This document contains an outline of the essential skills for a system security analyst, along with free online resources and practical tasks to build proficiency:

1. Fundamentals of Cybersecurity

• Skills: Understanding cybersecurity principles, cyber threats, and attacks.
• Resources:
  • Cybrary: Intro to IT & Cybersecurity
  • EDX: Introduction to Cyber Security by University of Washington
• Tasks:
  • Study the CIA triad.
  • Learn about different types of cyber attacks.

2. Networking

• Skills: Network protocols, architectures, and security.
• Resources:
  • Cisco Networking Academy: Introduction to Cybersecurity
  • Cybrary: Networking Basics
• Tasks:
  • Set up a home lab network with routers and switches.
  • Practice configuring a firewall.

3. Operating Systems and Software

• Skills: Security features of Windows, Linux, and macOS.
• Resources:
  • MIT OpenCourseWare: Computer Systems Security
  • Cybrary: Linux Fundamentals
• Tasks:
  • Install and secure a Linux server.
  • Practice patch management.

4. Risk Management and Assessment

• Skills: Risk identification, assessment, and mitigation.
• Resources:
  • Cybrary: Risk Management
• Tasks:
  • Conduct a risk assessment on a sample network.
  • Create a risk mitigation plan.

5. Security Policies and Compliance

• Skills: Developing and implementing security policies.