Do you need a special degree to be a successful Linux Security Admin? Or? Can you just read every book you get your hands on? I am currently getting my A.A. from ITT-Tech in Computer Networking.

It is my goal to be the best darn Network Admin that I can be. Any advice you care to shae please feel free.

You gave a relatively large area of interest in your post. What exactly are you wanting to do? Linux network security or internet security? Read all the books you can on the topic you are most interested. Wikipedia has phenominal articles concerning Linux and Security issues.

Education, degrees, and certifications are all great, but nothing beats experience. Unless someone knows your personal qualifications, most prospective employers won't look at you unless you have some type of I.T. skill set paperwork. Paperwork isn't everything, but the job market seems to demand it.

The general rule seems to be that paperwork (degrees and certifications) are often necessary to get you in the door and get an interview...and that real-world experience is what will keep you employed.


sleepy

Most of the security professionals I know have limited college education, but they more than make up for that with real-world security experience.

I have half of my AS completed and I've been at a standstill for years, yet the market (here in northern VA, at least) is so demanding that no college credentials are usually needed. Experience in *nix goes a long way...if you've used *nix, you've delved in some aspect of security at some point.

Also, just because you have no security experience doesn't mean you won't get hired. I got my foot in the door by mentioning that I administrate Linux and Unix machines at home. With many security openings, *nix experience is a requirement. We follow that model where I'm at now. I've sat in many interviews and have read resumes and I can tell you that when I an indication that highlights little to no *nix experience, I stop looking.

I recommend LPI (http://www.lpi.org/). Although it's not specifically geared towards security, it covers most aspects of sys admin.

Mons M, LPI-1 certified