Learning network security can be a daunting task, but many Redditors have shared their experiences and recommended resources to help you get started. Here are some of the top resources and tips they've provided:

Foundational Courses & Platforms

• Great Learning Cyber Security Course: This course is praised for its foundational coverage of security, networks, and ethical hacking. It includes case studies and practical exercises to help students connect theory with real-world applications. "The Great Learning Cyber Security course is built for learners who want to understand the foundations of security, networks, and ethical hacking."

• Free 11.5 Hour Network Security Course on Udemy: A comprehensive course covering network security, penetration testing, Nmap scanning, firewall evasion, and deep packet analysis with Wireshark. It's free and highly recommended for mastering network security. "I’ve just published a comprehensive Network Security course that covers everything from securing networks, penetration testing, Nmap scanning, firewall evasion, to deep packet analysis with Wireshark!"

• FEDVTE: A resource utilized by all federal agencies, offering a variety of cybersecurity courses. It's free and suitable for beginners. "https://fedvte.usalearning.gov/public_fedvte.php"

• Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad): Offers courses on networking and cybersecurity, which can be a great starting point for beginners. "Then https://www.netacad.com"

• MOOC by University of Helsinki: Provides free courses on various topics, including cybersecurity, which can be a good alternative to paid options. "Please check out MOOC by University of Helsinki, Finand"

Certifications

• CompTIA Network+ and Security+: These certifications are highly recommended for building a solid foundation in networking and security. They are essential for understanding the basics and can help you with day-to-day work in a Security Operations Center (SOC). "Yes, they are. Both provide critical, foundational knowledge."

• (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC): A free certification that provides a good introduction to cybersecurity concepts. "Start with this, that is what I did. https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cc"

• Huawei HCSA-Presales-IP Network V4.0: This certification is designed for pre-sales professionals but offers a systematic understanding of Huawei’s enterprise IP networking solutions, including network security. "The Huawei HCSA-Presales-IP Network V4.0 certification is designed for pre-sales professionals who want to build expertise in Huawei’s enterprise IP networking solutions."

Practical Learning & Labs

• TryHackMe: A platform that offers a lot of free, beginner-friendly rooms and labs to practice ethical hacking and cybersecurity skills. "I’d highly recommend TryHackMe! They have a lot of free, beginner-friendly rooms..."

• Hack The Box Academy: Provides structured learning paths and practical labs for cybersecurity. "You can try hackthebox academy if you are a beginner..."

• CyberSources: An open-source repository that curates various cybersecurity resources, scripts, and tools. "CyberSources. It’s an open-source repository that curates various cybersecurity resources, scripts, and tools..."

Programming for Network Security

• Python Fundamentals: Learning Python is crucial for network automation and scripting in cybersecurity. MOOCs and practice platforms are recommended. "Do the MOOC Python Programming 2025 from the University of Helsinki."

• Introduction to Python Network Automation Volume I: A book that takes you from Python basics to building a virtual lab, Linux, TCP/IP, regex, and GNS3-based automation labs. "Introduction to Python Network Automation Volume I by Brendan Choi"

Additional Tips

• Intro to Linux: Understanding Linux is a fundamental skill for cybersecurity professionals. "Intro to Linux."

• Focus on Hands-On Experience: While certifications are helpful, practical experience is invaluable. "I would say though, focus more on getting the most experience you can from your time as an intern."

Subreddits to Explore

• r/cybersecurity

• r/Hacking_Tutorials

• r/CompTIA

• r/learnprogramming

• r/learnpython