Thanks, that's really helpful. I'll keep checking this thread regularly for more links and suggested reading 

I had a quick look at some practice questions for A+ and Network+ and a lot of the questions coming up were things I'd feel reasonably comfortable learning about. There were quite a few gaps (mostly more technical 'remembering' items like number of pins on a serial and similar stuff) but I think I'm going to give them a shot just based from books.

From what I've seen so far as well the Sec+ one is going to be tougher without experience, as there are questions about the process of going about a security audit as well as the more technical stuff.

Got to say I'm quite excited about this new step. Computers have always fascinated me, particularly the security side, and I can't wait to turn this enthusiasm into a career.

I think I'm going to like it here

Some handy links there Blackazarro, thanks.

Have any of you tried taking the Sec+ (or Net+) without the recommended amount of experience (2 years and 9 months respectively)? I'm struggling to find a way into the industry without qualifications (and hence can't get the experience to get the qualifications  ) and so I'm wondering how tough it would be to do A+ and Sec+ straight from the books.

Cheers

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forums, but this seems a great place to get information. Most of what I've found here regarding careers and certification is US based, and I could use some advice on what is available in the UK.

I'm a recent graduate (with a 1st class Masters of mathematics) and for a while I've been interested in security, particularly ethical hacking and forensics. However the problem I'm having is that most job opportunities either want people with industry experience, or a relevant qualification (like an MSc in computer security). Most of the qualifications I've found, like CISSPA and other MSc's require you to have experience anyway.

My question is, is there any way to get into computer security without experience? Is it possible to get work as a trainee (with leave to study an MSc) since at about £15k for a course, even with a career development loan of £8k it's still a stretch.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.