TL;DR
Whether we want to learn more about digital forensics or get the latest take on how AI is affecting cybersecurity, we rely on industry experts all the time. And for good reason — we have more than our fair share of experienced, qualified professionals who can give us valuable advice or offer nuanced takes on all things cybersecurity and IT-related. In fact, by our latest count, we have well over 1,000 experts regularly contributing to our stock of courses, challenges, and labs.
But experts aren’t the only ones who have meaningful perspectives to share. Every day, millions of people use Cybrary to enhance their skills and help jumpstart their careers, so why not get their take on starting out in cybersecurity?
To do this, I connected with Forrest Caffray in Newbury, England. After a decade or so spent as a content creator and streamer, Forrest began using Cybrary just last May to make the switch to cybersecurity. “I wanted to do something that’s really engaging, really technical,” said Caffray. “And I’ve always had this fascination with networks and stuff. So I found Cybrary and made an account.”
Thus far, Caffray has completed a range of courses, beginning with cybersecurity fundamentals and moving onto more specialized training for SOC analysts, penetration testing, and more. I sat down with him to ask him what he’s learned so far and find out what advice he’d give to others just starting out like himself.
Don’t try to skip the line
Like many people who decide to get into cybersecurity, Caffray was influenced by a friend who already had an established career as a SOC analyst. After speaking with him about some of his job frustrations, his friend suggested trying to earn some certifications in cybersecurity. “He knew I was quite technically minded,” Caffray said. “So he said maybe I should have a look at this.”
However, although Caffray did indeed have some prior understanding of “networks and routers and firewalls” (including a few youthful experiences cracking into Wi-Fi networks), he knew he wasn’t ready to follow directly behind his friend’s footsteps. Instead, he said that one of the best things he did was begin with a few foundational courses. “If I had started with something like SOC analysis, that just would have been way too much,” he said. So he decided to embark on the IT & Cybersecurity Foundations Career Path.
The experience turned out to be eye opening. After going through the path, he realized that it was almost like “cybersecurity isn’t really a thing. It’s just machines running operating systems, communicating to each other over a network.” This realization helped him take his understanding of cybersecurity from the abstract to a much more concrete and useful level. As he described it, “the foundational courses combed through everything really nicely,” preparing him for the more advanced courses he’s currently working his way through.
Don’t be afraid to lean on a little artificial help
Some people think AI will be a gamechanger in cybersecurity, while others don’t think it will have much of an effect on the industry. As someone who is still amongst the first generation of students to begin their career alongside the wide availability of AI tools, I was curious to hear Caffray’s take on it. As it turns out, he’s a full-throated advocate.
“I use ChatGPT everyday,” he said. “I use it for searching, I use it to ask questions, I use it to understand things.” In particular, he emphasized how much more efficient LLMs like ChatGPT are when it comes to learning new concepts versus trying to sift through material using Google or other search engines. While he acknowledged that knowing how to search is still a useful skill, AI can instantly explain and break down concepts for you in endlessly different ways until you understand it. “It just delivers,” he said.
Caffray recognized that AI by itself isn’t enough to become a cybersecurity experts — he also relies on Cybrary’s structured learning path, its larger community of students and mentors, and even manuals and other literature — but it has become a key tool that helps him maximize his learning time and realize his potential, a point that even our own Cybrary mentors have made. “I just think it's so important,” said Caffray, “because if you are new to cybersecurity and you want to get into it, AI can just be so helpful.”
Remember to be patient — and have fun
Caffray’s final point should be relatable to anyone who’s ever embarked on completing a daunting task: Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is take a step back.
“There's been so many times when I'm looking at something and I’m just struggling with it,” he said. “I can't seem to do it. The manual's not giving me anything. The AI is not giving me anything. I pop into Discord and send some messages and I’m still not getting.” He continued: “Some of these problems I was stuck on for days. I just couldn’t get it.”
His solution? Take a break, focus on something else, and be patient. “There’s something important about the rest periods,” he said. “There were times I was lying in bed or just watching TV and suddenly an idea would just pop into my head. And then I’m like, okay, I’m going to try that tomorrow.”
It’s an idea that is backed by research, as well as one that plenty of famous luminaries have advocated for themselves — but it bears repeating. Especially when it comes to a field such as cybersecurity, which can not only be challenging to understand but is also constantly evolving with the changes in the industry, it is vital to take your time and take breaks in order to make sure you grasp the underlying concepts.
And one more thing: “Remember to just try and have as much fun with it as you can,” adds Caffray. “Because if you're just having a terrible time, then maybe it's not for you.”
Everyone starts out as a beginner
Talking with Caffray as he begins his cybersecurity journey is a useful reminder that, although we may spend a lot of time talking about cutting-edge technologies and the latest trends, much of the learning experience at Cybrary depends on old fashioned notions, such as the motivation, determination, and creativity of those involved. So whether you’re starting from square one or are trying to level up an existing career, it can be useful to keep Caffray’s words in mind: forge a sensible path, find help wherever you can, take a break before you get frustrated, and have some fun. Not bad advice for a beginner.
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