Review of TryHackMe Cyber Security Training

As a person engaged in online safety study and teaching, both as a learner and teacher, I have had the chance to look into different websites meant for growing online safety skills. Among these, TryHackMe (THM) shines as one of the top. It gives a good mix of learning stuff, hands-on work, and a supportive community. Having spent many hours on this site, I can surely say that THM is great for anyone wanting to grow or boost their online safety knowledge.

Overview of TryHackMe

With more than 1.7 million users, TryHackMe has made a name for itself in the cybersecurity learning field. The site is made to help a wide range of people, from total novices to skilled experts. Whether you’re just beginning with cyber safety or want to improve your red and blue team skills, TryHackMe has something useful to give.

A key part of the platform is its clear way of learning, which is split into paths. These paths help users go step by step in a certain area of cybersecurity, making it simpler for learners to focus on what they like best. From Introduction to Cyber Security to special paths like Junior Penetration Testers or SOC Analyst, there are many kinds of content to explore!

Learning Paths: A Structured Approach to Mastery

The learning paths on TryHackMe are very well-organized. Each path is split into sections, which are then split into spaces and, at last, single jobs. This fine setup makes sure that students move ahead in a logical and structured manner.

Starter Learning Paths:

If you’re new to online safety, THM gives easy paths like Introduction to Cyber Security, which covers the main skills needed for a job in online safety. The Complete Beginner path also shows basic skills in web app safety, network safety, and Linux fundamentals.

Intermediate to Advanced Learning Paths:

For more skilled learners, there are paths like SOC Level 1 and SOC Level 2, made for those wanting to work as Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts. The Junior Penetration Tester path looks at ethical hacking, including enumeration, vulnerability exploitation, and post-exploitation skills. More advanced paths like Red Teaming go deep into offensive security, simulating real-world attacks that require a strategic mindset.

These structured learning paths help build a solid foundation for learners and help them move smoothly from one subject to another. You can see the available paths in the screenshot below, which shows many courses covering subjects from pre-security to advanced penetration testing.

For a clear grasp of the SOC Analyst paths, check out this SOC Level 1 Learning Path.

Hands-On Training and Practical Skills

A key strength of TryHackMe is its focus on hands-on training. In cybersecurity, just knowing the theory is not enough. THM’s practical tasks let users apply what they’ve learned in real-world situations. The site works with OpenVPN, letting users start jobs and challenges from their virtual machines like Kali Linux or ParrotOS. This setup mimics real job environments, ensuring that learners gain practical skills that they can apply directly in the field.

CTF (Capture The Flag) tasks are crucial in the learning paths. These tasks vary in difficulty, from simple tasks for new learners to complex scenarios that require in-depth knowledge of hacking tools, methods, and techniques. For instance, the Jr Penetration Tester path includes CTF tasks that simulate penetration testing activities like vulnerability exploitation, lateral movement, and post-exploitation techniques.

The Advent of Cyber, a holiday event, is another fun yearly challenge. It enhances engagement to the learning process, testing your skills in new and creative ways. You can look at the Advent of Cyber 2022 for more info on this event.

Learning for Everyone: Beginner to Expert

A notable feature of TryHackMe is how easy it is for learners at any level.

For Newbies:

Absolute beginners can begin with courses like Pre-Security, which covers basic concepts like networking and Linux. Even without any prior knowledge, you can start building your skills in a structured manner.

For Professionals:

advanced practitioners can dive into more challenging paths like Red Teaming, which provides hands-on exercises related to offensive security, including exploit development and evasion tactics.

Courses like Security Engineer and SOC Level 2 also prepare learners for specialized roles in the industry. These paths incorporate practical skills such as threat hunting, incident response, and malware analysis.

Regularly Updated Content

Another great feature of TryHackMe is how it maintains currency with the latest trends and threats in cybersecurity. New content is regularly added to ensure that users are learning about the most relevant tools, techniques, and procedures in the industry. For example, the Attacking and Defending AWS module is designed for those interested in cloud security, covering topics like enumerating IAM users, compromising EC2 instances, and using Lambda Authorizers.

Regular updates and new challenges keep the learning process engaging and ensure that learners are prepared to face modern cybersecurity threats. The platform also features DevSecOps, combining development and security practices for those interested in software security.

Community and Social Learning

One of the more exciting aspects of TryHackMe is its active community. Users can engage with one another, ask questions, and share insights about challenges or tasks they’re working on. This sense of community is invaluable, especially when tackling more difficult challenges or when you’re stuck on a particular task.

Additionally, TryHackMe’s platform makes collaboration easy by allowing users to add each other as friends, forming study groups or even creating challenges for one another. I found it incredibly helpful to join a few discussions and collaborate with peers when I first started.

You can also join the broader cybersecurity community by checking out the platform’s leaderboards, forums, and social media spaces. TryHackMe emphasizes the importance of peer learning, enhancing the learning experience through a social setting.

Conclusion: Is TryHackMe Worth It?

In summary, TryHackMe stands out as one of the leading platforms for learning and practicing cybersecurity skills.

Its blend of hands-on practice, structured learning paths, and regular content updates make it suitable for learners at all levels. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned professional, TryHackMe has something valuable to offer.

From tackling CTF challenges to learning about SOC operations, this platform offers a comprehensive and enjoyable way to level up your cybersecurity skills. Plus, the community aspect ensures that learning never becomes a lonely or overwhelming task.

For anyone interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity or simply improving their knowledge in the field, TryHackMe is an excellent place to start and grow.