# 🛡️ Cybersecurity Intern Training Resource Guide (2025) A curated, difficulty‑based roadmap for building Linux, Windows, cybersecurity, cloud, web, and competition skills. --- ## ⭐ Recommended Starting 5 — Windows & PowerShell Track **If you are starting with Windows, PowerShell, and defensive security, begin with these five resources first.** ### **1️⃣ Microsoft PowerShell 101 Learning Path (Official)** Learn PowerShell fundamentals directly from Microsoft. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/scripting/learn/ps101/01-getting-started?view=powershell-7.5 --- ### **2️⃣ TryHackMe — Registry Persistence Detection (Perfect Beginner Room)** Hands-on, beginner-friendly intro to Windows internals, PowerShell, persistence mechanisms, and detection skills. https://tryhackme.com/room/registrypersistencedetection --- ### **3️⃣ UnderTheWire — PowerShell Training Wargame** Challenge‑based PowerShell missions. How to connect: Open command prompt/Powershell and input these commands. [underthewire-react](https://underthewire.tech/wargames/century/1) ```console ssh century1@century.underthewire.tech # password: century1 ``` --- ### **4️⃣ PowerShell Basics (CyberPatriot Guide)** Solid introduction to Windows scripting fundamentals. https://cypat.guide/docs/windows/scripting/introduction_powershell --- ### **5️⃣ Windows Basics Slide Deck/Active Directory Room (UBNetDef)** Great overview of Windows services, AD, and OS internals. https://ubnetdef.org/slides/spring2024/Windows.pdf https://tryhackme.com/room/winadbasics ## ⭐ Recommended Starting 5 — Linux Track **If you are starting with Linux, commands, and OS fundamentals, begin with these five resources first.** ### **1️⃣ Linux Journey** Beginner-friendly Linux lessons and command explanations. https://linuxjourney.com Use it with the this Browser-based Fedora Linux machine for hands‑on practice. https://bellard.org/jslinux/vm.html?cpu=riscv64&url=fedora33-riscv.cfg&mem=256 --- ### **2️⃣ OverTheWire: Bandit** Beginner‑friendly CTF that teaches Linux hands‑on https://overthewire.org/wargames/bandit/ How to connect: Open command prompt/Powershell and input these commands. ```console foo@bar:~$ ssh bandit0@bandit.labs.overthewire.org -p 2220 # password: bandit0 ``` --- ### **3️⃣ Linux S24 Slides (UBNetDef)** Covers Linux basics, perms, processes, and navigation from the scope of Cyber Defense. https://ubnetdef.org/slides/spring2024/LinuxS24.pdf --- ### **4️⃣ TryHackMe Linux Beginner Rooms** Great hands‑on introduction to Linux through guided challenges. [TryHackMe | Linux Fundamentals](https://tryhackme.com/room/linuxfundamentalspart1) --- ### **5️⃣ NCAE Cyber Games MiniHack Sandbox + Walkthrough** Sandbox: https://ui.sandbox.ncaecybergames.org/challenges Walkthrough Playlist: https://youtu.be/gu5A2yCITRs?list=PLqux0fXsj7x3WYm6ZWuJnGC1rXQZ1018M --- <pre> </pre> # 🌱 Other Beginner Resources Already completed the **Recommended Starting 5**? Use the resources below to deepen your foundations. ### 🐧 Linux Basics - **Intro to Bash (CyberPatriot Guide)** https://cypat.guide/docs/linux/linux_fundamentals/intro_bash - **pwn.college — Linux Luminarium (Penguin Track)** https://pwn.college/linux-luminarium/ ## 🪟 PowerShell / Windows Basics - **PowerShell Playground (Beginner-Friendly)** A safe, isolated environment for practicing PowerShell commands. https://powershellforhackers.com/playground/ - **PowerShell Games (Beginner)** Fun games that teach PowerShell output interpretation, port numbers, and processing logic. https://powershellforhackers.com/games/ - **TryHackMe Windows Fundamentals Labs 1-3** https://tryhackme.com/module/windows-fundamentals ## 🎯 LetsDefend Training Modules (Beginner → Advanced) ### 🟩 **Beginner (Should be in the Starting Section)** - **SOC Fundamentals** — best early module for interns [https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/soc-fundamentals](https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/soc-fundamentals "https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/soc-fundamentals") - **SIEM 101** [https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/siem-101](https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/siem-101 "https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/siem-101") - **SIEM Basics: Installation & Configuration** [https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/siem-basics-installation-and-configuration](https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/siem-basics-installation-and-configuration "https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/siem-basics-installation-and-configuration") - **Building a SOC Lab at Home** — supplemental hands-on module [https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/building-a-soc-lab-at-home](https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/building-a-soc-lab-at-home "https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/building-a-soc-lab-at-home") ## 🧰 Essential Beginner Tools (Windows, Logs, Regex) ### 🔡 Regex Learning (Used for File Exclusions in the Internship) - Regexr — https://regexr.com/ Great for interns learning regex for file exclusions, log filtering, and detection engineering. ## 🎯 Beginner CTFs / Cyber - **PicoCTF** — The best cyber/CTF platform for beginners https://play.picoctf.org/ - **CTF101** — Intro to CTF concepts https://ctf101.org/ - **MetaCTF** - Beginner to Advanced CTFs https://metactf.com/ - **Network Packet Analysis (LetsDefend)** - Course on Wireshark, TCPdump and more! https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/network-packet-analysis ## 🎥 NCAE Cyber Games YouTube Channel (Beginner Competition Training) - **NCAE Cyber Games YouTube** A beginner‑focused cybersecurity competition channel with **excellent hands‑on demos** for Linux defense, detection, red teaming basics, and general cyber competition fundamentals. Great for visual learners and those preparing for beginner CTFs or cyber games. https://www.youtube.com/@ncaecybergames ## 🧪 Beginner Labs - **TryHackMe (Beginner Rooms — Linux + Windows)** - Main beginner labs: https://tryhackme.com/hacktivities - - **Start with:** *Pre-Security Path* - - Threat Hunting Simulator: https://tryhackme.com/threat-hunting-sim/scenarios - - SOC Simulator: https://tryhackme.com/soc-sim - **NCAE MiniHack 2025 Sandbox Challenges** This is a great lab to learn networking, how a scoring engine works, and some CTF practice. https://ui.sandbox.ncaecybergames.org/challenges - - Walkthrough playlist: https://youtu.be/gu5A2yCITRs?list=PLqux0fXsj7x3WYm6ZWuJnGC1rXQZ1018M - **Hack the Box Starting Point** Great Beginner hacking labs for new people https://app.hackthebox.com/starting-point - **Splunk Boss of the SOC (BOTS) — Splunk CTF** A hands‑on Capture‑the‑Flag style platform that teaches you how to use **SIEM tools, log analysis, threat hunting, and detection engineering** using Splunk. - - Perfect for learning real SOC workflows in a gamified way. https://bots.splunk.com/login?redirect=/ ## 🛡️ CyberPatriot Practice - **Practice Images (Linux/Windows Administration)** Excellent hands‑on experience for real system administration tasks. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cdVHtk4w5JDJCYy-EO2_ycr0ZqMgUyjFOVDn5Y8eGVw/edit - **VMware Workstation/Fusion Archives** (required to run practice images): - Workstation 17.x (Windows/Linux): https://dn710001.ca.archive.org/0/items/vmwareworkstationarchive/17.x/ - Fusion 13.x (Mac): https://dn710001.ca.archive.org/0/items/vmwareworkstationarchive/Fusion/13.x/ - **Guide for the CyberPatriot Practice Images** Excellent walkthrough and hardening guide for images. https://cypat.guide/ --- <pre> </pre> --- # 🔧 Some Knowledge (Intermediate‑Level) For students who know basic Linux/Windows and want to build deeper skills. ### 🐧 Linux & Systems - **SadServers** — Linux, Docker, Kubernetes troubleshooting challenges https://sadservers.com/ - **LabEx** — Linux, DevOps, and cybersecurity labs https://labex.io/learn ### 🟧 Intermediate LetsDefend Modules (General Cyber / SOC / IR) - **Incident Response — Windows** https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/incident-response-windows - **Incident Response — Linux** https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/incident-response-linux - **Web Attacks 101** (Intermediate → sometimes advanced) https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/web-attacks-101 ### 🗂️ Windows / AD / Services - **AD + Linux Lab Setup Guide** Learn how to deploy SSH, NGINX, AD, and more. https://adaptable-april-ff0.notion.site/actually-doing-evan-s-lab-a44ac1a906a74b5abd0b72062454da6c ### 🏁 Competition Resources - **Plinko Horse Resources** https://plinko.horse/resources - **Cal Poly Cyber Bootcamp (They do this every summer for free)** https://cysec.team/bootcamps/2025/meeting-1/ [Cal Poly Swift Discord](https://discord.com/invite/cal-poly-swift-185912981576482816) - **Securing a Linux Server (Sourque)** High-quality guide on SSH hardening, file perms, firewalling, auditing, and more. [https://sourque.com/blog/securing-a-linux-server/#toc_13](https://sourque.com/blog/securing-a-linux-server/#toc_13 "https://sourque.com/blog/securing-a-linux-server/#toc_13") ### 📚 General Cyber Learning - **O’Reilly Learning Library** Courses for Sec+, CCNA, RHCSA, and more (*Free access for FAU Students*). https://learning.oreilly.com/home/ - **Free Security+/CISSP/Pentest +/CYSA/Python Practice Quizzes** https://secquizmaster.pythonanywhere.com/ ### ☁️ Cloud Training - Free Cloud training platform that covers Terraform, Kubernetes, and CI/CD: https://ca-ltc-api-dev.whiteocean-ee25ad60.centralus.azurecontainerapps.io/ https://youtu.be/2cMkpLoKUj0 (Cybersecurity Cloud Homelab using Terraform, Splunk, Nessus) ### 🔐 Cryptography - **Intro to Cryptography Document** https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZMPkTr0VUheMkFEWWmsVwzoTw4zdtoizqsmB2woDAs0/edit?usp=sharing --- <pre> </pre> # 🧠 Confident (Advanced / Competition Ready) For students ready to specialize in exploitation, web security, blue team, or lab automation. ### ⚙️ Exploit Development & Advanced Linux - **pwn.college — Full Platform** Linux, exploitation, CTF prep, and advanced training. https://pwn.college/ ### 🌐 Web Security - **PortSwigger Web Security Academy** Industry‑leading web exploitation training. https://portswigger.net/web-security - **Web Exploitation YouTube Playlist** https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnLaWkc9xRitBGPK5CcyoWCcPCeTYoqw ### 🛡️ Blue/Red Team Platforms - **Hack The Box** (Intermediate → Advanced labs) https://hackthebox.com/ ### 🧱 Advanced Practice Environments - **WRCCDC Proxmox Server Setup (Club Documentation)** [Documentation on how i set up my proxmox server and how to set up your own practice environment.](https://github.com/caol777/Club-proxmox-server) [Archived environments from past competitions.](https://archive.wrccdc.org/images/2026/) ### 🤖 Automation & Infrastructure - **Ludus Cloud** — Automates AD/blue team labs with Ansible https://docs.ludus.cloud/ ### 🧰 Competition / Hardening Scripts - **CCDC Scripts (Club GitHub Repo)** https://github.com/caol777/CCDC-scripts/tree/main ### 🎓 Advanced Technical Content - **DefSecClub (Dakota State University)** Deep‑dive Linux/Windows security and competition prep. https://www.youtube.com/@DefSecClub - **DFIR Cheat Sheet (Advanced Scripting, Forensics, Triage)** https://www.jaiminton.com/cheatsheet/DFIR/ ### 🟥 Advanced Knowledge (Windows Forensics) - **Windows Forensics (LetsDefend Advanced Module)** [https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/windows-forensics](https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/windows-forensics "https://app.letsdefend.io/training/lessons/windows-forensics") --- <pre> </pre> # 🎥 YouTube Learning Resources (All Levels) A curated list of highly recommended YouTube channels that teach cybersecurity, IT, DevOps, malware analysis, low‑level programming, and government technology career pathways. --- ### 🏛️ Government / Public Sector IT & Cyber - **Symone B** Gov‑tech YouTuber who explains how to enter government roles in IT, cybersecurity, and federal contracting. Great for students seeking public‑sector cyber careers. https://www.youtube.com/@symonebeez/videos --- ### 🚀 DevOps, Cloud, Containers, & Automation - **TechWorld With Nana** One of the best DevOps creators with beginner‑friendly and visual explanations of Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD, GitOps, and more. Courses include: *Kubernetes*, *Docker*, *Python Zero to Hero*, and more. https://www.youtube.com/@TechWorldwithNana Python Zero to Hero: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8pPdKYpowI --- ### 📚 Certification Training (CompTIA A+ / Net+ / Sec+) - **Professor Messer** The gold standard for free CompTIA training videos. Use his playlists with practice quizzes to help prepare for the A+, Network+, and Security+ exams. https://www.youtube.com/@professormesser --- ### 🧠 Low‑Level Programming & Software Security - **Low Level TV** Deep dives into low‑level systems, embedded security, memory safety, firmware hacking, and reverse engineering concepts. Amazing for developing a strong technical foundation. https://www.youtube.com/@LowLevelTV --- ### 🔥 Practical Cybersecurity, CTFs, Malware & Tools - **John Hammond** One of the most respected cybersecurity creators. Covers CTF walkthroughs, TryHackMe rooms, Hack The Box, malware analysis, PowerShell, AD, Bash, Python, and real-world cyber concepts. Excellent for beginners and intermediate learners. https://www.youtube.com/@_JohnHammond - **Eric Parker** Specializes in reverse engineering and malware analysis. Great for blue‑teamers and those exploring malware internals and RE tooling. https://www.youtube.com/@EricParker --- ### 🌐 General IT, Cyber, Networking, and Career Advice - **NetworkChuck** Massive channel covering IT careers, networking, Linux basics, cybersecurity, cloud, Python, and more — highly energetic and beginner‑friendly. https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkChuck/videos ### 🗡️ Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking - **Tyler Ramsbey** Amazing penetration testing content, including hands-on demos, custom labs, and walkthroughs. https://www.youtube.com/@TylerRamsbey/videos - **GnarCoding** A funny and engaging ethical hacking creator who makes complex topics enjoyable and accessible. Great for beginners. https://www.youtube.com/@GnarCoding