Embrace Your Autodidact
Why is staying current so important when it comes to Cybersecurity?
Simply put, it enables you to be better equipped to handle new and emerging threats.
Learning is part of the game, and the moment you take on the mindset of an autodidact is when things will shift.
With Cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and frequent, it's crucial to be aware of the latest techniques and tools that can help protect yourself, and protect others.
Doing this will require a certain level of natural curiosity and autodidacticism, and I believe other fields will follow this model of learning.
So, how can you stay current in Cybersecurity? Let’s take a look at three ways we can do this.
Cybersecurity Blogs and Newsletters
1) Read Cybersecurity blogs and newsletters
This one has really picked up steam in the past few years as a way to learn.
Subscribing to Cybersecurity blogs and newsletters is a simple and efficient way to stay updated on the latest news and trends in the field.
My newsletter, for example, provides you with curated Cybersecurity topics and insights to keep you informed. Although this it’s not a reporting newsletter on the latest cyber news, you will find a lot of relevant write-ups and subjects to learn about within Cybersecurity.
Other newsletters in the space that are worth checking out are: Dark Reading (broad news based), Krebs on Security (Cyber Crime news based), and The Cybersecurity Pulse (curation of Security Startup content)
Participate In Communities
2) Participate in online communities
Joining online communities, or Cybersecurity forums, can provide you with a platform to ask questions, share knowledge, and learn from others.
If you have a certain question, there is a high chance someone else has asked the same one, and this a place for that. Reddit and Discord, are great resources to learn more within the field. There is some curating to do, but that’s always part of the job in Cybersecurity.
I would recommend going this route before going to conferences, as online Cybersecurity communities are free.
From here, you can build rapport with others in the community, and learn from those who are maybe a few steps ahead of you in their path.
Conferences and Meetups
3) Attend conferences or meetups
Attending conferences or meetups is an excellent way to network with other Cybersecurity professionals and learn about the latest trends and innovations in the industry. It’s a good opportunity to hear talks from experts in the field.
Many conferences offer workshops as well to help you stay current with your skills.
We’re approaching conference season and “Hacker Summer Camp”. A big part of the Security community is traveling to enjoy talks, workshops, and themed villages.
Keep in mind, there is a cost factor with conferences. An affordable option being BSides. There’s usually a BSides at any major metro city.
Local meetups through the Meetup app are many times free. This is a great option to meet others in the field and make connections.
Finally, the most important thing you can do to stay current in Cybersecurity is to keep learning and growing.
So try the above suggestions, and see what works best. Take courses, check out newsletters and online communities, attend a conference.
Staying current in Cybersecurity is essential to succeed in a rapidly evolving field. There is always something to learn.
By following blogs, attending conferences or local meetups, and participating in online communities, you'll be well-equipped to stay current with new and emerging threats and technologies.
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