5 Essential IT Basics Every Beginner Should Know (with a Security Mindset)
Breaking into the IT field can feel overwhelming. Between learning new commands, keeping up with best practices, and understanding security, it’s easy to get lost. But here’s the truth: success in IT doesn’t start with advanced certifications or high-end tools—it starts with mastering the basics and building a security mindset around them.
In this post, we’ll cover five foundational practices that every beginner IT professional should know. Each one is simple, practical, and immediately useful on the job.
1. Lock Your Workstation Every Time
One of the easiest (and most overlooked) security habits is locking your workstation. Whether you’re using Windows (Win+L) or Linux (Ctrl+Alt+L), locking your device prevents unauthorized access.
It might seem small, but unattended workstations are a common way sensitive information gets exposed. Good security isn’t only about firewalls and antivirus—it’s about consistent daily habits that protect data.
👉 Takeaway: Build the habit of locking your screen every time you step away.
2. Use Secure File Transfers by Default
File transfers are a daily part of IT work. Many beginners start with FTP, but FTP sends files and credentials in plain text. That’s a serious security risk.
Instead, use encrypted methods like SCP (Secure Copy) or SFTP. Both protect your data and your login credentials.
Example SCP command:
scp file.txt user@server:/path
👉 Takeaway: Choosing secure transfer methods shows you’re thinking like an IT professional who cares about both functionality and security.
3. Understand Password Management
Resetting passwords may sound like the most basic IT task—but it’s tied directly to identity and access management, which is at the heart of cybersecurity.
On Linux, the passwd command allows you to update user passwords. But don’t stop there—encourage users to adopt strong passphrases instead of short, complex strings. A long, unique passphrase is harder to crack and easier for users to remember.
👉 Takeaway: Every password reset is more than a help desk ticket—it’s a security decision.
4. Practice Backups (and Restores)
Most IT professionals know backups are essential. But here’s the mistake: many never test restoring those backups.
As a beginner, try setting up a simple rsync job to copy files to a second location. Then test restoring them. Why? Because when disaster strikes, your ability to restore data quickly matters far more than whether the backup technically exists.
👉 Takeaway: A backup that isn’t tested is just a false sense of security.
5. Use Basic Commands to Spot Security Issues
Sometimes, security starts with something as simple as the ls command in Linux. Listing files in a directory may not sound glamorous, but it’s the first step in spotting suspicious files or unauthorized changes.
By regularly checking directories and logs, you’ll train your eye to notice when something’s off. Many security incidents are caught because someone paid attention to small details.
👉 Takeaway: Developing attention to detail with basic commands builds long-term security awareness.
Final Thoughts
Starting out in IT doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on small, practical habits—locking your screen, transferring files securely, managing passwords wisely, practicing backups, and checking directories—you’ll stand out as a beginner who not only “makes things work,” but also understands the bigger picture: keeping systems and data safe.
Security awareness starts with the basics. Master these, and you’ll have a solid foundation to grow your IT career