Hey there, folks! Today, I want to take you back to my experience with the BTL1 course from Security Blue Team that I purchased back in August 2022. I spent a whole month diving into this course, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer for beginners like me. If you’re just starting out in the cybersecurity world, you’re in for a treat!
First things first, let’s talk about the practical aspect of this course. As a newbie, I know how crucial it is to get hands-on experience. Well, the BTL1 course delivered just that! It wasn’t just about learning theory and concepts; it provided real-world exercises to put my knowledge into action. I can’t stress enough how valuable it is to actually apply what you’re learning in a practical setting.
Now, let’s compare this course to some other certifications out there. I’ve dabbled with Security+ and CySA+, and while they have their merits, the BTL1 course stands out from the crowd. Why? Because of its emphasis on hands-on labs. Let’s face it, setting up your own home lab can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. But fear not! This course has got you covered.
When I took the BTL1 course, it offered a whopping 18 built-in labs that I could access directly from my browser. Talk about convenience! These labs covered a wide range of topics, including Splunk, phishing email analysis, Wireshark, digital forensics using Autopsy, attachment analysis, Windows investigations using event logs and Sysmon, PowerShell usage, the MISP threat sharing platform, and even memory forensics using Volatility. It was like having a playground of hands-on learning opportunities!
Now, here’s the thing: I’m typically a visual learner, but even though this course primarily involved reading documentation, it still managed to capture my attention. The explanations were clear, concise, and easy to follow. I found myself taking notes on my trusty CherryTree note-taking app without any difficulty. It’s a testament to the course’s effective delivery of information.
Now, let’s talk about the exam. Brace yourself, because it wasn’t a walk in the park. I took the exam before even starting my first cybersecurity role, and boy, was it a challenge. It took me around 12 to 13 hours to complete, and I had to take multiple breaks to keep my sanity intact. But guess what? I’m proud to say that I passed it on my first attempt in September 2022! To prepare for the exam, I even practiced with Splunk labs from TryHackMe, which proved to be an excellent complement to the course content.
But here’s the thing you need to know. As of now, in 2023, the BTL1 certificate is still not widely recognized. It’s not as well-known as some of the entry-level certs from CompTIA. And I get it, that can be a concern, especially if you’re on a tight budget like I was when I was working part-time in a retail shop. Every penny counts, right?
However, let me make this crystal clear: the BTL1 course from Security Blue Team is an absolute gem for beginners in the cybersecurity field. The hands-on labs, practical exercises, and comprehensive coverage of essential topics make it stand out. While it may not have the same level of recognition as some other certifications, the knowledge and skills you gain from this course are invaluable.
So, if you’re starting your cybersecurity journey and want a course that truly prepares you with hands-on experience, I wholeheartedly recommend the BTL1 course. Trust me, it’s worth every penny. Even though it may not be as well-known in the industry just yet, the skills you acquire will set you up for success. Invest in yourself, your skills, and your future with the BTL1 course from Security Blue Team. You won’t regret it!