Free · Open · Self-paced · NRV & Beyond

Zero to CompTIA SecurityX in 100 projects.

A free, portfolio-based cybersecurity bootcamp built around 100 hands-on projects. Each one maps to real CompTIA exam objectives, TryHackMe labs, and builds a GitHub portfolio you can show employers. No prerequisites. No paywall.

Start Project 01 Free → See the Plan
All 100 projects publicly browsable — no account required
Hands-on labs via TryHackMe, Hack The Box & LinksOS
8 CompTIA certs aligned: ITF+ through SecurityX (CAS-005)
Built on LinksOS — companion at linksos.org
link2cyber — bootcamp.sh
$ ./start-bootcamp.sh --project 01
▸ Loading Project 01: System Orientation
▸ Setting up LinksOS environment
▸ Opening Obsidian vault
→ TryHackMe: Linux Fundamentals Part 1
→ TryHackMe: Intro to Cybersecurity
$ ./cert-path.sh --show
ITF+ → A+ → Sec+ → CySA+
Net+ → Pen+ → Linux+ → SecurityX
$
TryHackMeLinksOSBash NmapWiresharkSIEMSecurityX
80
Structured days
8
CompTIA certs aligned
100%
Free & open access
0
Prerequisites needed
22
LINKS network sites
// 100-projects

The full curriculum — open to everyone.

Five phases take you from zero to SecurityX-ready through 100 outcome-based projects. Each one maps to real CompTIA exam objectives, TryHackMe labs, and builds a GitHub portfolio deliverable.

01–30
📘 Phase 1: Foundations (Projects 01–20)
Hardware, Linux CLI, networking, and security basics. Build your LinksOS environment and earn A+ through Security+.
ITF+ · A+ 220-1201/1202 · Security+ SY0-701
31–60
🔐 Phase 2: Core Security (Projects 21–40)
Threat intelligence, SIEM, incident response, Network+, PenTest+, and Linux mastery. Five cert sprints across 30 projects.
CySA+ CS0-003 · Network+ N10-009 · PenTest+ PT0-003 · Linux+ XK0-006
61–80
🚀 Phase 3–5: Operations, Linux, SecurityX (Projects 41–100)
Cloud security, forensics, zero trust, DevSecOps, GRC, and enterprise governance. The final 15-project sprint to SecurityX CAS-005.
SecurityX CAS-005

Project 01 — what you'll actually do

  • Set up LinksOS VM and Obsidian vault for note-taking
  • Linux CLI basics: ls, cd, mkdir, rm, mv, touch
  • TryHackMe: Linux Fundamentals Part 1
  • TryHackMe: Intro to Cybersecurity
  • Project: build an automated system report script
  • Git commit and push your day's work
Open Project 01 →
cert pathway
CompTIA ITF+
Projects 01–20 · Phase 1
CompTIA A+ 220-1201/1202
Projects 01–20 · Phase 1
CompTIA Security+ SY0-701
Projects 21–40 · Phase 2
CompTIA CySA+ CS0-003
Projects 41–50 · Phase 3
CompTIA Network+ N10-009
Projects 51–58 · Phase 3
CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-003
Projects 59–68 · Phase 3
CompTIA Linux+ XK0-006
Projects 71–85 · Phase 4
SecurityX (CAS-005)
Projects 86–100 · Phase 5
tools & platforms
TryHackMeHack The BoxLinksOS ObsidianGitBash NmapWiresharkMetasploitSIEM
Browse All 100 Projects →
// links-network

Part of the LINKS network.

Link2Cyber is one of 22 sites in the LINKS network — a free learning and community ecosystem built around education, civic life, and family legacy in the New River Valley. The cyber bootcamp runs best alongside LinksOS and link2linux.

Environment · Start Here
linksos.org
The structured Debian Linux environment this bootcamp runs on. Set up LinksOS first, then start Day 1 here.
linksos.org →
Linux Learning
link2linux.com
Linux distro reviews, Linux+ cert prep, and hands-on guides. Pairs directly with the Linux+ sprint in Phase 2.
link2linux.com →
AI & IT Made Simple
link2it.io
AI and IT tools explained for non-coders. Great first stop before starting the bootcamp if tech feels intimidating.
link2it.io →
Managed IT · NRV
nrvmanagedit.com
Managed IT services for New River Valley small businesses. The flagship business anchor of the LINKS network.
nrvmanagedit.com →
NRV Community
linksnrv.com
New River Valley community magazine — local resources, civic life, and regional coverage.
linksnrv.com →
Civic & Personal
callmelink.org
Ben Linkous's personal and civic site — the Good Neighbor Project, Coalition of Faith, and community writing.
callmelink.org →
// who-is-this-for

Built for real people starting from zero.

This bootcamp grew out of a simple conviction: the best cybersecurity training shouldn't cost thousands of dollars or require a CS degree. It's free, structured, and built to be followed — not just browsed.

  • Career changers who want to break into IT and cyber
  • Veterans and military families transitioning to civilian tech
  • Students in NRV / SWVA looking for a real cert path
  • Self-taught learners who need structure, not just YouTube rabbit holes
  • Anyone who wants CompTIA certs and doesn't know where to start
Open the Curriculum →
⚙️

What you'll need to start

  • A computer — Windows, Mac, or Linux all work
  • A free TryHackMe account (tryhackme.com)
  • Obsidian for note-taking (free download)
  • LinksOS or any Debian-based VM for labs (linksos.org)
  • Git and a free GitHub account
No paid tools required.
📅

How to pace yourself

  • Full-time learner: 8–10 hrs/day, 80 days
  • Part-time: 2–3 hrs/day, ~6 months
  • Weekend warrior: flexible — each day stands alone
  • All content is public — jump in on any day
// about

Built by Ben Linkous.

Retired Army Master Sergeant. Pulaski, Virginia. Planning Commission member. I spent 20+ years in the military and came out convinced that the skills that protect people — in cyber, in leadership, in community — should be free and accessible to anyone willing to do the work.

This bootcamp is the resource I wish had existed when I transitioned. Every day is structured the way I'd want to be taught: clear objectives, hands-on labs, real documentation, no wasted time.

Link2Cyber is part of a 22-site network called LINKS — built around education, civic life, and family legacy in the New River Valley.

MSgt (Ret) · Planning Commission, Pulaski VA · benlinkous@linksllc.net
// link2cyber.config.js
{
  founder: "Ben Linkous",
  role: "MSgt (Ret), US Army",
  location: "Pulaski, Virginia",
  mission: "free practical skills",
  bootcamp_days: 80,
  certs_aligned: 8,
  cost: 0,
  prerequisites: none,
  environment: "linksos.org",
  linux_companion: "link2linux.com",
  network: "LINKS (22 sites)"
}
// contact

Questions? Let's talk.

If you're working through the bootcamp and get stuck, want to bring this into a school or community program, or just want to connect — reach out.

✉
Email
benlinkous@linksllc.net
📍
Location
Pulaski, VA · NRV · Remote available
🔗
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