hack3rs.ca network-security
/srv/hack3rs.ca :: white-hat-learning-hub

analyst@hack3rs:~$ cat index.html

White-hat network security learning resource focused on real-world threats, defensive tooling, and practical response workflows.

analyst@hack3rs:~$ cat scope.txt

White-hat content focused on attack vectors, defenses, tools, and learning paths.

focus

Network defense, visibility, hardening, and incident response education.

audience

Blue team learners, sysadmins, SOC analysts, and security-minded operators.

approach

Threat-informed, framework-aligned, and tool-practical (not hype-driven).

Network Security Threats and Defensive Priorities

evergreen

This homepage is designed as a learning resource, not just a portfolio splash page. It summarizes durable attack vectors, practical defenses, and hands-on tool guidance using a white-hat, operations-first perspective.

learning-navigation.txt

This site keeps learning navigation simple: pick a path, follow the modules, and continue manually where you left off.

open /learning Core curriculum modules (foundations to response improvement) open /learning/tools/paths Guided tool tracks by role (Network Ops, Wireless, Web App, AD/Windows)

recommended-next-links

threat-signals.log

why-this-matters.txt

The highest-value improvement for most teams is not buying more tools first. It is improving prioritization: asset inventory, identity hardening, visibility, KEV-driven patching, and practiced response.

Framework anchor: NIST CSF (Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover)
Threat model anchor: MITRE ATT&CK for enterprise + network devices + cloud platforms
open /threats Detailed pages for the four main attack vectors listed on the homepage

learning-paths.md

If you want a white-hat, practical route into network security, use this sequence. It is designed to build competence in traffic interpretation and defensive operations before jumping to advanced tooling.

Foundations (Weeks 1-2)

Detection & Monitoring (Weeks 3-6)

Vulnerability & Exposure (Weeks 7-8)

Response & Improvement (Weeks 9-10)

defender-toolkit-index.json

These are foundational network security tools and references worth learning well. The goal is to understand what each tool is best at, where it fits in a workflow, and what output it produces.

defender-starter-checklist.sh

# Inventory internet-facing assets, remote access systems, and network devices.
# Turn on MFA for remote/admin access and review inactive accounts.
# Centralize firewall, VPN, IDS/IPS, DNS, and auth logs.
# Patch internet-facing KEV-listed vulnerabilities first, then high-risk exposures.
# Baseline alerting for auth anomalies, DNS spikes, scanning, and exfil patterns.
# Drill one ransomware and one DDoS response scenario each quarter.

frameworks-and-feeds

open /learning/frameworks Detailed framework training pages with examples, workflows, and CLI boxes
Status: learning hub index online
Content mode: white-hat / educational

global-security-conferences-calendar.md

Widely recognized cybersecurity conferences and hacker gatherings by the month they are normally held. Exact dates change year-to-year, so use the linked official sites before booking travel.

Month labels reflect recurring conference timing patterns. Always confirm exact dates on the official site before travel.

open /security-conferences Browse the full conference calendar by recurring month and region

network-security-faq.schema

FAQs below are also published as structured data (`FAQPage`) to improve search visibility and make the homepage more useful as a learning entry point.

open /network-security-faq Detailed beginner FAQ on careers, schools, skills, labs, ethics, and getting started in network security

What should I learn first in network security?

Start with networking fundamentals, then packet analysis (Wireshark), discovery and validation (Nmap), and network telemetry/detection (Zeek + Suricata). Add vulnerability management and incident response after you can explain what logs and packets actually mean.

How do I prioritize vulnerabilities?

Prioritize exploited vulnerabilities first (especially internet-facing systems) using CISA KEV as an input, then rank the rest by asset criticality, exploitability, and business impact. Severity score alone is not enough.

Do I need both Zeek and Suricata?

Often yes. Zeek gives rich network telemetry and protocol logs for investigations; Suricata provides IDS/IPS-style detections and packet inspection. They complement each other in a mature monitoring stack.

Which framework should guide a small team?

Start operationally with CISA CPGs, structure your program with NIST CSF 2.0, and improve detections with MITRE ATT&CK mappings. That combination is practical and scalable.

learning-resources.lst

Evergreen references for frameworks, tooling, and conference calendars. This section avoids time-bound report summaries so the homepage stays useful even when content updates are less frequent.

canada-government-cyber-careers.lst

Canadian government cyber and network-security career starting points, with official links. This is a practical learner-facing guide focused on organizations with named cyber pathways and core federal cyber missions.

Note: Public Safety Canada notes that nearly all federal departments have a need for cyber security professionals. Teams, mandates, and hiring pages can change, so always verify on the official site and GC Jobs.

open /cyber-careers Browse Canadian federal agencies, cyber mission areas, and official careers links

network-security-certifications.lst

Network security certifications can help structure your learning and communicate baseline knowledge to employers, but they work best when paired with hands-on labs, packet analysis, logging practice, and documented troubleshooting.

Use certifications as a training roadmap, not a substitute for skill. Focus on fundamentals first, then defensive operations, and choose certs that match the role you want (network ops, SOC, IR, cloud, or governance).

open /netsec-certifications See recommended cert order, timelines, and detailed learning guidance for each certification
open /blog Next step: publish beginner guides, tool walkthroughs, and threat explainers open /about Add your mission, background, and trust signals for white-hat credibility