Colorado Technical University

Just recently got out of the military and want to get into network/internet security,but don't have any skills?

Hi, I'm 28 years old and just left the military a few years ago and have always loved computers. I would like to go for a career in network/internet security and perhaps work at a corporation protecting their system. What should my first step be? I'm currently taking online classes at American Military University for my BS in information systems security, but I'm afraid that an employer will look at my degree and throw it in the trash. I have heard that most companies look for experienced network pros. I have over 40k in GI bill benefits and I don't want to waste it on an online university for nothing. I live in NJ and haven't really found a school that offers this program as a degree; only certificate training. I'm not just looking for a degree, but also knowledge and hands on.

Public Comments

1. For the best background education; primarily on security & technical aspects: entirely free, go to 'Security Now' podcasts with Steve Gibson & Leo Laporte. These are 1+ hr. 'sit down' chats, that cover current issues, the how & why, with remedies for security issues, related to internet, networking, etc. Start with the early for computer functions & basics, and occasionally it gets a bit tekky (and very often an 'acronym tsunami'), but Steve & Leo do it in real easy to understand chat format, that makes it painless & interesting (if you like the tech stuff to start with). College level education, free. Find it here: http://www.grc.com/securitynow.htm Session transcript on same page for printed output.