Learning network security is a crucial step for anyone interested in cybersecurity. Here are some of the best resources and approaches recommended by Redditors to help you build a solid foundation and advance your skills:

General Networking Fundamentals

• Jeremy's IT Lab CCNA Course: Comprehensive video course covering CCNA topics. "Jeremy's IT Lab CCNA Course. As far as video courses go, this is all you need."

• Cisco NetAcad: Great for learning networking basics. "I like the Cisco netacad course about networking"

• Professor Messer's Network+: Excellent for understanding core networking concepts. "Professor Messer Network+ for theory and clean explanations"

Key Networking Concepts for Cybersecurity

• TCP/IP Stack: Essential for understanding how networks behave. "TCP/IP stack is King."

• Subnetting: Crucial for managing IP addresses and network segments. "Im assuming the most important topic in networking is probably subnetting."

• Firewalls and Routing: Fundamental for securing network traffic. "It helps a lot to understand what a firewall does and what a decent Firewall rule looks like."

Practical Tools and Labs

• Cisco Packet Tracer: For hands-on practice with network simulations. "Cisco Packet Tracer for hands on"

• Wireshark and tcpdump: For network traffic analysis. "Wireshark and tcpdump as early as possible"

• GNS3: For emulating complex network environments. "emulate networks using a product called GNS3"

Advanced Network Security Resources

• PortSwigger Academy: Best for web application hacking. "portswigger academy is the single best resource for web app hacking learning."

• DEF CON Documentation: For in-depth security insights. "DEF CON documentation/media server"

• Hacking: The Art of Exploitation: A must-read for understanding exploitation techniques. "Hacking: The Art of Exploitation (2nd Ed) by Jon Erickson"

Additional Recommendations

• Darknet Diaries: Informative podcast on cybersecurity stories. "Darknet Diaries is great and well worth a listen"

• ThreatPost and SANS Newsletters: For staying updated on cybersecurity trends. "ThreatPost and Darknet Diaries podcasts are some of my favorites."

• Practical Ethical Hacking Course on Udemy: Comprehensive course covering various hacking techniques. "Heath Adams' course on Practical Ethical Hacking on Udemy extremely helpful."

Subreddits for Further Learning

• r/netsecstudents

• r/Cybersecurity101

• r/SecurityCareerAdvice

These resources and communities should provide a solid foundation and continuous learning opportunities in network security. Good luck on your cybersecurity journey!