Should I Study Computer Science or Networking To Get Into The Cyber Security Field?

[Jimmy Two-Times™]

Agree on everything but that salary, any pen tester accepting 15-20 dollars is a idiot

£!

Yeah, I'm English.

£

£30-£40k is average salary starting out for most professionals in the UK as I'm sure is elsewhere in other developed countries.

Anything like that is miles better than my current predicament I'm in that's why I'm finally changing my career.

 

[DrBanneker]

I agree with everyone here--CompSci. I was in InfoSec though it was so long ago (15 years) I doubt I could be of use on the certs etc. but here is my advise:

1. Depending on the university, CompSci may be more theoretical and software focused. This is good since coding is fundamental but don't expect to learn networking through osmosis just doing CS. Also, you may not learn basic stuff like Linux shell commands etc. since some people may just use MS based software for courses. Get a cheap Linux box and use the university's UNIX system and learn these systems well.

2. You need to do side studying: read books on networking, beginning to advanced. Understanding the different layers and protocols for one. Then understanding the big ones like TCP/IP, UDP, ICMP, BGP (router speak) and Ethernet and understanding how packet routing works and the difference between guaranteed delivery in TCP vs. UDP/ICMP etc. Then learn the ports on the application layer stuff like Port 80 for HTML etc. It sounds esoteric but when you find out for example people used to use ICMP for DDOS you will understand more.

3. If you want to beat hackers, you must learn to think like one. Books and certs are ok but you need to get current in the active literature such as reading InfoSec industry magazines, get involved in the security community, and attend local 2600 meetings. You can also go to DarkNet forums and listen up on the current conversation from Black Hats to see what's up. Have Google Alerts to hear about recent hacks, worms, etc. in the wild.

4. Know the tools. Someone mentioned Wireshark for packet sniffing but you need to learn basic hacker techniques such as port scanning, man in the middle attacks, social engineering etc. I am not recommending to break into systems but know how to do basic attacks in order to identify your own system's vulnerabilities. Keep tabs on vulnerability alerts in major software.

 

[Jimmy Two-Times™]

@DrBanneker @HewittAve @MMA Mo @MF_BREW @Mirin4rmfar @slikkp @kuts @Sonny Bonds


I know-I know, I'm sorry but please read on as I really need your help!


First of all, thank you to each and everyone of you because you've made me see more clearly on what it is I need in order to get ahead.

I have dabbled in Java, Python, HTML, CSS, XML, PHP and SQL in the past but not enough to apply practically except the front end web development stuff though I haven't pursued it because my coding skills in other areas lacked so I got disheartened and stopped. I haven't spent months coding for a few years now so I'm as rusty and green as a novice but I've just recently bought some courses on Udemy and plan to spend the rest of this year and all of next year trying to learn and expand upon my knowledge on the side more in regards to networking as that is what interests me the most but my career route can be swayed.

So, I know you guys strongly advise going the university route just for the sake of increasing my chance of employability by studying for a BSc in Computer Science as it is a broad subject. *But, I've just recently thought about simply taking the next 6-12 months off starting from the middle of next month (August 2018) when I leave my job to just study to get my CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ certs in order to get back into work ASAP. I'd assume with these certs I could start off and land an entry level job in IT Support just to get my foot into the door then work my way up by proving myself internally in the company whilst gaining more certs to show that I am proving my worth to the field. Then once I've attained my CCENT and CCNA certs etc I'd go the Network Engineer route. I wanna make 6 figures or there about, I'm tired of fukking about career-wise.

How does that sound? or am I shooting for the stars here? Like I alluded to in my original post Network Engineering is what interests me the most but pentesting is fascinating too and is another good route I could take, but being a Network Engineer is apart of the foundation for pentesting so I could do that later on down the line if I wanted to.

There's a guy on YouTube called, "Network Chuck" and he speaks very rationally about the Network Engineering career path to get into information security/network engineering and he says to just jump straight into learning the certs and start from the bottom because from his own experience he said companies don't really care for BSc degrees they just want someone who can prove themselves. This is why just getting an entry level job then working your way up is a noble option versus spending a fortune going to university just to finish and have to study and get your certs anyway and/or apply for an internship which would add onto the study time without being in work fully.

Here's the video in question:


Do employers really care about a degree in this field for the high level jobs paying damn near 6 figures or will having the certs and work experience hold enough merit to get me there also? From what I've researched it's a mixed opinion so what do you brehs think in the current climate?

Personally, I have the time to consider any and all options but if I can spend as little as £1000 to get my CompTIA A+, N+ and S+ certs to get an entry level job within 1 year and be able to earn an income as well as learn as I go along with the job with real practical work experience. As opposed to taking 3-4 years off work to study full time just to learn the concepts and theory behind it in a generalised manner, then I'd need to take more time off study for the cert exams and still not be in work between these 3-4 years and/or end up getting an internship and still have to study for these certs to get ahead.

Right now, the A+ cert doesn't seem hard at all but I am still studying for it like a novice just to make sure I cover all bases and see if I can pass it by the next 2 months. Then I'll study for my N+ and S+ certs and take the exams for them each next year maybe spring time.


-------------------------------------------


TL;DR

Should I just devote 6-12 months to get my A+, N+ and S+ certs as well as get an entry level job then work my way up or should I go to university for 3-4 years to learn the concepts in a broader sense to explore more deeply what it is I like the most in order to specialise in said field and get an internship which may last another 1-2 years in itself. In all reality this could extend the process of getting into IT for 4-6 years (not even including a placement gap year) just to get into IT versus self study to pass my cert exams and hopefully land my first entry level job in potentially as little as 1 year? I am not a teenager or in my early 20s so I don't really wanna be past 30 and not be in work.

So, do you think I'm jumping the gun here by just getting my certs and applying for entry level jobs then working my way up or should I continue down the path I was originally contemplating which is going back to university full time with Computer Science?

To be honest I just wanna get back into work and I don't really wanna spend 3-4 years tbh when I can just jump in after one year of self study with an entry level job and just work my way up?

Any thoughts?

Spoiler

And thank you lot again, the Coli's done saved my life.

 

[Mirin4rmfar]

@DrBanneker @HewittAve @MMA Mo @MF_BREW @Mirin4rmfar @slikkp @kuts @Sonny Bonds


To be honest I just wanna get back into work and I don't really wanna spend 3-4 years tbh when I can just jump in after one year of self study with an entry level job and just work my way up?

Any thoughts?

Spoiler

And thank you lot again, the Coli's done saved my life.

Certs are great but you still need the experience. I have both the CISSP, CCSP, GCP Cloud, AWS and could easily get the GCP data engineering if I wanted but recruiters would hit me up then get weary due to my lack of experience. I am 29 and make pretty good money living in the south but I am trying to land 110K to 120K gig. I also people don't view my Network infrastructure experience as actually networking. I could start but I do not want to lol.

Being in your early 20's, I'd say knocked them out and be willing to move any where. After a year or two experience, you can make pretty good money. I feel you, I am contemplating a masters in cyber security myself but I don't want to the debt since I feel like there is nothing that they can teach that I have learned on my own.

One program I saw was preparing people for the CISSP, I laughed caused I learned it on my own.

 

[David_TheMan]

@DrBanneker @HewittAve @MMA Mo @MF_BREW @Mirin4rmfar @slikkp @kuts @Sonny Bonds


I know-I know, I'm sorry but please read on as I really need your help!


First of all, thank you to each and everyone of you because you've made me see more clearly on what it is I need in order to get ahead.

I have dabbled in Java, Python, HTML, CSS, XML, PHP and SQL in the past but not enough to apply practically except the front end web development stuff though I haven't pursued it because my coding skills in other areas lacked so I got disheartened and stopped. I haven't spent months coding for a few years now so I'm as rusty and green as a novice but I've just recently bought some courses on Udemy and plan to spend the rest of this year and all of next year trying to learn and expand upon my knowledge on the side more in regards to networking as that is what interests me the most but my career route can be swayed.

So, I know you guys strongly advise going the university route just for the sake of increasing my chance of employability by studying for a BSc in Computer Science as it is a broad subject. *But, I've just recently thought about simply taking the next 6-12 months off starting from the middle of next month (August 2018) when I leave my job to just study to get my CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ certs in order to get back into work ASAP. I'd assume with these certs I could start off and land an entry level job in IT Support just to get my foot into the door then work my way up by proving myself internally in the company whilst gaining more certs to show that I am proving my worth to the field. Then once I've attained my CCENT and CCNA certs etc I'd go the Network Engineer route. I wanna make 6 figures or there about, I'm tired of fukking about career-wise.

How does that sound? or am I shooting for the stars here? Like I alluded to in my original post Network Engineering is what interests me the most but pentesting is fascinating too and is another good route I could take, but being a Network Engineer is apart of the foundation for pentesting so I could do that later on down the line if I wanted to.

There's a guy on YouTube called, "Network Chuck" and he speaks very rationally about the Network Engineering career path to get into information security/network engineering and he says to just jump straight into learning the certs and start from the bottom because from his own experience he said companies don't really care for BSc degrees they just want someone who can prove themselves. This is why just getting an entry level job then working your way up is a noble option versus spending a fortune going to university just to finish and have to study and get your certs anyway and/or apply for an internship which would add onto the study time without being in work fully.

Here's the video in question:


Do employers really care about a degree in this field for the high level jobs paying damn near 6 figures or will having the certs and work experience hold enough merit to get me there also? From what I've researched it's a mixed opinion so what do you brehs think in the current climate?

Personally, I have the time to consider any and all options but if I can spend as little as £1000 to get my CompTIA A+, N+ and S+ certs to get an entry level job within 1 year and be able to earn an income as well as learn as I go along with the job with real practical work experience. As opposed to taking 3-4 years off work to study full time just to learn the concepts and theory behind it in a generalised manner, then I'd need to take more time off study for the cert exams and still not be in work between these 3-4 years and/or end up getting an internship and still have to study for these certs to get ahead.

Right now, the A+ cert doesn't seem hard at all but I am still studying for it like a novice just to make sure I cover all bases and see if I can pass it by the next 2 months. Then I'll study for my N+ and S+ certs and take the exams for them each next year maybe spring time.


-------------------------------------------


TL;DR

Should I just devote 6-12 months to get my A+, N+ and S+ certs as well as get an entry level job then work my way up or should I go to university for 3-4 years to learn the concepts in a broader sense to explore more deeply what it is I like the most in order to specialise in said field and get an internship which may last another 1-2 years in itself. In all reality this could extend the process of getting into IT for 4-6 years (not even including a placement gap year) just to get into IT versus self study to pass my cert exams and hopefully land my first entry level job in potentially as little as 1 year? I am not a teenager or in my early 20s so I don't really wanna be past 30 and not be in work.

So, do you think I'm jumping the gun here by just getting my certs and applying for entry level jobs then working my way up or should I continue down the path I was originally contemplating which is going back to university full time with Computer Science?

To be honest I just wanna get back into work and I don't really wanna spend 3-4 years tbh when I can just jump in after one year of self study with an entry level job and just work my way up?

Any thoughts?

Spoiler

And thank you lot again, the Coli's done saved my life.

A+, net+, and sec+ are below entry and entry level certs.
its my opinion but DO NOT LEAVE your job to study for those 3 certs. You continue to work while studying for those 3 and when you get them, start applying for positions in the new field, but it isn't wise to leave a sure job for those certs which don't mean anything.

Hell, to be honest you could look at going the CCENT and CCNA route after your Net+ and just skip the SEC+ outright, since there is so much overlap in the study material.

Of the bat you aren't making 6 figures with just certs. Get that thought out of your head, it isn't happening. You need experience. If you want to go the networking/switching route go after the CCNA, if you want the security route, go SEC+ and depending on the route you want hit up certs with SANS. I would say if you can go to school go to school online while you work and gain experience.

What white people do in IT, blacks can't do, so while what the guy sais is true, what he has the ability you don't because the job field isn't set up for us to move like that.

 

[kuts]

@DrBanneker @HewittAve @MMA Mo @MF_BREW @Mirin4rmfar @slikkp @kuts @Sonny Bonds


I know-I know, I'm sorry but please read on as I really need your help!


First of all, thank you to each and everyone of you because you've made me see more clearly on what it is I need in order to get ahead.

I have dabbled in Java, Python, HTML, CSS, XML, PHP and SQL in the past but not enough to apply practically except the front end web development stuff though I haven't pursued it because my coding skills in other areas lacked so I got disheartened and stopped. I haven't spent months coding for a few years now so I'm as rusty and green as a novice but I've just recently bought some courses on Udemy and plan to spend the rest of this year and all of next year trying to learn and expand upon my knowledge on the side more in regards to networking as that is what interests me the most but my career route can be swayed.

So, I know you guys strongly advise going the university route just for the sake of increasing my chance of employability by studying for a BSc in Computer Science as it is a broad subject. *But, I've just recently thought about simply taking the next 6-12 months off starting from the middle of next month (August 2018) when I leave my job to just study to get my CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ certs in order to get back into work ASAP. I'd assume with these certs I could start off and land an entry level job in IT Support just to get my foot into the door then work my way up by proving myself internally in the company whilst gaining more certs to show that I am proving my worth to the field. Then once I've attained my CCENT and CCNA certs etc I'd go the Network Engineer route. I wanna make 6 figures or there about, I'm tired of fukking about career-wise.

How does that sound? or am I shooting for the stars here? Like I alluded to in my original post Network Engineering is what interests me the most but pentesting is fascinating too and is another good route I could take, but being a Network Engineer is apart of the foundation for pentesting so I could do that later on down the line if I wanted to.

There's a guy on YouTube called, "Network Chuck" and he speaks very rationally about the Network Engineering career path to get into information security/network engineering and he says to just jump straight into learning the certs and start from the bottom because from his own experience he said companies don't really care for BSc degrees they just want someone who can prove themselves. This is why just getting an entry level job then working your way up is a noble option versus spending a fortune going to university just to finish and have to study and get your certs anyway and/or apply for an internship which would add onto the study time without being in work fully.

Here's the video in question:


Do employers really care about a degree in this field for the high level jobs paying damn near 6 figures or will having the certs and work experience hold enough merit to get me there also? From what I've researched it's a mixed opinion so what do you brehs think in the current climate?

Personally, I have the time to consider any and all options but if I can spend as little as £1000 to get my CompTIA A+, N+ and S+ certs to get an entry level job within 1 year and be able to earn an income as well as learn as I go along with the job with real practical work experience. As opposed to taking 3-4 years off work to study full time just to learn the concepts and theory behind it in a generalised manner, then I'd need to take more time off study for the cert exams and still not be in work between these 3-4 years and/or end up getting an internship and still have to study for these certs to get ahead.

Right now, the A+ cert doesn't seem hard at all but I am still studying for it like a novice just to make sure I cover all bases and see if I can pass it by the next 2 months. Then I'll study for my N+ and S+ certs and take the exams for them each next year maybe spring time.


-------------------------------------------


TL;DR

Should I just devote 6-12 months to get my A+, N+ and S+ certs as well as get an entry level job then work my way up or should I go to university for 3-4 years to learn the concepts in a broader sense to explore more deeply what it is I like the most in order to specialise in said field and get an internship which may last another 1-2 years in itself. In all reality this could extend the process of getting into IT for 4-6 years (not even including a placement gap year) just to get into IT versus self study to pass my cert exams and hopefully land my first entry level job in potentially as little as 1 year? I am not a teenager or in my early 20s so I don't really wanna be past 30 and not be in work.

So, do you think I'm jumping the gun here by just getting my certs and applying for entry level jobs then working my way up or should I continue down the path I was originally contemplating which is going back to university full time with Computer Science?

To be honest I just wanna get back into work and I don't really wanna spend 3-4 years tbh when I can just jump in after one year of self study with an entry level job and just work my way up?

Any thoughts?

Spoiler

And thank you lot again, the Coli's done saved my life.

School is a racket, but it's still the best option. Without school you're basically putting yourself on a timer, and we all know how that goes LOL.

With school you're giving yourself enough time with enough support and experience to actually do what you're supposed to do.

Being self-taught is a great skill to have, and I think all successful people have it to a degree, but it's a convoluted path if you're trying to self-teach yourself from scratch, or any level outside of advanced because you simply won't be equipped to use what you've learned. Also, you can self-teach yourself in school. It's actually where a lot of people craft their ability to think outside of the box.

Don't worry about age at all. You're not missing out on anything because the women your age are looking for husbands and the guys your age are likely already in their careers. So you'll get frustrated if you compare yourself. Additionally, the beaten path isn't all that it's cracked up to be. So just take your time, live your life, and make your own decisions.

Spoiler

You would've come to that realization regardless of what path you chose in life.

 

[Jimmy Two-Times™]

A+, net+, and sec+ are below entry and entry level certs.
its my opinion but DO NOT LEAVE your job to study for those 3 certs. You continue to work while studying for those 3 and when you get them, start applying for positions in the new field, but it isn't wise to leave a sure job for those certs which don't mean anything.

Hell, to be honest you could look at going the CCENT and CCNA route after your Net+ and just skip the SEC+ outright, since there is so much overlap in the study material.

Of the bat you aren't making 6 figures with just certs. Get that thought out of your head, it isn't happening. You need experience. If you want to go the networking/switching route go after the CCNA, if you want the security route, go SEC+ and depending on the route you want hit up certs with SANS. I would say if you can go to school go to school online while you work and gain experience.

What white people do in IT, blacks can't do, so while what the guy said is true, what he has the ability you don't because the job field isn't set up for us to move like that.

That's real, especially the last sentence.

Network Chuck got me gassed up.

I'm still torn between which study route but, at least I've got until the early October 2018 to make my final decision.

In the meantime I'll attempt to gain my CompTIA certs whilst practicing Python and Java on the side to increase my job prospects.

I know we already discussed this but either way looking at it I'm still going to start from the very bottom as even getting an internship role after university will be entry level work and very low pay for potentially an extra 1-2 years on top of the 3-4 years of a BSc degree. Honestly, I'm not sure I wanna be in my early 30s just to be getting started out. I know that may sound naive of me but that is a very long time from now when I could be literally anywhere in my career in 6 years and making an income doing it. I know it's all about the experience which gets you ahead but I'm sure whatever company I'm at I could gain that along the way.

At least if I land a job then attempt to get my vendor specific certs and work my way up I could get my foot into the door as early as January/February 2019 with an IT support role.

Does that sum up what you recommend through either route?

 

[Jimmy Two-Times™]

School is a racket, but it's still the best option. Without school you're basically putting yourself on a timer, and we all know how that goes LOL.

With school you're giving yourself enough time with enough support and experience to actually do what you're supposed to do.

Being self-taught is a great skill to have, and I think all successful people have it to a degree, but it's a convoluted path if you're trying to self-teach yourself from scratch, or any level outside of advanced because you simply won't be equipped to use what you've learned. Also, you can self-teach yourself in school. It's actually where a lot of people craft their ability to think outside of the box.

Don't worry about age at all. You're not missing out on anything because the women your age are looking for husbands and the guys your age are likely already in their careers. So you'll get frustrated if you compare yourself. Additionally, the beaten path isn't all that it's cracked up to be. So just take your time, live your life, and make your own decisions.

Spoiler

You would've come to that realization regardless of what path you chose in life.

The self study will be following reputed course materials from tutors on Udemy and YouTube then buying whatever equipment necessary to practice on physically. On Udemy you can reach out to the instructors and they usually respond within 24 hours. I always get a response -- maybe I'm just lucky.


Also, It's the heavy debt and even more so the time factor involved which is making me want to reevaluate my circumstances. It's not that I don't want to spend the time immersing myself in the experience to fully learn the concepts behind this trade but I am in my mid/late 20s and feel that at this moment in my life that is not the most effective use of my time and resources.

"Being broke at 30 give a nikka the chills... "

Like I said in my previous post I've got until the beginning of October to make my final decision of which route to take but I'm gonna start contacting some professional careers advisors starting tomorrow morning just to round out the right choices to make.


Just so you know, you guys were the very first to help me figure this shyt out and I wanna say thank you without shedding a virtual thug tear.

 

[Sonny Bonds]

Being broke at 30 give a nikka the chills...

I understand, breh. I understand.

 

[David_TheMan]

That's real, especially the last sentence.

Network Chuck got me gassed up.

I'm still torn between which study route but, at least I've got until the early October 2018 to make my final decision.

In the meantime I'll attempt to gain my CompTIA certs whilst practicing Python and Java on the side to increase my job prospects.

I know we already discussed this but either way looking at it I'm still going to start from the very bottom as even getting an internship role after university will be entry level work and very low pay for potentially an extra 1-2 years on top of the 3-4 years of a BSc degree. Honestly, I'm not sure I wanna be in my early 30s just to be getting started out. I know that may sound naive of me but that is a very long time from now when I could be literally anywhere in my career in 6 years and making an income doing it. I know it's all about the experience which gets you ahead but I'm sure whatever company I'm at I could gain that along the way.

At least if I land a job then attempt to get my vendor specific certs and work my way up I could get my foot into the door as early as January/February 2019 with an IT support role.

Does that sum up what you recommend through either route?

Yeah the certs aren't a guarantee for a job, you can have experience and Sec+ and be frozen out, so never, especially if you are black, give up a job for certs and studying.

It seems like you have a plan man. The only suggestion I could make is trying to get into the field now, by applying to entry level positions or doing some volunteering on the weekend.

But yeah, self study for CCNA and A+ Net+ Sec+ or hell Juniper certs and then try to advance after working on the job with your higher level certs when you can build some documented experience.

I think you'll find if you are good at your job, that you can advance pretty quickly. There are a lot of half asses in this industry.

 

[Jimmy Two-Times™]

Yeah the certs aren't a guarantee for a job, you can have experience and Sec+ and be frozen out, so never, especially if you are black, give up a job for certs and studying.

It seems like you have a plan man. The only suggestion I could make is trying to get into the field now, by applying to entry level positions or doing some volunteering on the weekend.

But yeah, self study for CCNA and A+ Net+ Sec+ or hell Juniper certs and then try to advance after working on the job with your higher level certs when you can build some documented experience.

I think you'll find if you are good at your job, that you can advance pretty quickly. There are a lot of half asses in this industry.

thank you

 

[Mirin4rmfar]

Yeah the certs aren't a guarantee for a job, you can have experience and Sec+ and be frozen out, so never, especially if you are black, give up a job for certs and studying.

That's just tragic honestly, I saw a job on linkedin last night for this cyber security consulting company. I applied for the position. Previous white hires for similar positions have majored in shyt like history, business...have completed zero certs..absolutely nothing.

 

[Jimmy Two-Times™]

That's just tragic honestly, I saw a job on linkedin last night for this cyber security consulting company. I applied for the position. Previous white hires for similar positions have majored in shyt like history, business...have completed zero certs..absolutely nothing.

Should I really fukk with LinkedIn?

It just seems like BS to me. Like, surely if I apply for the job with my CV they'd look at it and make a decision. I just can't see what the use is?

 

[David_TheMan]

Should I really fukk with LinkedIn?

It just seems like BS to me. Like, surely if I apply for the job with my CV they'd look at it and make a decision. I just can't see what the use is?

I don't think its a magic bullet, but you tailor your profile right and you might get reached out and learn about some opportunities you might now be able to find on your own.

Indeed is another good one.

 

[Jimmy Two-Times™]

@David_TheMan and anyone else that knows

I saw this online ad and I'm about to buy this lab equipment to physically study on for the Network+/CCNA and CCNP exam down the line and was wondering if this kit was sufficient enough -- if not what do you recommend?

Is it a good or bad purchase on my end?

Cisco CCNA, CCNP Lab.

There are 2 working switches and 2 working routers.
There is also another 2 devices a switch and arouter that are not booting.

There are also various crossover and straight through cables, and a serial cable.

Included is also a single consloe cable and USB to serial adaptor.

===================
Switches
===================
3550 - 24 port
flash:c3550-ipbasek9-mz.122-46.SE/c3550-ipbasek9-mz.122-46.SE.bin
Cisco IOS Software, C3550 Software (C3550-IPBASEK9-M), Version 12.2(46)SE, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc2)


3550 - 48 port
flash:c3550-ipservicesk9-mz.122-44.SE/c3550-ipservicesk9-mz.122-44.SE.bin
Cisco IOS Software, C3550 Software (C3550-IPSERVICESK9-M), Version 12.2(44)SE, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)

3550 - 48 port
Not booting
===================
Routers
===================

2610XM
Cisco 2610XM (MPC860P) processor (revision 0x200) with 62091K/3445K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID JAE080214JQ (1857702800)
M860 processor: part number 5, mask 2
1 FastEthernet interface
2 Serial interfaces
32K bytes of NVRAM.
16384K bytes of processor board System flash (Read/Write)

Cisco 871W
Cisco IOS Software, C870 Software (C870-ADVSECURITYK9-M), Version 12.4(15)T12, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc3)
flash:c870-advsecurityk9-mz.124-15.T12.bin



C2600 - Not booting

System Bootstrap, Version 11.3(2)XA4, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Copyright (c) 1999 by cisco Systems, Inc.
TAC:Home:SW:IOS:Specials for info
C2600 platform with 49152 Kbytes of main memory

get_man_dev: Unknown device - probably NOT formatted.
unknown flash device - mandev code = 0xffff
cannot read flash info
getdevnum warning: device "flash" has size of zero
get_man_dev: Unknown device - probably NOT formatted.
unknown flash device - mandev code = 0xffff
cannot read flash info
getdevnum warning: device "flash" has size of zero
open: read error...requested 0x4 bytes, got 0x0
trouble reading device magic number
boot: cannot open "flash:"
boot: cannot determine first file name on device "flash:"