Self-study Plan in Cybersecurity (Ethical Hacking & Fraud Prevention)

Self-study in cybersecurity is a great way to develop valuable skills that will help you protect data, prevent attacks, and work with modern technologies. The field is evolving rapidly, so it’s important to be organized and consistent in your learning. Let’s look at a detailed self-study plan for those who want to master cybersecurity.

1. Defining goals​

Before you start learning, decide what exactly interests you:

• Data protection (e.g. bank cards or personal information).
• Vulnerability analysis and penetration testing.
• Network and server protection.
• Incident management (response to cyber attacks).
• Working with cloud services or IoT.

Having a clear goal will help you focus on specific areas and avoid a chaotic approach.

2. Basic knowledge​

2.1. Fundamentals of Information Security​

• Learn key concepts:
  • CIA triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability.
  • Authentication and authorization methods.
  • Types of cyber threats (phishing, DDoS, SQL injections, etc.).

2.2. Network technologies​

• Understanding how networks work is essential for traffic analysis and system security:
  • TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS protocols.
  • How routers, switches and firewalls work.
  • Analyzing Network Traffic with Wireshark.

2.3. Operating systems​

• Knowledge of operating systems is the basis for working with vulnerabilities:
  • Linux: Command line, access rights, working with file system.
  • Windows: Security settings, user management.
  • MacOS: Basic Operation.

2.4. Cryptography​

• Learn the basic principles of encryption:
  • Algorithms AES, RSA, SHA.
  • Hashing and digital signatures.
  • How SSL/TLS works.

3. Directions for in-depth study​

3.1. Programming​

• Programming skills are necessary for task automation and data analysis:
  • Python: For scripting, data analysis, and automation.
  • Bash/Shell Scripting: For working with Linux systems.
  • C/C++: For understanding how low-level systems work.
  • JavaScript: To secure web applications.

3.2. Vulnerability Analysis​

• Learn to find weak points in systems:
  • Tools used: Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite.
  • Penetration Testing.
  • Log analysis and detection of suspicious activity.

3.3 Cloud technologies​

• Modern systems often use cloud services:
  • AWS, Azure, Google Cloud.
  • Cloud storage security.
  • Setting up access rights and monitoring.

3.4. Social Engineering​

• Learn the methods of deceiving users:
  • Phishing: Creating Phishing Sites and Preventing Them.
  • Training of security personnel.

3.5. Reverse engineering​

• Learn Software Analysis:
  • Tools used: IDA Pro, Ghidra.
  • Malware Analysis.

4. Practice and laboratories​

4.1. Laboratories​

• Create your own practice lab:
  • Use VirtualBox or VMware.
  • Install Kali Linux (security testing tools).
  • Create virtual networks to test attacks.

4.2. CTF competitions​

• Take part in Capture the Flag competitions:
  • PicoCTF, CTFtime.
  • Solve problems in cryptography, reverse engineering and vulnerability analysis.

4.3. Online platforms​

• Use specialized resources for training:
  • Hack The Box: A platform for practicing penetration testing skills.
  • TryHackMe: Interactive Cybersecurity Courses.
  • Cybrary: Free self-study materials.

5. Learning Resources​

5.1. Books​

• Start with the classic editions:
  • "Hacking: The Art of Exploitation" by Jon Erickson.
  • "The Web Application Hacker's Handbook" by Dafydd Stuttard.
  • "Applied Cryptography" by Bruce Schneier.

5.2. Online course​

• Platforms for learning cybersecurity:
  • Coursera, Udemy, edX.
  • Courses from companies (eg Cisco, IBM).

5.3. YouTube and Blogs​

• Subscribe to expert channels:
  • NetworkChuck, John Hammond, LiveOverflow.
  • Cybersecurity blogs (e.g. Krebs on Security).

5.4. Certifications​

• Get recognized certificates:
  • CompTIA Security+.
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).

6. Tips for successful self-education​

6.1 Regular Practice​

• Theory without practice is useless:
  • Install your servers and configure their security.
  • Conduct penetration tests.

6.2. Stay up to date with the news​

• Cybersecurity is evolving rapidly:
  • Read news about new vulnerabilities.
  • Follow forums (Reddit, Stack Overflow).

6.3. Join Communities​

• Communication with like-minded people is important:
  • Participate in online forums (e.g. Reddit r/cybersecurity).
  • Attend conferences (DEF CON, Black Hat).

6.4. Don't be afraid to make mistakes​

• Learn from your mistakes:
  • Analyze failed hacking attempts.
  • Correct the shortcomings in your work.

7. Possible career paths​

Once you have mastered cybersecurity skills, you can choose one of the following careers:

• Cybersecurity Analyst: Data protection and attack prevention.
• Ethical Hacker (Pentester): Finding vulnerabilities in systems.
• SOC Engineer: Incident handling and network monitoring.
• Cryptographer: Development of encryption algorithms.
• Security Consultant: Helping companies protect their data.

Conclusion​

Self-education in cybersecurity takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Not only will you be able to protect yourself and others from cyber threats, but you’ll also be able to build a successful career in one of the most in-demand areas of IT.

Key takeaway: Start with the basics, practice on real-world problems, and continually improve. Cybersecurity is a field where knowledge and experience are of great value.

Excellent choice! Cybersecurity is one of the most popular and highly paid IT fields. I provide a step-by-step plan for self-education from scratch to a professional level.

Self-study Plan in Cybersecurity​

Stage 1: Basic knowledge (1-3 months)​

1. Basics of Computer Networks

• OSI model, TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, VPN, proxy.
• Books: "Computer Networks" (Tanenbaum), "Network Security Essentials" (Stallings).
• Courses: “Network Basics” (Coursera, Stepik).

2. Operating systems

• Linux (Kali Linux): terminal, bash scripts, server setup.
• Windows: Active Directory, PowerShell.
• Practice: Install VirtualBox and experiment with different OS.

3. Basics of programming

• Python (automation, data analysis, pentest scripts).
• Basics of C/C++ (understanding vulnerabilities, reverse engineering).
• Resources: “Learn Python the Hard Way,” Codecademy.

Stage 2: Cybersecurity Fundamentals (3-6 months)​

1. Cryptography

• Hashing, encryption (AES, RSA), SSL/TLS.
• Book: "Cryptography and Security" (Bruce Schneier).

2. Vulnerabilities and Attacks (OWASP Top 10)

• SQL injections, XSS, CSRF, DoS, phishing.
• Practice: DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web App), PortSwigger Web Security Academy.

3. Ethical hacking

• Intelligence (OSINT, Google Dorks), scanning (Nmap, Wireshark).
• Курсы: «Ethical Hacking for Beginners» (Udemy), TryHackMe.

Stage 3: Advanced Skills (6-12 months)​

1. Penetration testing (offensive security)

• Testing methods (Black Box, White Box).
• Tools: Metasploit, Burp Suite, John the Ripper.
• Practice: Hack The Box, VulnHub.

2. Reverse Engineering & Malware Analysis

• Malware analysis (IDA Pro, Ghidra).
• Курс: «Practical Malware Analysis» (No Starch Press).

3. Network Protection (Blue Team)

• SIEM systems (Splunk, ELK), IDS/IPS (Snort, Suricata).
• Курсы: «Blue Team Level 1» (Security Blue Team).

Stage 4: Specialization (1+ year)​

Select a direction:
Penetration Testing (red team) → OSCP, CEH.
SOC Analyst / Incident Response (blue team) → CySA+, CISSP.
Forensics & Malware Analysis → GREM, FOR500.
Cloud Security → CCSK, AWS/Azure Security.

Additional Resources​

• Practice:
  • TryHackMe (for beginners).
  • Hack The Box (Advanced).
  • CTFtime (competition).
• Communities:
  • Reddit: r/cybersecurity, r/netsec.
  • Telegram chats on cybersecurity.

Council​

1. Certifications: Start with CompTIA Security+, then CEH/OSCP.
2. Blogs and news: Follow Krebs on Security, The Hacker News.
3. Internships: Look for Junior roles in SOC or pentest teams.

The main thing is constant practice! Good luck in studying cybersecurity!