I moved to Bellevue, Wa which is right next to Seattle. Are there any groups that meet in the area?

ohtechwiz

What area are you looking in?

My desktop is XP. My laptop triple boots XP, Ubuntu 8.04 & Backtrack 3. Over the last nine months I have really started to prefer linux. However, windows is a necessity to stay employed and work with the rest of the world.

Counter Hack Reloaded is an excellent resource. It was used as the text book for my first network security class. I took it with me to my first cyber defense competition and referenced it regularly.

Thanks, that was what I was thinking, I am going to go for the Comptia certs first and I will be finishing my bachelor's part time. I can get through A+, Network+, & Server+ with a little cramming. Security+ needs a little more study. I am also prepped for an MCSA and CCNA. Right now my main focus is getting back to work so I can stop eating mac & cheese for a while. 

Thanks, I am downloading now. 

Thanks for the warm welcome. I am sure I have a lot to learn. I am definately following the Comptia line of certs first. I am also going for CCNA & MCSE since I am just finishing a CCNA series of classes. I am currently learning about IDS, Proxy, Firewall combo at home. I am pretty sure I can accomplish this with one Ubuntu box but if anyone has suggestions ...

ohtechwiz

I have over 15 years in IT doing everything from PC repair to server & network design/implementation. I am eager to get my feet wet in the security field preferably in the Seattle area. I just finished my 2 year degree in computer information systems and am testing for numerous certifications. Any suggestions on which certifications are best would be welcome.

ohtechwiz

Hello world ... I have been in IT for about 15 years and went back to school last fall. I am due to graduate in a month and found security has a much larger influence than it did 10 years ago. After leading my schools collegiate cyberdefense team a few weeks ago I decided that a career in the security field is the way to go. It was recommended I get involved in the community online so here I am. I am about an hour and a half north of Seattle and am eager to find groups that meet and to get involved. If anyone has any suggestions for groups to get involved with or volunteer opportunities, I would love to hear about them. Of course, I am currently looking for employment in the IT field and will be checking the job postings regularly. I am finding a lot of helpful info on this forum and look forward to getting to know the members here.

ohtechwiz