Cyber security is something that we all need to get better at in 2022. A single weak password or one person opening an attachment without thinking and hackers can gain access to networks and bring down organisations of any size, from small businesses with one or two employees to large public organisations like the NHS.
For most people, improving their cyber security will mean learning to use a password manager, keeping their computer software up-to-date, and being a little more thoughtful about what websites they visit and what attachments they open. However, some people are more curious. Some people want to dive deeper into cyber security to find out how the systems work and how hackers manage to break in.
Traditionally, many people working in cyber security may have started out as hackers, people curious enough to personally break into the networks of private companies and governmental organisations purely for the interest and excitement. Today, however, with laws ever tighter and critical systems available online, those who are interested in digital security might do better to take a different path and enrol in cyber security training. And one company, TryHackMe, is trying to keep the excitement in learning to hack, without the illegality, by gamifying the learning process with challenges and rewards.
What is TryHackMe?
TryHackMe is an online learning platform for those interested in cyber security. It offers short lessons, interesting challenges, and the chance to compete against others for rewards, with courses for everyone from beginners upwards for just $10 per month.
The platform goes way beyond traditional learning management systems like Udemy, where you simply watch videos and answer questions. Instead, with TryHackMe the lessons are an immersive learning experience with intricate network simulations, and vulnerable technology examples based on real-world scenarios.
How useful is the training?
TryHackMe offers seven different learning paths for those interested to study cyber security from a complete beginners course that teaches the core skills of security such as application security and scripting to more advanced courses about penetration testing and cyber defence.
The courses offered are:
Complete beginner – Learn the core skills required to start a career in cyber security: web application security; network security; basic Linux; scripting
Web fundamentaks – A pathway to web application security: understand web fundamentals; major vulnerabilities explained; learn industry-used tools; web application assessments
Pre-security – Before hacking something, you first need to understand the basics: cyber security basics; networking basics and weaknesses; the web and common attacks; Linux operating system; learn to use the Linux operating system
CompTIA Pentest+ – Complete this pathway and receive 10% off the Pentest+ exam: hands-on exercises aligning to PenTest+ exam objectives; practical exam preparation to help you with the performance based questions
Cyber defence – Learn how to analyse and defend against real-world cyber threats/attacks: detect threats; gather threat actor intelligence; understand and emulate adversary TTPs; identify and respond to incidents
JR penetration tester – Learn the necessary skills to start a career as a penetration tester: pentesting methodologies and tactics; numeration, exploitation and reporting; realistic hands-on hacking exercises; learn security tools used in the industry
Offensive pentesting – Prepare yourself for real world penetration testing: utilise industry standard tools; learn realistic attack scenarios; train in offensive security; supporting exercises and resources
Want to learn more about cyber security?
If you want to learn more about cyber security, then the TryHackMe blog is a good place to start. And right now TryHackMe is running a free series of 25 training days to help people launch into cyber security called The Advent of Cyber that is well worth your time.