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

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.

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.

“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!

Study for I.T. Certifications in Five Steps

What can you do today to learn more and get that certification tomorrow? (Photo credit: XPS)

There are five main steps to studying for I.T. certifications. Some people don’t use all of these resources and are still able to pass, but it is best to give yourself a wide variety of study materials to help you learn the content as thoroughly as possible. These steps don’t necessarily need to be taken in this particular order, but some combination of all of them should help you succeed. Lets dive right into the concepts:

---

Step 1: Download the Exam Objectives

Begin by downloading the exam objectives so you know exactly which topics are covered on the test. (Photo credit: Austin Distel)

Once you choose an IT exam to take, you should start by downloading the list of exam objectives. This list shows every concept that will be on the test, so you know what to study (and what NOT to study). Save the objectives either as a PDF in a prominent location on your computer, or better yet: print them out and put them in a binder. You will want to check back into these objectives often to see if you are on track. Some people like to put checkmarks next to each topic that they understand thoroughly, and this can be a good method to visually track your progress.

---

Step 2: Watch Video Lessons

Video lessons are a great way to be exposed to new material for the first time. (Photo credit: Sergey Zolkin)

Many people are visual learners; they would much rather watch someone demonstrate a concept than read about it in a textbook. Video lessons are a great way to expose yourself to new material for the first time.

For entry level IT certifications such as A+, Network+, and Security+, one of the best resources for video lessons is Professor Messer. He offers comprehensive playlists of free YouTube videos that completely cover all of the exam topics.

For other certifications, paid options are available through multiple vendors such as Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and more. Find a highly rated video series that fits your budget and start watching!

Note: “IT bootcamps” are often very expensive, and while they can be immersive, you could gain that same knowledge through independent study (while saving a bunch of cash). But to each their own…

---

Step 3: Read a Good Textbook

A good textbook can help you dive deeper into each exam topic and really understand the details. (Photo credit: Sharon McCutcheon)

While videos can be a great way to introduce new topics, reading good books about the exam topics is one of the best ways to get a more thorough understanding of the material. Even if you consider yourself more of a hands-on or visual learner, if you can push yourself to read through an entire textbook on the subject, you will definitely pick up some new knowledge.

Depending on your exam, there are many different textbooks by many different authors. Read reviews and ask around to find the best book for your topic.

---

Step 4: Get Hands-On Practice

Hands-on practice is the best way to really connect with the material. (Photo credit: Caspar Camille Rubin)

If you are studying for an IT exam, you will eventually need hands-on experience with the hardware and software covered in the test. Companies such as Practice Labs and Boson offer labs that give you step-by-step walkthroughs, giving you hands-on practical experience from anywhere with an internet connection.

While most software can be downloaded and installed fairly easily, it is important to note that hardware can be virtualized, which can save you money. For example, if you own a PC with Windows but want to get some practice using macOS or a version of Linux, you can download hypervisor software like VirtualBox or VMware to create a simulated, virtualized version of that other operating system right on your Windows desktop.

---

Step 5: Take Practice Tests

Practice quizzes and tests are how you check your knowledge. (Photo credit: Green Chameleon)

After you’ve done the work to learn the material, it is important that you take the time to test your knowledge and ensure that you have truly learned the content. Some of the best practice tests are the ones that not only give you the correct answers at the end, but also explain why each right answer is correct, and why each wrong answer is wrong. This turns the testing process into that final piece of the learning cycle, which spins you back up to steps 2-4 for more detailed learning on the questions you get wrong.

As you take practice tests, try to avoid getting discouraged! Any questions that you get wrong are simply opportunities to make corrections and re-learn the material in a new way.

---

Get Certified!

When you are ready, go pass your test and grab that certification! (Photo credit: Lewis Keegan)

If you scoring above an 85-90% on practice tests, you are most likely ready to attempt the real exam. If you are still below 85%, go back through steps 1-5, determining your areas of weakness and focusing your study on those specific areas. Find the topics that you enjoy the LEAST and work on them in new ways until you actually start to like them!

Once you take the test and get the certification, it’s time to celebrate, relax for a bit, and then make your next plan. Is it time to start applying for jobs? Is it time to go for another certification? Take the momentum from your success and apply it to your next project, and you will be unstoppable.

Thanks for reading! Good luck!

Introduction to RangeForce

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 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

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

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!