NIT (Ninja in Training) looking for guidance.

[mikeaperez1 at gmail.com (mike p)]

Nick,

I'm not sure where you are located but, I'd add some serious networking:

http://pauldotcom.com/wiki/index.php/LocalSecurityGroups#Massachusetts
http://www.infragard.net/chapters/index.php?mn=3
https://forum.defcon.org/archive/index.php/f-157.html

As to not spending money to learn - volunteer to help organizations with
their computer issues/security.
Local public library
local shelter (human and/or pet)
Volunteer at the local YMCA

Just my 2 cents.

- Mike




On Tue, May 12, 2009 at 5:14 PM, Vincent Lape <vlape at me.com> wrote:

> Nick,
>
> Hey we all got to start somewhere. the best advice i can give is from
> my own experience. Earlier in life i was almost done with med school
> when i realized computers wouldn't sue me for making a mistake :) I
> started out as a lineman for the local cable company, quickly moving
> into cablemodem installs, then up to a tech support role in the call
> center. from there i took a couple of certs got a+, mcsa, security+. i
> completely relate to the money situation, when i was doing this i had
> 2 in diapers, wife stayed at home. What i found out is investing in
> yourself will pay off. a year later i got mcse + security and ccna,
> within 3 months i was able to double my salary. 8 years and several
> certs later i hold a director level position for a large BPO firm.
>
> Keep in mind these things are not going to happen overnight. Take a
> chance and invest in yourself and it will pay off in the long run.
>
> Good luck!! start off with the fundamentals.... get some network /
> system admin time under your belt. in due time youre security chi will
> develop
>
> -
> Vinny
> On May 12, 2009, at 4:32 PM, Nick G wrote:
>
> > Dear PaulDotCom community,
> >
> > I am young (at heart, not in body) aspiring Security Professional.  I
> > am currently in a blue collar job (good job just not my passion) and I
> > am wanting to work my way into the Information Security career space.
> > I am looking for a little advice and guidance in my first steps.  I
> > was a silly youth and didn't make my way through college (I have a
> > handful of credits).  Since dropping out I have grown a little family,
> > wife and 16 month old daughter, so my choices are guided by that a lot
> > (both money and time commitment wise).  Currently I am enrolled in an
> > online B.S. in Information Technology degree from University of
> > Massachusetts though I am finding the $300 plus a credit hour (about
> > 6k a year on my current plan), the time in which it will take to
> > complete (about 5 years at 2 classes every semester), and the lack of
> > focus to the information security field disheartening and making me
> > re-evaluating my choice.  While I don't mind devoting time and money I
> > would prefer to do it toward something more relevant and focused to
> > where I want to be.
> > I know that I will want take classes from SANS in time but I do not
> > feel that I have the fundamentals yet.  I also almost religiously
> > listen to PaulDotCom Security Weekly.
> >
> > So I am hoping that you all will grace me with your earned wisdom and
> > give me a few nudges in the right direction so I don't waist too much
> > time and money.
> > I'm looking for advice on mainly on what are the best building blocks
> > to develop a solid foundation for my Ninja skills.  Any programs,
> > certs, classes, books, websites, podcasts, video tutorials that you
> > can think of would be appreciated.
> >
> > In advance, thank you for your time, energies and knowledge.
> >
> > Sincerely,
> > Nick G
> > Your friendly UPS man (though hopefully not for long)
> >
> > ~All healing is self healing.~
> >
> > P.S.- I feel so newbie and I know doubt will receive some RTFB / RTFM
> > and GIF (Google it Fool) but I'll live through the embarrassment.
> > _______________________________________________
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>
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