How can you gain Network Security experience from scratch?

Always start with the Network Fundamentals. Know the basics like OSI 7-layer model, network protocols... After that, learn the foundation of Security. Then tight them together, learn the concept of defense layers in Network Security like firewall, IPS, threat & malware prevention, WAF... and how to leverage the latest approach of platforms like ML-powered NGFW, SASE/SSE to build Network Security Architecture and even bigger with Zero Trust Architecture.

For effective start on research of network fundamentals you need : - read some light articles dealing with network topics (e.g. ISO/OSI model) -VM with Wireshark, then bind to an interface - spot how generated traffic by hping,nmap (or any network assessment tool - even with dedicated python libraries like scapy) looks like in wireshark - choose few network protocols for research - feel free to experiment, manipulate frames,packets,segments,bulk of data - eventually - do it structurally and systematically!

Some of the best junior security folks I’ve ever hired came from the help desk, desktop support or server administration. They generally already have visibility to the battlefield and have a good sense of normal versus anomalous. Throw them into the fight and train them up.

Some ways to get started: -take a networking fundamentals course -Take cybersecurity essentials course from institutions like Cisco network Academy -look for other network security fundamentals courses and take hands-on challenges on Hack the Box and TryHackMe

Additionally, master IP4 and IP6 network addressing rang, Public and private network communication, Public telecommunication system.

Ensure your labs are close to the real network architecture e.g multiple zones, network segmentation, communication ports, bastion host, routing protocols and networking devices, etc.

Once you have foundational knowledge of networking at layers 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the OSI model, get a home firewall or setup Pfsense/Opnsense in a virtual environment. Experiment with firewall rules and configuration settings, while researching what each setting does.

Ever since I remember myself, my strategy when learning something new is to apply what I learn in practice right away in order for it to set in properly. So I would combine setting up the lab with my studies. Also, do not be afraid to diviate from the path and the "intended program" to experiment just for fun. Maintain a healthy mix of curiosity and hands-on practice.

To set up the lab you can use GNS3, packet tracer, EVENG or PNET labs install the images of networking devices and use it. There are many websites offering lab setup for free which you can use for learning practically

Read knowledge articles published by product companies such as CISCO, PaloAlto, checkpoint, bluecoat, cloud service provider, etc.

For me LinkedIn has been a great place for me. I get to learn from the cybersec communities and experts on what tools to use to discover network vulnerabilities, how to secure the network.

The best way to build portfolio i believe is to do certifications. Check skill for all b y cisco, palo alto network security academy and many more online free courses with certificates.

Create a Knoweldge base for common technical issues and how to fix them. Only deep understanding of the fundamentals is helpful in this. Ensure you are not only emphasising on the offensive side but also considering the defensive side.

If you're a developer, researching how to apply your code to networking can exponentially increase understanding of these topics. For example: Write a script to filter raw network data for malicious indicators(like suricata). Then write a script to generate these malicious indicators to check the performance of your initial script. All of your network security applications can be presented within your portfolio.

Learning is the best way but more importantly is to learn tools which are used in the industry so for that you have to follow some tools from big companies by attending their webinar or their short courses.

Having hands on experience on different attack scenarios, is the leading way to learn network security. It is a growing topic which is necessary for every security engineer to keep updated by solving different labs wether you are red teamer, web pentester, and etc. There are numerous labs such as zero-point security labs, HTB, Portswigger for more skill development.

Constantly learn threats, exploits and risks in line with constantly changing technology landscape. If one does not understand the technology well, would be difficult to evaluate its threats and vulnerabilities.

Recall hacking isn't legal in most cases of the US anyway and free training might be out there but since equipment is so costly for production use most don't get you the training you would need in an actual enterprise environment. The courses w the equipment are usually in ATC's from the vendor and min $5k-$10k a week at best wo accomidations Remember you're the customer and they are working, so when they offer to go home early, just because you may be getting paid for training, if you want to learn don't be lazy and actually use the hours you pay for to learn! They'll stay and offer to buy them a good meal after nearby. ILT instructors travel and unfamiliar w every area and may give useful info or see your initiative and mentor if asked

5 keys to staying ahead in the ever-evolving fintech landscape; - Continuous learning - Networking - Industry involvement - Collaboration - Adaptability

Start working an entry-level position in network security that provides you hands-on, real-life experience. There is no substitute for this, no matter how well one can absorb knowledge from classes, certifications, and articles / books. You'll be surprised how quickly your skills grow and can be applied.

Stay current in network security by following Microsoft Security Intelligence, The Hacker News, and Krebs on Security. Develop a dual mindset of attacker and defender, employing tools like OWASP ZAP and Metasploit for exploration and Snort and Wireshark for monitoring. Cultivate effective communication and collaboration using platforms such as Slack, Discord, GitHub, Zoom, Teams, and Webex for sharing, learning, and contributing to the community.

Acquiring network security expertise is pivotal in understanding the core infrastructure vulnerabilities and threats. However, complementing this with a broader understanding of the risk ecosystem amplifies the impact. It involves delving into risk assessment methodologies, compliance frameworks, and understanding how network vulnerabilities intertwine with broader organisational risks.

You can always set up your own threat intelligence feed and modify filter it over time so that your current and know what's going on in a way that you prefer that works best for you by using threat exchanger other free sources. Certifications are not everything even though I may have over 40 or more but many are related to my business partnerships w the big players as they require special accreditation and certifications only available in the partner channel which also allow you to move from Gold to Diamond or specialized areas such as security, as one of the 1st Cisco Fire Junpers tbey decided to give us free NGFW's and go through the same teaining their CSE's/SA/SE's do at Cisco w the employees guiding and inside of Cisco for 25 ppl a yr