Looking to learn network security? Redditors recommend a mix of foundational courses, hands-on labs, and practical tools to build your skills.

Foundational Learning

• CompTIA Network+ and Security+: These certifications are often recommended as a starting point to build a solid foundation in networking and security. "Andrew Ramdayal courses for Net+ and Sec+!"

• Cisco Networking Academy: Offers structured courses and labs for networking fundamentals. "Introduction to Cybersecurity by Cisco Networking Academy"

Hands-On Practice

• TryHackMe: Great for beginners with guided labs and real-world attack simulations. "TryHackMe is a great website to learn the basics and practice using cybersecurity tools."

• HackTheBox: Offers more challenging CTF-style exercises and practical skill building. "HackTheBox, TryHackMe"

• LetsDefend.io: Focuses on blue team labs and interactive training for real-world scenarios. "If you're looking for more blue team focused content, it may be worth checking out letsdefend.io"

Additional Resources

• GitHub Repositories: Collections of cybersecurity resources, roadmaps, and tools. "Here’s a decent list I’ve been using lately for cyber security self exploration: cybersecurity resources"

• O'Reilly: Offers a vast library of security topics, practice tests, and labs. "Shoutout to O'Reilly. Not every workplace offers it, but it's got pretty much every security topic on there along with practice tests for exams + tons of different labs"

• PortSwigger Web Security Academy: Provides free online training for web security. "Also don't forget about Burp's free online web security training."

Networking Specifics

• CCNA: Recommended for thoroughly understanding networking basics. "Start with the CCNA and build Basic Layer 2/Layer 3 topologies."

• Packet Analysis: Use tools like Wireshark to understand network traffic at a deep level. "Build a protocol-first workflow and practice with packet-level labs."

Communities for Further Learning

• r/cybersecurity

• r/CyberSecurityAdvice

• r/CompTIA

These communities are great places to ask specific questions, get advice from experienced professionals, and find additional resources to help you on your journey in network security.