Serina’s Certification Plan

Becoming a website security consultant requires a combination of technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and industry-recognized certifications. Here’s a path to achieve this, including both training and certification options:

1. Foundational Knowledge:

Before diving into specialized security certifications, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of general IT and web technologies.

• Training:
  • Free: Websites like W3Schools, Codecademy, and FreeCodeCamp offer foundational courses on web development.
  • Paid: Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Pluralsight have comprehensive courses on web technologies and IT basics.

2. Basic Security Knowledge:

Before specializing in website security, a broad understanding of cybersecurity principles is beneficial.

• Certifications:
  • CompTIA Security+: A beginner-level certification that covers a wide range of introductory cybersecurity topics.
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): A more advanced certification, but it’s widely recognized and respected in the industry.

3. Specialized Web Security Training:

Once you have a foundational understanding of IT and basic security principles, you can dive into web-specific security training.

• Training:
  • Free: OWASP WebGoat is a deliberately insecure web application maintained by OWASP designed to teach web application security lessons.
  • Paid: PortSwigger Web Security Academy offers interactive labs and is created by the company behind Burp Suite, a popular web security testing tool.

4. Web Security Certifications:

These certifications are specifically tailored for web security and are recognized in the industry.

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): While not exclusively about web security, it covers essential web penetration testing techniques.
• Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE): Offered by Offensive Security, this certification focuses on identifying and exploiting web application vulnerabilities.
• GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT): Offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), this certification focuses on web application security.

5. Hands-on Experience:

Beyond formal training and certifications, hands-on experience is invaluable.

• Platforms for Practice:
  • Free: OWASP WebGoat, OWASP DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web App), and Hack The Box offer environments to practice web security skills.
  • Paid: Platforms like PentesterLab provide a series of web security exercises to hone your skills.

6. Stay Updated:

The cybersecurity landscape is ever-evolving. Regularly follow industry news, participate in web security forums, and attend conferences (like those hosted by OWASP) to stay updated.

7. Networking:

Joining professional organizations, such as OWASP or ISC², can provide networking opportunities, access to industry events, and additional resources for continuous learning.

By following this path, combining both training and certifications, you’ll be well-equipped to become a competent website security consultant.

CompTIA Security+ is a global certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career.

How to Pass your SY0-601 CompTIA Security+ Exam Full Training Course (multiple Videos)

Every three years, CompTIA Security+ gets updated to meet the needs of the industry and ensure that information technology (IT) pros have the skills necessary for today’s cybersecurity jobs. The SY0-601 version of the exam was introduced November 12^th 2020 and is set to retire on July 1^st 2024. It will be replaced by the SY0-701 version of the exam.

2024 Changes to SY0-701 Exam