1. Networking & System Basics
Learn Linux commands (file permissions, users, processes).
Practice with Windows security tools (Event Viewer, Task Manager, Group Policy).
Understand networking basics: ping, traceroute, netstat, Wireshark packet analysis.
Build a home lab with VirtualBox/VMware to simulate networks.
2. Security Tools (Hands-On)
Wireshark → Capture & analyze network traffic.
Nmap → Scan networks, discover devices and open ports.
Metasploit → Practice exploitation in controlled environments.
Burp Suite → Test web app security (SQLi, XSS).
Hydra / John the Ripper / Hashcat → Password auditing tools.
3. Hardening & Defense
Configure a firewall (pfSense, iptables, MikroTik).
Enable encryption (BitLocker, LUKS).
Set up VPN (OpenVPN, WireGuard).
Apply least privilege and secure configurations.
4. Web Application Security
Learn OWASP Top 10 attacks (SQL Injection, XSS, CSRF).
Use DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web App) for practice.
Test authentication flaws, broken access controls.
5. Digital Forensics & Monitoring
Practice log analysis (Linux auth logs, Windows Event Logs).
Use Autopsy or Volatility for forensic investigations.
Learn SIEM basics (Splunk, ELK Stack).
6. Penetration Testing
Set up a Kali Linux lab.
Try attacking Metasploitable 2, HackTheBox, or TryHackMe machines.
Document vulnerabilities and write penetration test reports.
7. Secure Coding (Optional but Powerful)
If you code, practice input validation, sanitization.
Understand secure authentication & session management.
Learn to find and fix vulnerabilities in small scripts.
8. Real-World Practice
Join CTF (Capture the Flag) competitions.
Practice on TryHackMe, HackTheBox, OverTheWire.
Set up honeypots to study attacks.
Follow incident response playbooks on simulated attacks.
✅ If you focus on these, you’ll not only understand security but also do it in practice.
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