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Security Career

I'm currently looking at furthering my career and will finish my current position within a couple of months and I’m looking at ways to go about this.

I think security is a field with a lot of growth and I always like diving into security related issues in my current position.

One way I thought about achieving this is through certification. I've picked a few certifications that i think I will enjoy and will help me gain a further insight into the area.

- CEH - Certified ethical hacker
- ECSA/LPT or Cisco CCNA

Any thoughts are appreciated. I've included in brief some of my qualifications and work experience below:

• Feb 2010, Microsoft Small Business server 2008 administrator
• Sept 2008, Microsoft MCITP (the new MCSA) Windows 2008 Server Administrator.
• Sept 2006 to 2007, First Class Honours degree BSC Applied Computing (Full Time) and
• Sept 2003 to 2006 Foundation Degree (Part Time while working full time)
• Jan 2005, Cisco IT Essentials II - Network Operating Systems.
• May 2004, Cisco IT Essentials I PC Hardware and Software.
• July 2003, Visual Basic 6 City and Gills
• May 2000, Microsoft Certified Professional, Windows NT Workstation (70-068).
• June 1998, NVQ level II Implement and Supporting Information Technology Products and Solutions

Positions held:

- IT Manager (Temporary Contract) to May 2010 to Present - Manufacturer of suspension components for the automotive industry and military, off/on site fabrication, producers of industrial machine knives.
- Desktop support (contract) May 2009 to Sept 2009 – Australian Internet service provider
- Desktop Support (contract) April 2009 to May 2009 – Australia College
- IT Manager Nov 2007 to June 2008 - Manufacturer of suspension components for the automotive industry and military, off/on site fabrication, producers of industrial machine knives
- Network Administrator Dec 2005 to 2007 June - Manufacturer of suspension components for the automotive industry and military, off/on site fabrication, producers of industrial machine knives
- Second level Technical Support Dec 1999 to 2005 Dec – Software Producer
- Technical support Jun 1998 to Dec 1999 – Top Bank
- Network administrator Aug 1997 to Jun 1998 – comprehensive School

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MikeKane

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resolver1

ASKER

Yeah ive looked at other certs but I like the CEH because it puts you in the mind set of an attacker. My believe is that if you can think like someone attacking your more likely to know how to defend. You also be able to explain to your bosses the methods that people gain access to systems with confidence. Whats your take on this ?

I live in the UK and you can only get security clearance if you are sponsored by an authorized organization apparently.

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MikeKane

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resolver1

ASKER

Cheers your time is appreciated. I'm not convince that i want to be a pure ethical hacker but want to educate myself more on the security side of things for a few reasons 1. Employers are looking to employ staff who know about security. 2. I like to learn new skills and I find security topic interesting.

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MikeKane

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resolver1

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Yeah that my usual method of learning. Im defiantly a hands on guy. Although to gain certification, i tend to find hands-on doesn't always get you the cert. You have to listen to how the exam wants the question answered and it tends to be more theoretical rather than what happens in practice.