Hacking is all Fun and Games

01/31/2005

Computer security training company Learn Security Online teaches computer security with hacking games, and several other interactive training methods. "We try to use as many interactive training methods as we can. We always focus on getting the student to really see what hacking is, and honestly games are just a great way for students to get the repetition that they need to be good at it," says company CEO Joe McCray. Good hackers are strong in several operating systems such as Unix, Linux, and Windows, they can program in several different programming languages, and they understand advanced computer networking. Joe McCray says this is what makes stopping hackers so difficult.

The simple fact is they can do nearly anything in computing because they understand how everything works together."We use games, and hacking challenges to teach these subjects. It simplifies the subjects and allows the students to get the repetition the repetition they need without the boredom that usually comes with learning this type of material. We use live servers that have been modified to allow students to perform security exploits (hacks) to progress through the levels of the game as a means of learning security in a safe and legal environment.It's also a great way to prepare for industry standard security certifications such as the Comptia Security+, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). The site offers a lot, and there is a lot more to come. The obvious focus is hands-on hacking, but it's done in a very professional way." - Joe McCrayLearn Security Online offers both self-paced and instructor-led online courses.

In contrast to other training companies that offer one-day to one-week classroom courses Learn Security Online courses are four and six weeks long with much more lab time than other training companies. Joe McCray says this training model allows Learn Security Online members to get a deeper level of understanding with much more hands-on experience.