⚔️ Blades of Glass

0.0 Combined Software Engineering and Cybersecurity Curriculum

5 min read

A curriculum designed by Claude 3.5 and refined by GPT o4. I’m calling this path cybermancy because it commands a competence over the digital realm. Here is where I learn to make everything out of nothing; mere characters on a screen.

Stage 1: Foundations

Software Engineering

  1. Python Programming Basics

Cybersecurity

  1. Networking Fundamentals
    • Resources:
      • 🎥 Course: Cisco Networking Academy’s Introduction to Networks (free enrollment)
      • 📘 Book: Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach by Kurose and Ross
    • Projects:
      • Set up a home network with multiple devices.
      • Configure network services like DHCP and DNS on a virtual machine.
    • Problem Sets:

Stage 2: Building Blocks

Software Engineering

  1. Web Development Basics (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)

Cybersecurity

  1. Operating Systems and Linux
    • Resources:
    • Projects:
      • Install and customize a Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora).
      • Write shell scripts to automate system tasks.
    • Problem Sets:

Stage 3: Intermediate Concepts

Software Engineering

  1. Data Structures and Algorithms
    • Resources:
    • Projects:
      • Implement common data structures (stacks, queues, linked lists, trees) in Python.
      • Create a simple pathfinding visualizer using algorithms like BFS and DFS.
    • Problem Sets:
      • LeetCode Problems (focus on data structures)
      • HackerRank’s Data Structures Challenges

Cybersecurity

  1. Security Fundamentals and Cryptography

Stage 4: Advanced Topics

Software Engineering

  1. Version Control and Collaboration
    • Resources:
      • 📘 Book: Pro Git by Scott Chacon and Ben Straub (free online)
      • 🌐 Tutorial: Atlassian’s Git Tutorials
    • Projects:
      • Contribute to open-source projects on GitHub.
      • Collaborate on a group project using Git branching strategies.
    • Problem Sets:

Cybersecurity

  1. Ethical Hacking Basics
    • Resources:
    • Projects:
      • Complete beginner-level Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges on TryHackMe and Hack The Box.
      • Set up a lab environment with vulnerable machines (use VulnHub).
    • Problem Sets:
      • Hack The Box Starting Point (introductory challenges)
      • OWASP Juice Shop (practice exploiting web vulnerabilities)

Stage 5: Specialization

Software Engineering

  1. Backend Development with Django

Cybersecurity

  1. Web Application Security
    • Resources:
    • Projects:
      • Perform a security audit on your Django applications.
      • Develop a report outlining vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies.
    • Problem Sets:
      • PortSwigger Labs Exercises
      • PentesterLab Free Exercises

Stage 6: Integration

DevSecOps

  1. Secure Software Development Lifecycle
    • Resources:
    • Projects:
      • Implement a CI/CD pipeline using Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or GitLab CI/CD.
      • Integrate security tools like SonarQube (code analysis) and OWASP ZAP (vulnerability scanning) into your pipeline.
    • Problem Sets:

Continuous Learning

Additional Recommendations

  • Cloud Computing Fundamentals:

  • Database Systems:

    • Resources:
    • Projects:
      • Integrate SQL and NoSQL databases into your web applications.
      • Practice securing databases against common attacks like SQL injection.

  • Soft Skills Development:

Time Management and Goal Setting

  • Create a Study Schedule:
    • Allocate specific hours each day or week dedicated to learning.
    • Use tools like Trello or Notion to track progress.
  • Set SMART Goals:
    • Specific: Define clear objectives for each stage.
    • Measurable: Set milestones to track progress.
    • Achievable: Ensure goals are realistic.
    • Relevant: Align tasks with your overall career aspirations.
    • Time-bound: Assign deadlines to maintain momentum.

Certifications (Optional but Beneficial)

  • Software Engineering:

    • Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE Programmer
    • Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate

  • Cybersecurity:

    • CompTIA Security+
    • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Note: Certifications can enhance your resume but focus on gaining practical experience first.

Final Thoughts

  • Practice Hands-On Learning:
    • Apply what you learn through projects and real-world applications.
  • Seek Mentorship and Feedback:
    • Connect with professionals on LinkedIn or through local meetups.
  • Adapt and Evolve:
    • Technology changes rapidly; stay curious and adaptable.

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