SANS

Ready to dive into the world of network security, systems administration, and basic cybersecurity concepts? This course is your ticket to mastering the essential skills taught in SANS Cyber Aces, whether you’re just starting your cybersecurity journey or looking to enhance your foundational knowledge. We’ll begin with the basics—what cybersecurity is, why it’s so critical in today’s digital world, and how to set up your first secure environment. From there, we’ll explore key topics like networking, operating systems, and system administration. By the end of this course, you’ll have a solid understanding of core security principles and be well-prepared for more advanced cybersecurity challenges.

What You’ll Learn:

Session 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity and Networking
We’ll cover the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity and dive into networking basics. You’ll learn how data moves through the internet and what network components are critical to secure.

Session 2: Network Protocols and Security
Explore the building blocks of the internet—network protocols. You’ll learn how common protocols work and how they can be both vital and vulnerable.

Session 3: Operating Systems Fundamentals
Time to get hands-on with operating systems. You’ll explore key concepts in Windows and Linux administration, understanding the role operating systems play in maintaining security.

Session 4: Command Line and System Administration
Get comfortable with the command line! You’ll learn basic system administration tasks, like file management and process control, across multiple operating systems.

Session 5: Introduction to Cyber Attacks and Defenses
Cybersecurity is about defending systems from attack. In this session, we’ll explore common attack vectors and techniques used by attackers, and how you can defend against them.

Session 6: Securing Network Infrastructure
Learn how to secure the critical infrastructure behind networks. You’ll explore how firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other tools protect networks from intrusions.

Session 7: Applying Cybersecurity Principles
Put everything into practice. We’ll guide you through setting up basic security measures in a real-world scenario, using everything you’ve learned throughout the course.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

• Understand and navigate core networking concepts and protocols.
• Utilize the command line for system administration tasks across various operating systems.
• Identify common cyber attacks and apply basic defense strategies.
• Secure network infrastructures using firewalls, IDS, and more.
• Develop a foundational cybersecurity mindset, preparing you for more advanced challenges.

Let’s embark on this cybersecurity journey together—your path to becoming a defender of the digital world starts now!

Career Opportunities

Professionals with SANS certifications can pursue various roles in cybersecurity, including:

• Information Security Analyst: Protects an organization’s computer systems and networks. Responsibilities include monitoring for security breaches, investigating incidents, and implementing security measures.
• Security Engineer: Designs and implements secure network solutions. This role often involves vulnerability assessments and the deployment of security tools and technologies.
• Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Simulates attacks on networks and systems to identify vulnerabilities. This role requires strong technical skills and creativity in thinking like an attacker.
• Incident Responder: Responds to and manages security incidents. They analyze breaches, mitigate risks, and ensure systems are secured post-incident.
• Security Consultant: Provides expert advice to organizations on how to improve their security posture. This role may involve conducting security audits and recommending best practices.
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): A senior executive responsible for an organization’s information security strategy. This role typically requires extensive experience and leadership skills.
• Security Compliance Manager: Ensures that an organization adheres to legal and regulatory requirements. They may develop policies and procedures related to compliance.

Projected Growth

The demand for cybersecurity professionals, including those with SANS certifications, is projected to grow significantly in the coming years:

• Job Growth Rate: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of information security analysts will grow by 35% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. This surge is driven by increasing cyber threats and the need for organizations to safeguard their data.
• Industry Demand: As organizations across various sectors face rising cyber threats, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is expected to continue growing. Industries such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology are particularly in need of these experts.
• Skills Gap: There is a significant skills gap in the cybersecurity workforce. A report from (ISC)² indicated that there are millions of unfilled cybersecurity positions globally, highlighting a strong demand for certified professionals.

Average Salary

SANS-certified professionals can expect competitive salaries, which can vary based on experience, location, and specific roles. Here are some average salary ranges for common positions held by SANS-certified professionals:

• Information Security Analyst:
  • Average Salary: $100,000 – $120,000 per year
• Security Engineer:
  • Average Salary: $110,000 – $130,000 per year
• Penetration Tester:
  • Average Salary: $90,000 – $130,000 per year (experienced penetration testers can earn significantly more)
• Incident Responder:
  • Average Salary: $85,000 – $120,000 per year
• Security Consultant:
  • Average Salary: $95,000 – $150,000 per year
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO):
  • Average Salary: $150,000 – $250,000+ per year (depending on the size and industry of the organization)
• Security Compliance Manager:
  • Average Salary: $90,000 – $130,000 per year

Conclusion

Obtaining a SANS certification can open up numerous career opportunities in the growing field of cybersecurity. With the projected growth in this sector and competitive salary potential, professionals with SANS credentials are well-positioned for a successful and rewarding career. As the need for robust cybersecurity measures increases, SANS-certified professionals will continue to be in high demand across various industries.