RE: Newbie Hacker Tools

[Edmond Chow <echow () videotron ca>]

Leif and all others who responded to me:

I'm overwhelmed with your willingness to help a newbie like me!  Thanks for
all your helpful suggestions and I will ask more questions after I've had a
chance to go through all of your emails.

Many of you have suggested a formal ethical hacking course for me.
Suggestions have included SANS, CompTIA, InfoSec Institute, etc.  Have any
of you taken courses with any of these companies and could you share your
feedback with me.  In particular, the InfoSec Institute has an Ethical
Hacking course that is being taught by Jack Koziol.  I've read that he's
pretty highly regarded in the industry.  SANS is offering a training seminar
in Orlando in February where I could take an ethical hacking course as well.

One thing that's holding me back from taking a course at this point is the
fact that the material may well be way over my head and I might not enjoy
the full value of the course.  Any opinions?  For sure, I would think that
taking a course right now could very well bring me from 1 to a 7 (on a scale
of 10) in a few weeks versus me spending the next few months getting to that
point.

There's also the point about certifications.  InfoSec offers the CEH
certification whereas others such as SANS offers GSEC and others.  Is there
a preferred/recommended certification for ethical hackers?

Again, thanks and I very much value your advice.  And for those who feel
offended by my lack of knowledge on the subject, please let me apologize in
advance.

Regards,


Edmond