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Introduction

Here’s a focused 8-week timetable to develop top skills in security engineering, assuming 8-10 hours per week for study and practice. Each week includes practical, hands-on labs with targeted learning modules.

Week 1-2: Network Security & System Hardening

  • Goal: Understand network security fundamentals and system hardening.
  • Learning Resources: Cisco Cybersecurity Essentials, Linux Security Fundamentals (Cybrary), and hands-on labs.
DayActivityDuration
MonCisco Cybersecurity Essentials: Network Security Basics1.5 hours
TueIDS/IPS: Suricata installation and configuration1.5 hours
WedLinux Security Fundamentals: Hardening Basics1.5 hours
ThuPractice: Firewall Configuration (Open Source Options)2 hours
FriVPNs and Remote Access Security (OpenVPN Setup)1.5 hours
SatLab: IDS/IPS Network Monitoring Practice2 hours
SunReview & Notes1 hour

Week 3-4: Application Security

  • Goal: Learn core application security skills and vulnerability testing.
  • Learning Resources: OWASP ZAP, PortSwigger Academy (Burp Suite Basics).
DayActivityDuration
MonOWASP ZAP Intro: Web Scanning Basics1.5 hours
TuePortSwigger Academy: Burp Suite Module 11.5 hours
WedSAST/DAST Concepts Overview (SonarQube, Acunetix basics)1.5 hours
ThuLab: Scanning & Interception with ZAP and Burp Suite2 hours
FriPractice: Vulnerability Detection (XSS, SQLi)1.5 hours
SatFree Practice: Vulnerable Web App (DVWA or Juice Shop)2 hours
SunWeekly Review & Self-Assessment1 hour

Week 5-6: SIEM and Log Management

  • Goal: Gain proficiency in log management and SIEM basics.
  • Learning Resources: Splunk Fundamentals 1, Elastic Stack Basics (ELK Stack).
DayActivityDuration
MonSplunk Fundamentals 1: Basic Searches1.5 hours
TueSIEM & Log Management Overview (Intro to Elastic Stack)1.5 hours
WedSplunk Log Searching & Filtering1.5 hours
ThuELK Stack: Data Ingestion & Dashboard Setup2 hours
FriLab: Basic Threat Hunting (Search for Indicators)1.5 hours
SatExercise: Set Up SIEM Alerts and Dashboard Reports2 hours
SunReview & Notes1 hour

Week 7: Cloud Security & Automation

  • Goal: Learn cloud security essentials and automate with scripts.
  • Learning Resources: AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials, Microsoft Learn PowerShell, or Python Basics for Security.
DayActivityDuration
MonAWS Security Fundamentals (IAM & GuardDuty)1.5 hours
TueAutomation Basics: Python or PowerShell Scripting1.5 hours
WedSecure Configuration in AWS or Azure Security Center1.5 hours
ThuLab: Automate a Simple Security Task (Log Parsing, Alerts)2 hours
FriScript Practice: Generate Reports & Automate Tasks1.5 hours
SatPractice: Cloud Security Tools Setup and Testing2 hours
SunReview & Weekly Summary1 hour

Week 8: Incident Response & Forensics

  • Goal: Develop incident response and forensic skills.
  • Learning Resources: Wireshark Basics, Autopsy or FTK (Forensics Toolkit).
DayActivityDuration
MonIncident Response Lifecycle Overview1.5 hours
TueWireshark Fundamentals: Packet Analysis1.5 hours
WedAutopsy Forensics Toolkit: Setup & Case Creation1.5 hours
ThuLab: Analyze Network Traffic for Suspicious Activity2 hours
FriPractical: Disk Forensics (Autopsy or FTK)1.5 hours
SatFinal Practice: Complete a Simulated Incident2 hours
SunCourse Review & Next Steps1 hour

This plan combines theoretical learning with practical labs to make the skills “stick.” Adapt it based on your availability, and if time allows, extend sessions for deeper exploration on weekends.

Reference Links