This plan is based on what I wish I would have learned before starting in Incident Response. Being that I haven’t been in the field very long, I do keep coming across things I didn’t know that I needed to know, so I will adjust this accordingly.
This plan assumes that you’re a complete beginner to IT and interested in Incident Response which includes everything in the “DFIR Related Categories” on the home page.
General IT
Introduction to Computing Fundamentals (Hopper’s Roppers)
Programming/Scripting
Python 3 Courses (Python Institute)
Intro to x86 Assembly Language (YouTube – Davy Wybiral)
Powershell – Sign up for the RangeForce Community Edition and complete the Windows-PowerShell Introduction Module. There is also a free PowerShell 101 book for beginners on LeanPub.
Networking
Choose One of These Video or Reading Based Courses:
- Reading Based: CS402: Computer Communications and Networks (Saylor Academy) – Has Certificate of Completion
- Video Based: CompTIA Network+ N10-007 Training Course (Professor Messer – YouTube)
Then do these Hands-On Courses:
- Discovering Computer Networks: Hands-On in the Open Networking Lab (OpenLearn) – Includes Certificate of Completion
- Introductory Networking (Free TryHackMe Room)
Cybersecurity
Introduction to Security (Hopper’s Roppers)
Security+ Training Course – (Professor Messer – YouTube)**
**I highly recommend getting the Security+ certification. This is the certification I’ve seen requested in most entry-level positions and it’s required if you end up in a government position (see the DoD Approved 8570 Baseline Certifications).
Free Security+ Practice Questions can be found at Exam Compass & Pocket Prep.
Extra: If you haven’t participated in a CTF before, take Hopper’s Roppers Introduction to Capture the Flags course, then check out the DFIR Related CTFs and Challenges on this site.
Go to Part 2: Free Training Plan for New (or aspiring) Incident Responders
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