TryHackMe

Get Started in I.T. with TryHackMe Pre-Security

Click on the image to visit TryHackMe.com and create an account!

Click on the image to visit TryHackMe.com and create an account!

TryHackMe is a cybersecurity learning platform used by over 500,000 people. In July of 2021, TryHackMe released a new training module called “Pre-Security.” This learning path is great for anyone getting started in I.T., offering interactive lessons with questions to test your knowledge as you learn.

What Does “Pre-Security” Cover?

These sections are available in the “Pre-Security” learning path.

These sections are available in the “Pre-Security” learning path.

After a brief introduction, the learning path breaks into four primary areas (as seen in the screenshot above). The first category, Network Fundamentals, breaks down the following concepts in five rooms:

  • What is Networking?

  • Intro to LAN

  • OSI Model

  • Packets & Frames

  • Extending Your Network

The next section titled How The Web Works covers these concepts in the next four rooms:

  • DNS in Detail

  • HTTP in Detail

  • How Websites Work

  • Putting it All Together

The path continues on to focus on Linux Fundamentals in three rooms, covering:

  • Basic commands in the terminal

  • Using SSH and interacting with the file system

  • Common utilities used in Linux

Finally, the path wraps up with two rooms focused on Windows Fundamentals, focused on:

  • Desktop, NTFS, UAC, and the Control Panel

  • System Configuration, UAC settings, Resource Monitoring, and the Windows Registry

Who is This Training For?

Here’s an example of the platform in action. This room is called “What is Networking” and is part of the “Pre-Security” path.

Here’s an example of the platform in action. This room is called “What is Networking” and is part of the “Pre-Security” path.

“This learning path will teach you the pre-requisite technical knowledge to get started in cyber security. To attack or defend any technology, you to first learn how this technology works. The Pre-Security learning path is a beginner friendly and fun way to learn the basics. Your cyber security learning journey starts here!”

- TryHackMe, Pre-Security

As stated on the website, this path is for anyone getting started in IT networking and/or security. It’s a great way to get hands-on with basic IT concepts. Sign up and try it out today!

TryHackMe - What is Splunk?

(Photo credit: Vishnu R Nair)

(Photo credit: Vishnu R Nair)

TryHackMe is a great resource for learning basic hacking concepts and getting hands-on experience! This article will show you around the “Detect Attacks Using Splunk” room from TryHackMe. “Splunk” is a product that captures and organizes data into digestible formats to help find patterns and solve problems for companies.

Begin by creating a TryHackMe account and completing the first few click-throughs, which eventually leads to this link:

Once you’ve entered the Splunk “room,” you will need to start your virtual machine. While the machine loads, you will answer some basic questions about Splunk commands. Google is your friend!

Following your quiz is an opportunity to learn about “BOTS,” which is described as a “blue-team jeopardy-esque (CTF) activity.” Learn more about that here.

Eventually, your virtual machine will load. Open the web browser and navigate to the URL listed in the instructions. This should lead you to the first exercise, with a screen that looks like this:

Splunk2.png

Our first task is to track down P01s0n1vy, who is attacking our company, Wayne Enterprises. Follow the prompts to begin to understand which IP address attacked us, and which software was used to carry out the attack. While all of the answers are more or less given to you, it is best to always click the green button to “Run the Search in a New Tab,” which helps you see exactly how Splunk works with data to find the answers.

Splunk3.png

You will then progress through a series of questions. Don’t be discouraged if you need to google some of the answers. The most important thing to remember is that as long as you are learning something, your time is well spent. Everyone starts somewhere, and TryHackMe is a great way to expose yourself to the world of hacking! Keep going and you will keep learning.

(Photo credit: Kaur Kristjan)

(Photo credit: Kaur Kristjan)

Here is a link that provides many answers if you get stuck.

Good luck, and enjoy!