6 Ways to Stay Ahead in InfoSec
Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the information security world can be a challenge for professionals regardless of their experience level or role. But being able to keep up with the ever-evolving tech landscape is critical to success, so we’ve compiled a list of six ways to stay ahead of the knowledge gap and stimulate your career in information security.
1. Enjoy a book
In the 21st century, we’re able to listen to audiobooks while commuting to work or when we’re exercising. If you’re more old school, you might prefer to enjoy turning pages during lunch or before bed. Regardless of how you prefer to go through a book, reading educational material is a great way to make the most of your downtime. It allows you to learn the basics, methodologies, and techniques in the areas you feel are needed to push your career forward. Below are several books to get you started as you look to kick off the new year on the right foot:
Helpful hint! Although there’s nothing like the feel of an actual book, reading an electronic copy has many advantages for the life-long learner. You’re able to highlight sections of text, or a word that is unfamiliar, allowing you to make notes or search for more information before continuing. This is especially helpful when learning an entirely new skill and solidifying foundational concepts. Reading electronically also allows you to be more mobile with your learning so you can take your education wherever you go.
2. Find a mentor
Seeking a mentor can be an extremely effective and strategic career move. There’s nothing better than learning by doing, but chances are you’ll get stuck at some point along the way. That’s why having an expert to lean on is one of the best ways to quickly learn new skills. No one can be an expert in everything, and those who are experts didn’t get there overnight, so having multiple mentors is incredibly helpful.
Not only can mentors help you acquire new technical skills, but they can also assist with soft skills such as identifying your strengths and weaknesses, how to better communicate, and discussing what difficulties you might face when advancing your career as well as how to overcome them. John White provided some great advice on how to seek out a good mentor, which you can read more about here.
3. Attend conferences
Security and tech conferences, such as Black Hat, RSA, and DEF CON are another great way to learn new skills because you’re given the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on activities and training led by leaders in your profession. Conferences are also a great place to learn more about the hottest trends and topics across the industry which are often shared during panel discussions and speaking sessions. In addition, you can use conferences as an opportunity to network (not the computing kind) and find peers with whom you can have valuable conversations and information exchanges.
Whether you’re hoping to keep your skills sharp or your knowledge current, attending industry events is a must when it comes to staying on top of your education and career.
4. Network with other professionals
By networking with other professionals, you’ll discover new techniques, skills, or career paths available, allowing you to take your own career to the next level. This is not just done at conferences or on LinkedIn but also at local meetups or the variety of online communities available such as Discord, Reddit, and the INE Community forums.
Another untapped resource could be the very company for which you already work. If it’s a large organization, there might just be email lists or slack channels of like-minded professionals you would never have the opportunity to meet otherwise in today’s world of hybrid and remote work.
5. Use free resources
In an industry as technical as information security, practical skills are a must and fortunately, there are many online tools available for you to practice what you know and put your skills to the test. A few of these free resources can be found through Hack.me, Hack this Site, and PentesterLabs.
You can also build your skillset for free by hunting for vulnerabilities and bugs on dedicated platforms, such as Bugcrowd. When seeking out these weaknesses, you’ve got nothing to lose and experience to gain! Interested? Here’s how to get started with bug bounties.
6. Enroll in practical training courses
Finally, the most complete way to learn new skills and acquire real-life security know-how is by enrolling in an online training course. Online training is fantastic because it allows you to focus on the topics you’re most interested in, learn at your own pace, and take courses from the comfort of your own home. Plus, online offerings tend to be accessible in ways that universities aren’t, allowing you to master your topic of choice in six weeks instead of four years while saving thousands of dollars along the way. When searching for online training, here are some things you should look for:
Lifetime access to course materials or materials that don’t expire
Mobile-Accessible materials for studying on the go
Up-to-date study materials (in terms of what is taught and techniques used)
Highly practical training, with numerous virtual labs, preferably based on real-life scenarios
Different formats of training materials (slides, videos, labs, etc.)
Availability of practical certification, to prove your skills
For those hoping to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the world of information security, you have countless resources at your disposal including books, security conferences, free online resources, and practical training courses.
When choosing what’s best for you, it’s important to remember consistent practice and determination will always be the best path to success. For this reason, it shouldn’t just be your resolution for 2022, but rather a personal mission for any future opportunities you may encounter. Good luck!
About INE
INE is the premier provider of technical training for the IT industry. INE is revolutionizing the digital learning industry through the implementation of adaptive technologies and a proven method of hands-on training experiences. Our portfolio of training is built for all levels of technical learning, specializing in advanced networking technologies, next generation security and infrastructure programming and development. Want to talk to a training advisor about our course offerings and training plans? Give us a call at 877-224-8987 or email us at sales@ine.com.
