OSCP Black Friday Deals: Get Certified Cheaper!

Hey everyone! Are you looking to snag that Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification but want to save some cash? Well, you're in luck! Black Friday is the perfect time to score some sweet discounts on OSCP training and exam fees. Let's dive into what you need to know to make the most of these deals.

What is OSCP and Why Should You Care?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Black Friday discounts, let's quickly recap what OSCP is all about. The OSCP is a highly respected certification in the cybersecurity world, particularly for those interested in penetration testing. Unlike many certifications that focus on theoretical knowledge, OSCP is heavily hands-on. You'll be spending hours in the lab, attacking vulnerable machines, and documenting your findings. This practical approach is what makes OSCP so valuable and sought after by employers.

The OSCP exam itself is a grueling 24-hour affair where you need to compromise multiple machines and write a professional penetration test report. Passing it proves you have real-world skills and aren't just good at answering multiple-choice questions. For anyone serious about a career in penetration testing, security auditing, or red teaming, OSCP is a must-have.

Why Pursue OSCP?

• Industry Recognition: OSCP is recognized globally as a benchmark for practical penetration testing skills. Holding this certification can significantly boost your career prospects.
• Hands-On Experience: The training and certification process emphasizes practical skills. You'll learn by doing, which is the most effective way to master penetration testing.
• Career Advancement: Many cybersecurity job postings specifically mention OSCP as a desired or required qualification. Having it can open doors to more advanced and higher-paying roles.
• Personal Satisfaction: Successfully completing the OSCP is a significant achievement. It's a testament to your skills and dedication.

Where to Find OSCP Black Friday Discounts

Alright, let's get to the main event: finding those sweet, sweet discounts. Here's where you should be looking to maximize your savings on OSCP training and exam fees this Black Friday.

Offensive Security Website

First and foremost, keep a close eye on the official Offensive Security website. This is the most reliable source for any official discounts on OSCP courses, exam bundles, and learning materials. In the past, Offensive Security has offered substantial discounts on their Learn One and Learn Unlimited subscriptions during Black Friday. These subscriptions give you access to the PWK (Penetration Testing with Kali Linux) course, which is the foundation for the OSCP certification.

Pro Tip: Sign up for the Offensive Security newsletter. They often announce Black Friday deals to their email subscribers first, giving you a head start.

Third-Party Training Providers

While Offensive Security is the primary provider of OSCP training, several reputable third-party training providers also offer courses that can help you prepare for the exam. These providers sometimes run their own Black Friday promotions, so it's worth checking them out. Some popular options include:

• Sans Institute: SANS offers a variety of cybersecurity courses, including some focused on penetration testing that align well with OSCP objectives. Keep an eye on their website for any Black Friday deals.
• eLearnSecurity: eLearnSecurity (now part of INE) provides comprehensive cybersecurity training programs. They frequently have Black Friday discounts on their courses and certifications, some of which can be beneficial for OSCP preparation.
• Cybrary: Cybrary is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of cybersecurity courses. While they may not have a specific OSCP course, they have many courses covering relevant topics like ethical hacking and penetration testing. Watch for their Black Friday deals.

Online Learning Platforms

Don't forget to check popular online learning platforms like Udemy and Coursera. While they might not offer official OSCP courses, you can find numerous courses on topics like ethical hacking, networking, and Linux, which are essential for OSCP preparation. These platforms often have massive Black Friday sales, allowing you to build a solid foundation of knowledge at a fraction of the cost.

How to Maximize Your Savings

Okay, so you know where to look for deals, but how do you ensure you're getting the best possible price? Here are some tips to maximize your savings during the Black Friday frenzy.

Do Your Research

Before Black Friday arrives, take some time to research the different training options and providers. Understand what each course offers, what materials are included, and how well it aligns with the OSCP exam objectives. This will help you make an informed decision when the deals start rolling in.

Compare Prices

Don't jump at the first discount you see. Compare prices across different providers and platforms. Some deals might seem great on the surface, but another provider might offer a better overall value when you factor in the course content, lab access, and other resources.

Read Reviews

Look for reviews from other students who have taken the courses you're considering. This can give you valuable insights into the quality of the training and whether it's worth the investment. Pay attention to comments about the instructor's teaching style, the clarity of the materials, and the helpfulness of the support team.

Check for Bundles

Some providers offer bundled packages that include the course, exam voucher, and other resources like practice labs or study guides. These bundles can often be more cost-effective than purchasing each item separately. Keep an eye out for these during Black Friday.

Don't Wait Too Long

Black Friday deals are typically available for a limited time, so don't wait too long to make your decision. Many deals expire at the end of the day on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Set a reminder for yourself and be ready to pounce when you find a deal you like.

Consider Payment Options

Some training providers offer payment plans or financing options. If you're on a tight budget, this can make it easier to spread the cost of the training over time. Check to see if these options are available and what the terms are.

What to Expect from OSCP Training

Knowing what to expect from your OSCP training can help you choose the right program and prepare for the challenges ahead. Here's a quick overview of what you can typically expect from an OSCP training course.

Hands-On Labs

The core of OSCP training is the hands-on labs. You'll be given access to a virtual lab environment with a variety of vulnerable machines. Your goal is to exploit these machines and gain root access. This is where you'll put your knowledge to the test and develop your practical skills.

Course Materials

You'll receive course materials that cover the fundamentals of penetration testing, including topics like networking, Linux, web application security, and buffer overflows. These materials provide the theoretical knowledge you need to succeed in the labs.

Exploit Development

OSCP emphasizes exploit development. You'll learn how to write your own exploits to take advantage of vulnerabilities in software. This is a critical skill for penetration testers, as it allows you to bypass security measures and gain access to systems.

Reporting

Reporting is a crucial part of the OSCP exam. You'll need to document your findings in a professional penetration test report. This includes describing the vulnerabilities you found, how you exploited them, and what steps can be taken to remediate them. Your report will be graded along with your exam attempts.

Support

Most OSCP training providers offer some form of support, whether it's through online forums, chat rooms, or email. This support can be invaluable when you're stuck on a particular challenge or need clarification on a concept. Make sure to take advantage of the support resources available to you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your OSCP journey smoother, here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Neglecting the Fundamentals

Don't jump straight into the advanced topics without a solid understanding of the fundamentals. Make sure you have a strong grasp of networking, Linux, and web application security before you start tackling the more challenging concepts.

Not Practicing Enough

OSCP is all about hands-on experience. Don't just read the course materials and watch the videos. Spend plenty of time in the labs, practicing your skills. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with the tools and techniques.

Giving Up Too Easily

OSCP is a challenging certification, and you're likely to encounter obstacles along the way. Don't get discouraged if you get stuck on a particular challenge. Take a break, do some research, and try again. Persistence is key to success.

Ignoring the Reporting Requirements

Don't underestimate the importance of the reporting requirements. Your report is worth a significant portion of your exam grade. Make sure you understand the reporting guidelines and practice writing clear, concise, and professional reports.

Final Thoughts

Black Friday is a fantastic opportunity to invest in your cybersecurity career by pursuing the OSCP certification at a discounted price. By doing your research, comparing prices, and taking advantage of available resources, you can maximize your savings and set yourself up for success. So, gear up, get ready to hunt for those deals, and take the first step towards becoming a certified penetration testing pro! Good luck, and happy hacking!