. I do not have any programming background at all. I do know though that python, ruby, and the C languages seem to be the most popular. I just wanted to know if my current path of the certifications I plan to earn are a good start. I know I am probably going to have to get more penetration testing related certs like CEH. And if this information helps budget wise of what certs, and training I could afford, I am only 17 studying in a technical high school, and I am currently employed at a paid internship that brings in about 200+ a week.

sparob

Funny, I am doing the same. I just did cehv7, it wasn't to hard. CISSP is the biggest one. Programming isn't really such a big thing people make it out to be. You just need to understand the code not be able to make facebook from scratch. Most tools are already made so being able to modify existing tools and engines is nice. But don't dwell on it so much hacking is a big field. Apply for government internships when you finish your first year of college. the NSA, CIA, FBI, and the Department of homeland security have great summer internships.
Cyber Summer Program for Undergraduates at the National Security Agency (NSA) (NSA)
https://www.cia.gov/careers/student-opportunities/students-support.html (CIA)
Cybersecurity Internship Program | Homeland Security (homeland security)
https://www.fbijobs.gov/2311.asp (FBI)

Arod95

Thanks for the response. What languages do you think I should at least learn then. I was thinking more ruby or python. and how did you study for ceh. I know they either require you to their class or pay a $100 fee. didn't know about those internships I will probably apply for that after I finish my networking degree next year. and is there any other certifications you would recommend?

paul78

@Arod95 - Welcome to the TE forums. Personally, I'm not a big fan of ever advising people that are starting their career to learn specific languages. Instead of learning "what", you are probably better off learning "how" first.

I've not taken these specific courses but these free courses may be a good start. I've watched a few videos of other courses and the quality of the materials is excellent.

https://www.coursera.org/course/programming1
https://www.coursera.org/course/algs4partI - fyi - I learned Algorithms from one of Robert Sedgewick's books over 20 years ago. I bet this is a good course.

A good list of free Coursera courses are here - https://www.coursera.org/courses?orderby=upcoming&cats=cs-theory,cs-systems,cs-programming

Arod95

Thanks @paul78 for the info I just enrolled for a python class in october, but till then I am going to practice learning how to get around linux to kind of get the hang of using syntaxes. Really appreciate the reply!