Phase 1: The Bedrock (Days 1–20)

Phase 1: The Bedrock (Days 1–20)

Goal: Understand how data moves before you learn how to steal/protect it.

Day 1–7: Networking Fundamentals

Topics: OSI Model, TCP/IP, DNS, IP Addressing (IPv4/v6), Subnetting.

Video Link: NetworkChuck’s Free CCNA Course

Practical Practice: Download Cisco Packet Tracer and build a network with two PCs and a Switch.

Day 8–15: Linux Mastery

Topics: Command line basics, file permissions, SSH, package management.

Resource: Linux Journey (Best for scratch learning).

Practical Practice: Play OverTheWire: Bandit. It’s a game where you "hack" levels using Linux commands.

Day 16–20: Security Basics

Topics: CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability), Hashing vs. Encryption.

Video Link: Professor Messer’s Security+ Course