Ask HN: Any tips for a programmer wanting to switch into security?

📰 Hacker News · Murgen_

A programmer can transition into security by leveraging their existing skills and experience, and Penetration Testing is a viable entry point with certifications like OSCP

intermediate Published 7 Feb 2021
Action Steps
  1. Explore security certifications like OSCP and CompTIA Security+ to enhance your knowledge and credentials
  2. Build a home lab to practice penetration testing and security techniques using tools like Kali Linux and VirtualBox
  3. Configure and test network security devices such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems
  4. Apply security principles to your current programming projects to gain practical experience
  5. Compare different security frameworks and standards like NIST and ISO 27001 to understand industry best practices
Who Needs to Know This

A programmer looking to switch into security can benefit from understanding the security aspects of their current role, and a security team can benefit from having a member with programming experience

Key Insight

💡 Penetration Testing is a viable entry point into the security field, and certifications like OSCP can be beneficial

Share This
💡 Transitioning into security? Leverage your programming skills and explore certifications like OSCP! #security #careertransition

Key Takeaways

A programmer can transition into security by leveraging their existing skills and experience, and Penetration Testing is a viable entry point with certifications like OSCP

Full Article

I've got ~5 years experience as a business app developer with some networking / DevOps experience in there as well. The more I learn about the networking side the more interested I am in how to secure this, and I'm less interested in writing code. Obviously security is becoming more and more important, and I'd like to focus my career toward this. In terms of talent, I'm an average Developer, and I know there are roles that focus toward knowing how to secure applications at the code level, which could be interesting, but I also would be interested in securing networks. I've read that OSCP certification is very good for getting a role in Penetration Testing. Is PenTesting a good place to enter the field? Any general advice would be much appreciated.
Read full article → ← Back to Reads

Related Videos

NordVPN Coupon Code 2026 | Exclusive Discount + 4 FREE Months
NordVPN Coupon Code 2026 | Exclusive Discount + 4 FREE Months
Tutorial Stack
Cerebras CISO Naor Penso on AI Security & The CrowdStrike Partnership
Cerebras CISO Naor Penso on AI Security & The CrowdStrike Partnership
Cerebras
How To Delete Your Data From The Internet | Privacy Bee Review & Tutorial 2026
How To Delete Your Data From The Internet | Privacy Bee Review & Tutorial 2026
Tutorial Stack
How To Protect Facebook Account From HACKERS in 2024 [Two-Factor Authentication]
How To Protect Facebook Account From HACKERS in 2024 [Two-Factor Authentication]
Christian Omeje - UDH
NEW Ubuntu 26.04 HYPRLAND Setup: MAKE Linux BEAUTIFUL (2026)
NEW Ubuntu 26.04 HYPRLAND Setup: MAKE Linux BEAUTIFUL (2026)
Ksk Royal
Dual Boot macOS Golden Gate & TAHOE: Install the macOS 27 Beta WITHOUT Losing Your Data
Dual Boot macOS Golden Gate & TAHOE: Install the macOS 27 Beta WITHOUT Losing Your Data
Ksk Royal