As a tech pro, you could have thought about being a security specialist. But what does it take to become one? What qualifications and time investment are necessary to become a security consultant, and is the salary worth it? And is the salary worth your time and...
CISSP Is Not For Beginners: Other Options for Cybersecurity Newcomers
I first talked to a cybersecurity professional about CISSP certification in 2017 when I was writing an article about the Veterans Base Camp Training Center in Chaplin, CT for Neighbors Paper. That discussion ultimately led me to explore a new chapter for me in...
How to Build a Home Lab
There are many questions when future network engineers consider a home lab for: What software should I use? What components will be enough? How can I make sure I get the best equipment for my budget, and ensure I won’t be limited as I advance in my learning? Whether...
What is Cybersecurity?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpckPJJIzGk Why Does it Matter? It's the practice of protecting systems, networks, programs, and data from malicious attacks. We're going to cover a lot of topics. We'll start off with, why does security matter in the first place and...
Best Security Certifications to Get Started in Cyber Security
Entry level security certifications are essential to information security professionals who want to be considered for positions in Cyber Security. Determining which certification is best for you can depend on several different variables. Of those, one may consider...
What is Virtualization?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8A9PHeyRrY Let's say you need to run a computer but you have multiple operating systems. How is it that you can make this possible. In order to do this, you need virtualization We’ll be discussing some basics about virtualization, the...
Intrusion Detection and Intrusion Prevention Systems
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gHMkEKGwBM&t=92s Intrusion Detection System (IDS) From the picture above, I'm sure you can kind of get an idea of what we’re about to talk about - some really cool security devices. We have multiple layers of security and we...
Explained: Routers, Packets, Switches and Frames
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhlMLRNY5-4 Understanding How Data Travels Let’s look at a really cool example here. I actually love this and if I had this information at this kind of explanation a long time ago, my mind would have been blown because it would have...
What is ARP? Address Resolution Protocol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTWa2Pqlgp0 Welcome to the ARP lesson where we get to discuss a nifty little protocol that helps us to discover what the MAC address is of different computers on the network. Like this diagram kind of entails, we can think of it like...
Is the CCNA Equivalent to a Degree?
Both the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification and a Bachelor’s degree in computer networking, computer science, or a similar field can be great foundations for a career in networking. They signal to recruiters that you have relevant knowledge and...
What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Network Engineer?
Who is a Network Engineer? Before exploring the qualifications required to become a Network Engineer, who exactly is a Network Engineer? In today’s digital transformation era, network engineering is considered a top-ranking skill-set needed to facilitate business...
Is CCNA Enough to Get a Good Job?
As an entry-level IT job seeker, you might wonder whether CCNA would be enough to acquire a good job and how to prepare for CCNA. Let us discuss the CCNA certification before going deeper into its benefits. Since its inception in 1998, it is estimated that Cisco...
On the Inside – Cisco 2811 Router
This is going to be an exciting blog guys. We're going to take apart the Cisco 2800 series generation one router and look at all the internal components. Let's dive in, so this is a Cisco 2800, a 2811, to be exact. This is a slightly older router; I believe Cisco...
Best Network Certifications and Awards to Get Started In IT | NexGenT
Networking is arguably one of the most important (If not THE most important) aspects of IT. Networking is at its core is communication. Communicating between networks allows humans to connect, collaborate and share information. Without networking, you would not be...
The Top Features of a Network Switch | NexGenT
Before we get started, I need to preface with a little bit of information. There’re many different features of switches, so many that we can never go through them in one short blog. Switches are very robust. Depending on the switch you buy, it may support a certain...
What is a wireless access point? | NexGenT
If you're new to IT you might be wondering what is a wireless access point? Maybe you've heard of it. Maybe you haven't until now. Either way, I can bet you have more than likely used one before even without knowing it! Have you ever been on the internet? Do you have...
How to find IT volunteer opportunities to gain hands on experience
One of the most difficult obstacles to overcome while getting into the IT field is landing a job with little to no experience. Frequently job seekers are frustrated to see job postings where hands on experience is a requirement. In this article we will explore ways...
Best Entry Level IT Jobs Without a Degree
Introduction One of the biggest myths about IT is you need a degree to land a job. If not having a degree has held you back from pursuing a career in technology, you should know that most IT positions simply require proof that you can do the job, through...
Taking the Cisco CCNA From Home, Trick Questions, & How to Prepare
The Cisco CCNA remains one of the top entry-level certifications used to launch careers in IT and Networking. Due to Covid-19, the testing environment of the CCNA has changed dramatically, and it is now easier than ever before to sit for your CCNA Exam. What exactly...
7 Ways to Stay Motivated During An Online Course
The first few weeks going through an online course can feel powerful. You have decided to invest in your future, you’re excited about the curriculum, and you are ready to soak in all the new knowledge that you can apply to take your next step in your career. Then,...
Stuck at the Help Desk? These 5 Aspiring IT Engineers Cracked the Code
You know the routine. The waning hours of the day, checking off support tickets, babysitting laptops, and working through the grey hued workday with a dispassionate weight on your chest. Your stepping stone into the industry has felt far to much like a landing stone...
The IT Training and Experience you didn’t know you needed [CCNA & FSNA]
New: Real-World & Skills-Based IT Certifications So you want to know what IT certification you should be spending your valuable time on. Let’s lay out some reasons why you want to get certified in the first place. To make yourself competitive so you...
Features of the New Cisco CCNA 200-301
A closer look at the differences between the old and new CCNA plus CCNA 200-301 specifics As we all know, several changes are coming to the CCNA as of February 24, 2020. Although CCNA certification has been standard for many years, the exams keep changing to keep up...
Online Cybersecurity Training [Your NEED TO KNOW Fundamentals]
Understanding fundamentals is a key part of becoming a skilled Cybersecurity engineer. Our program will teach you how to think like a hacker and help defend against attacks with practical real-world skills you’ll need for the job. In this blog, we'll give you an...
The Growing Gap between Education & Employment
It’s a tired trope to cite the percentage of English majors that are working as a Starbucks barista, but the point is well taken. With 44% of recent college graduates working a job that doesn’t require a degree, higher education must be missing something. And while...