infosec

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!

Introduction to RangeForce

The RangeForce logo

The RangeForce logo

RangeForce describes itself as “the world’s most comprehensive cybersecurity training and cyber skills assessment program.” They use virtual machines and step-by-step training to guide you through practice labs on introductory topics such as VIM, regex, and Docker, as well as advanced topics like password cracking and packet capture forensics. With over 20 modules covering various topics, there is a lot of material available for learners of any experience level. Best of all, the training is provided at no cost through the Free Community Edition. Here is a quick walkthrough to get you started:


Create an Account

The account sign-up page for RangeForce Free Community Edition

The account sign-up page for RangeForce Free Community Edition

The account sign-up process is simple but might take some time. Fill out the form on the RangeForce website and click submit. You will then receive an email notifying you that it could take up to two business days to receive access to an account because each registration is processed individually. You will probably receive account access within 12-24 hours. You will then need to verify your email address and finish the setup process.


Check Out the Dashboard

The RangeForce dashboard

The RangeForce dashboard

Once you have finished creating your account, you will be greeted with the RangeForce dashboard. This hub shows your current rank on the leaderboard, how many modules you have completed, and the progress of your individually set goals.

Your position on the leaderboard automatically updates as you complete each module. At the time of this writing, you can put yourself in the top 100 members by completing only 13 out of the 21 available modules!

The modules cover a wide variety of topics, including Linux execution content, Splunk, cloud security, and Metasploit. Each category lists a difficulty level of foundational, intermediate, or advanced. Try one of the foundational modules to get an idea of how the courses work.

Individual goals can be set and measured by time spent or modules completed each month or week. As you accomplish the goals you set, this section will update automatically to track your progress and reward you when you finish.


Do the Work!

A few of the available modules

A few of the available modules

The next step is to set a goal and start working on the modules! Each module includes hints and solutions if you need them. Comment below with your current goal and ranking on RangeForce!