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Hi, I'm currently in the network security field part time. Pretty decent with networking and vulnerability assessments etc (sans certified, ccna pursuing ccnp)..
My question is:
How long does it take to get comfortable with C? I want to get to the point where I can code my own security tools, do code review for vulnerabilities etc.... I am very dedicated and when studying for my cisco certs, put in about 4-6 hrs a day after work. Even on weekends.
Also, I'm assuming starting with C is correct?
>How long does it take to get comfortable with C?
It varies with each programmer. I was comfortable with C after a few months, but I didn't really know as much as I thought. ;)
>I want to get to the point where I can code my own security tools, do code review for vulnerabilities etc....
You're looking at systems level programming. That means being intimate with at least C and assembly, and probably a half-dozen other programming/scripting languages. You need to be very familiar with the API of the operating systems you'll be working with and how everything relates to security. You need to learn all of the possible ways code can be vulnerable and be able to spot them in a large number of guises. For network security, you'll be working with multiple platforms including Unix, Linux, Windows and Mac in their multitude of incarnations, so I would estimate at least a few years before you're comfortable with everything you want to do.
>Also, I'm assuming starting with C is correct?
As long as it's only a starting point, yes. ;) You'll need to learn a great deal more than just the core language.
Thanks for the quick response Prelude.
This sounds like a little kid asking, but I'm 24 now. I'm familiar with the very very basic programming stuff (eof's, gosubs, loops etc). Mostly from qbasic class (lmao).
My goal is to be writing my own security tools when I'm 27, or 28. Is this a feasible goal? I've spent a great majority of my time studying networking (analyzing traffic). I am just trying to make myself more rounded.
Thanks again
>My goal is to be writing my own security tools when I'm 27, or 28. Is this a feasible goal?
Yes, it is.
thanks man
fixed... ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by rtunez33
heh. woops :D