Welcome, cyber enthusiasts! Today, I want to share my journey of how I passed the CISSP exam and provide you with valuable insights into my study approach. Approximately a decade ago, I had the opportunity to participate in a pilot program at work aimed at training junior analysts in various cybersecurity disciplines.
The program consisted of intensive boot camp-style courses that aimed to certify individuals in different areas of cybersecurity. I eagerly embarked on this journey, attending courses such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Security Plus, and even a Red Hat Systems Engineering course.
Although I had limited prior knowledge about IP addresses, the program proved to be a whirlwind of information. The final course on Red Hat systems engineering presented a particularly steep learning curve. Nevertheless, I successfully obtained certifications in CCNA, CEH, and Security Plus, providing me with a foundation to build upon.
Realizing the significance of the material covered, I was determined to deepen my understanding and apply it effectively in real-world scenarios. To achieve this, I took matters into my own hands and set up a home lab. The lab became my haven for replicating the concepts I had learned during the boot camp. However, it was not without its challenges. My lab frequently encountered issues, forcing me to troubleshoot and acquire additional knowledge to resolve them.
In my pursuit of knowledge, I tapped into the resources available at my local library. Libraries often provide access to valuable platforms such as O'Reilly Media and LinkedIn Learning, offering a plethora of technology and business books for self-study.
To structure my learning process, I divided the content into various domains. Network security concepts, including firewalling, DMZs, and packet analysis, became a focus area. I dedicated time to understand protocols and utilize tools like Wireshark for protocol analysis.
Another domain I delved into was operating systems, covering internals, administration, and ethical hacking. For Windows, I found the CIS Internals Suite by Mark Russinovich and a book on Windows forensics from O'Reilly Media to be immensely helpful. Similarly, I explored Linux by reading man pages, performing hands-on tasks, and scripting with Bash. PowerShell scripting in Windows provided valuable insights into system internals.
The domain of ethical hacking involved practical exercises using Kali Linux and Metasploitable. The book "The Basics of Penetration Testing" served as a guide for hands-on practice, reinforcing the importance of practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge.
Throughout this journey, I realized that studying for certifications is only one part of the equation. Applying the knowledge gained in real-world scenarios is equally crucial. Understanding the "why" behind insecure protocols, configuring systems, and conducting practical exercises helped me solidify my understanding and bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Aspiring CISSP candidates, I hope my experiences and insights have shed light on the importance of combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on application. In the next article, I will continue sharing my journey toward mastery of the CISSP exam. Stay tuned for more valuable tips and strategies!
Remember, it's not about simply acquiring certifications—it's about gaining a deep understanding and practical skills that will make you an invaluable cybersecurity professional.
Building Expertise and Preparing for CISSP: A Comprehensive Approach [Part 2]
Greetings, fellow cybersecurity enthusiasts! In this second part of my CISSP journey, I will dive deeper into the strategies and resources I utilized to expand my knowledge and prepare for the exam. If you haven't read the first part, I highly recommend checking it out for a complete understanding of my experience.
As I progressed through my studies, I discovered the profound impact of hands-on practice and practical application. The more time I spent engaging with the material and actively participating by pressing those keyboard buttons, the more my skills developed and cascaded over time. Whenever I came across articles or attended courses, I challenged myself to replicate the concepts in my lab environment.
Cybersecurity studies, in general, played a pivotal role in my CISSP preparation. Palo Alto Networks' Cybersecurity Cannon, a compilation of recommended books, became an invaluable resource for understanding the various domains of cybersecurity. Libraries, both physical and digital, provided access to these enriching books, including e-books and audiobooks. I often listened to cybersecurity-focused podcasts like CyberWire, Risky Business, and Darknet Diaries, which offered diverse perspectives and insights into the field.
To stay updated with the latest trends and news, I tailored my social media and news feed subscriptions. By setting alerts for topics like cyber security breaches, I gained timely information on significant events, such as the Target or Home Depot breaches. Brian Krebs, a highly respected journalist, became one of my favorite sources for well-written cybersecurity content.
Establishing a study routine is vital for consistent progress. On weekends, I dedicated early mornings, typically from 4 am to 9 am, as focused study time. Adhering to this routine helped me maintain discipline and allocate dedicated hours to enhance my knowledge.
While studying is crucial, practical application in a work setting is equally important. Applying the knowledge gained through real-world scenarios is where true understanding and expertise are forged. Throughout my career progression, I actively sought opportunities to work on cybersecurity-related tasks. Starting as an analyst, I consistently aimed to be involved in cybersecurity initiatives, leveraging my growing knowledge to contribute effectively.
My career path exposed me to various cybersecurity disciplines, including malware analysis, network forensics, ethical hacking, and more recently, risk assessments. The latter aligned perfectly with the domains covered in the CISSP exam. By designing architectures, conducting qualitative risk assessments, and presenting findings to senior leadership, I gained invaluable practical experience.
When it comes to exam preparation, I continued to rely on library resources and prep courses. Lectures available on platforms like LinkedIn Learning, alongside articles and practice exams, formed a significant part of my study routine. Listening to these lectures instead of podcasts helped me stay focused and absorb the content effectively. Once I consistently scored above 80 percent on practice exams, I knew I was ready.
The driving force behind my commitment to achieving CISSP certification stems from my impending retirement from active duty military service. The industry recognizes and values these certifications, making them a valuable asset for my future career endeavors. I wanted to ensure that I am well-prepared to meet the industry's expectations and contribute effectively in my post-military professional journey.
Stay tuned for the next part of my CISSP journey, where I will share the final steps I took to tackle the exam head-on. Remember, building expertise requires a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical application, and a determination to continuously improve.
Over the course of my CISSP journey, I made sure to leave no stone unturned in my quest for knowledge and expertise. In addition to the strategies and resources I previously mentioned, there's one more aspect that significantly contributed to my preparation. I enrolled in a master's program, which, while not necessary for earning the CISSP certification, proved to be a valuable asset.
Through my master's courses and independent research, I delved into textbooks that exposed me to areas of information assurance that I hadn't formally encountered before. Reading and writing about these topics further solidified my knowledge base and expanded my understanding of the field.
And there you have it—a comprehensive account of how I passed the CISSP exam and acquired the expertise I now possess. It has been quite a fulfilling journey, one that spanned over several years but took only moments to summarize here. If you found this article valuable, I kindly request you to show your support by liking and subscribing.
Thank you for accompanying me on this enlightening voyage. Remember, the path to becoming a cybersecurity professional is paved with dedication, continuous learning, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. May you embark on your own journey with confidence and determination.
