Author: Chris Sanders

Completed: June , 2025
Summary: A hands-on guide to analyzing network traffic using Wireshark and other tools. Covers TCP/IP basics, packet structure, and real-world analysis.
My Insights:

• Some material is slightly outdated, but still relevant.
  
  

• Missing/incomplete example files hindered a few exercises.
  
  

• Gained stronger understanding of packet behavior and protocol flow.
  
  

• Improved comfort and efficiency with Wireshark.
  
  

• Discovered new tools and methodologies for traffic analysis.
  
  

• A strong foundational resource for SOC and network-related roles.

Author: Ben Piper

Completed: May, 2025
Summary: A beginner-friendly guide to AWS fundamentals including services, security, pricing, and architecture best practices.
My Insights:

• Gained foundational knowledge of cloud computing and AWS core services.
  
  

• Understood shared responsibility model and cloud security principles.
  
  

• Clarified AWS billing and support tiers.
  
  

• Helpful for understanding cloud architecture in modern security contexts.
  
  

• Sparked interest in pursuing deeper AWS certifications later.

Author: Todd Lammle

Completed: March, 2025
Summary: Comprehensive exam prep covering networking basics, protocols, devices, troubleshooting, and security.
My Insights:

• Reinforced core networking concepts like IP addressing, routing, and switching.
  
  

• Helped me build a solid mental map of OSI model layers.
  
  

• Learned practical skills for configuring network devices and solving connectivity issues.
  
  

• Gained confidence in interpreting network diagrams and terminology.
  
  

• Useful foundational knowledge for SOC, sysadmin, or help desk roles.

Author: Mike Chapple, David Seidl

Completed: November, 2024
Summary: Covers a broad range of cybersecurity fundamentals aligned with the Security+ exam objectives.
My Insights:

• Strengthened knowledge of risk management, access control, and cryptography.
  
  

• Learned practical security best practices across various domains.
  
  

• Helped identify gaps in my knowledge for real-world application.
  
  

• Gave a great overview of security principles relevant to SOC roles.
  
  

• Good entry-level reference for building a security-focused mindset.

Author: Quentin Docter

Completed: October , 2024
Summary: Detailed guide for aspiring IT professionals covering hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting, and more.
My Insights:

• Refreshed foundational IT skills including hardware, OS, and software troubleshooting.
  
  

• Improved my understanding of endpoint setup and maintenance.
  
  

• Helpful for hands-on technical support roles and system triage.
  
  

• Filled in basic gaps in IT knowledge that are often assumed.
  
  

• Gave a broader perspective of what IT support roles deal with daily.

Authors: Phillip L. Wylie & Kim Crawley

Completed:  2021
Summary: A roadmap for becoming a professional penetration tester, offering guidance on skills, certifications, and mindset.
My Insights:

• Motivated me to focus more intentionally on lab work and CTFs.
  
  
  

Author: Vickie Li

Completed: 2021
Summary: Practical introduction to ethical hacking and web application security through bug bounty programs.
My Insights:

• Clarified how to find, report, and exploit common web vulnerabilities.
  
  

• Improved my knowledge of recon, XSS, SSRF, IDOR, and more.
  
  

• Gained appreciation for responsible disclosure and communication.
  
  

• Strengthened hands-on skills with Burp Suite and manual testing.
  
  

• Encouraged me to explore real-world testing outside labs.