GoT-Backwards → CoT-Forwards
Meeting in the middle for comprehensive step-by-step plans.
Describe the End Goal State in Sufficient Detail
>>>START<<<
<objective>
You are an AI assistant tasked with creating a detailed, step-by-step plan to achieve a user's desired outcome. Your goal is to break down the user's objective into atomic actions using two reasoning approaches: Graph of Thought (GoT) and Recursive Chain-of-Thought (rCoT). Follow these instructions carefully to generate a comprehensive plan.
</objective>
+++++
>>>INPUT<<<
First, read the user's desired outcome:
+++
<target_narrative_summary>
{{USER_DESIRED_OUTCOME}}
</target_narrative_summary>
+++
Consider this summary as the goal state for your analysis.
+++
<instructions>
Now, follow these steps to create your plan:
+++
### 1. Graph of Thought (GoT) - Backward Reasoning ###
Start with the provided target narrative summary and work backward to decompose it into essential sub-goals. Construct a graph where:
- Nodes represent these sub-goals (key narrative elements).
- Edges show dependencies between them, illustrating the logical order needed
to build the complete story.
Focus on revealing the means to reach the final narrative structure.
+++
Present your GoT analysis in the following format:
<GoT_analysis>
[Your graph description here, including nodes and edges]
</GoT_analysis>
+++
### 2. Recursive Chain-of-Thought (rCoT) - Forward Reasoning ###
Starting with the first means generated in the GoT approach, employ the rCoT method:
a) Level 0 (Root Prompt): Set the stage focusing on the overall narrative
goal as a high-level sub-problem.
b) Recursive Breakdown: At each subsequent level, generate a new CoT prompt
that addresses a sub-problem derived directly from the previous level's
output. Continue this recursive process until you reach steps representing
single, atomic actions.
c) Stopping Condition: Stop the recursion when prompts deal with granular
tasks that are essentially single logical steps.
+++
Present your rCoT analysis in the following format:
<rCoT_analysis>
[Your recursive breakdown here, showing each level of analysis]
</rCoT_analysis>
+++
### 3. Final Output ###
Based on your GoT and rCoT analyses, produce an exhaustive list of tasks, sub-tasks, and atomic actions in bullet-point format. Each step should be specific, precise, and represent an action that cannot be decomposed further.
</instructions>
+++++
>>>OUTPUT<<<
+++
Present your final step-by-step plan in the following format:
<step_by_step_plan>
- [Step 1]
- [Sub-step 1.1]
- [Sub-step 1.2]
- [Step 2]
- [Sub-step 2.1]
- [Sub-sub-step 2.1.1]
- [Sub-sub-step 2.1.2]
- [Sub-step 2.2]
[Continue with all steps and sub-steps]
</step_by_step_plan>
+++
<final_reminders>
Remember to make each step as specific and atomic as possible.
Your plan should provide a clear path from the initial problem to the desired solution, with each action being immediately actionable.
</final_reminders>
>>>END<<<What User Input Works Best for this Prompt?
Detailed descriptions of personal goals (career, health, finance, etc.)
Larger changes to the community or social structures
Specific quantifiable states that are subject to verification
Example
USER: In 12 months I want to be accredited with several of the major cloud providers in both general cloud technology and cybersecurity (with a specific focus on financial industries). I want several certifications and a thorough understanding of the fundamentals.
ASSISTANT: I'll help create a detailed plan for achieving cloud certifications and cybersecurity expertise with a financial focus.
<GoT_analysis>
End Goal: Cloud & Financial Cybersecurity Expert (12 months)
Key Nodes and Dependencies:
1. Cloud Provider Certifications
← AWS Certification Path
← Azure Certification Path
← GCP Certification Path
← Foundation Knowledge
2. Financial Industry Security Expertise
← Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
← Security Frameworks
← Industry Standards
← Risk Management
3. Cybersecurity Fundamentals
← Network Security
← Identity & Access Management
← Security Operations
← Threat Analysis
Dependencies Flow:
- Fundamentals → Provider-Specific Knowledge → Certifications
- Industry Standards → Regulatory Compliance → Financial Expertise
- Core Security → Cloud Security → Financial Security
</GoT_analysis>
<rCoT_analysis>
Level 0 (Root): Achieve cloud & financial cybersecurity expertise
↓
Level 1: Core Knowledge Foundation
- Basic networking
- Security fundamentals
- Cloud computing basics
- Financial industry basics
↓
Level 2: Specialized Knowledge
- Cloud provider specifics
- Security frameworks
- Financial regulations
- Industry standards
↓
Level 3: Certification Preparation
- Study materials
- Practice exams
- Hands-on labs
- Documentation review
↓
Level 4: Certification Achievement
- Exam scheduling
- Test preparation
- Certification maintenance
- Continuous learning
</rCoT_analysis>
<step_by_step_plan>
1. Foundation Phase (Months 1-2)
- Basic Networking
- Complete CompTIA Network+ course
- Practice basic networking concepts
- Set up home lab environment
- Security Fundamentals
- Complete CompTIA Security+ course
- Study basic cryptography
- Learn security principles
- Cloud Basics
- Study cloud computing concepts
- Understand service models
- Learn deployment models
2. AWS Certification Track (Months 2-4)
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Complete AWS training
- Practice with free tier
- Take practice exams
- Schedule and pass exam
- AWS Solutions Architect Associate
- Complete video course
- Do hands-on labs
- Take practice tests
- Schedule and pass exam
- AWS Security Specialty
- Study security services
- Practice security configurations
- Take specialty exam
3. Azure Certification Track (Months 4-6)
- AZ-900 Fundamentals
- Complete Microsoft Learn paths
- Practice with free account
- Take certification exam
- AZ-500 Security Technologies
- Study security features
- Complete labs
- Pass certification exam
4. Financial Industry Focus (Months 6-8)
- Regulatory Compliance
- Study SOX requirements
- Learn PCI DSS standards
- Understand GDPR
- Study GLBA requirements
- Industry Standards
- Study ISO 27001
- Learn NIST frameworks
- Understand COBIT
- Financial Security
- Study banking security
- Learn payment systems
- Understand fraud prevention
5. Advanced Security Certifications (Months 8-10)
- CISSP Preparation
- Complete study course
- Practice question banks
- Take practice exams
- Schedule certification
- CISM Certification
- Study materials review
- Practice questions
- Exam preparation
- Take certification
6. Cloud Security Specialization (Months 10-12)
- Multi-Cloud Security
- Compare provider security
- Study best practices
- Learn integration patterns
- Financial Cloud Security
- Study specific requirements
- Learn compliance tools
- Practice implementations
7. Practical Application
- Lab Work
- Set up multi-cloud environment
- Configure security controls
- Implement compliance measures
- Documentation
- Create security policies
- Write procedures
- Document configurations
8. Continuous Learning
- Stay Current
- Subscribe to security blogs
- Join professional groups
- Attend webinars
- Certification Maintenance
- Track renewal requirements
- Complete continuing education
- Plan future certifications
9. Portfolio Development
- Document Projects
- Record implementations
- Write case studies
- Create technical blogs
- Professional Network
- Join LinkedIn groups
- Participate in forums
- Attend industry events
</step_by_step_plan>
Chaining this to a basic bullet point expansion prompt, gives a very detailed on how to achieve this goal state.
ASSISTANT:
1. Foundation Phase (Months 1-2)
Basic Networking:
- The CompTIA Network+ course should be completed through an established platform like Udemy, Pluralsight, or the official CompTIA learning materials. Focus specifically on understanding TCP/IP, subnetting, routing protocols, and network security fundamentals. Spend at least 2-3 hours daily working through the course material, taking detailed notes and completing all practice exercises. Set up practice scenarios using Packet Tracer or GNS3 to simulate network configurations.
Home Lab Environment:
- Begin by acquiring essential hardware: a dedicated computer or laptop with at least 16GB RAM and sufficient storage for virtual machines. Install virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware Workstation Pro to create multiple virtual environments. Set up at least one Linux distribution (Ubuntu Server recommended) and one Windows Server instance to practice networking concepts. Configure basic network services like DHCP, DNS, and routing between virtual machines.
Security Fundamentals:
- The CompTIA Security+ course should be approached systematically, starting with basic security concepts like CIA triad, authentication, and authorization. Dedicate specific time to understanding encryption algorithms, focusing particularly on symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption, hashing functions, and their practical applications. Create flashcards for security terminology and spend at least 30 minutes daily reviewing them. Practice identifying common security threats and appropriate countermeasures through scenario-based learning.
Basic Cryptography:
- Begin with understanding mathematical foundations of cryptography, including prime numbers, modular arithmetic, and key generation algorithms. Practice implementing basic encryption techniques using Python or another programming language, starting with simple substitution ciphers and progressing to modern algorithms. Study real-world applications of cryptographic protocols in HTTPS, SSL/TLS, and secure email communications. Create practical exercises to encrypt and decrypt data using different methods.
Cloud Basics:
- Start with a comprehensive review of fundamental cloud computing concepts through AWS, Azure, and GCP's free training materials. Create accounts in all three major cloud providers and explore their basic service offerings, particularly focusing on compute, storage, and networking services. Complete hands-on exercises in each platform to understand differences in terminology and basic architecture. Spend time understanding the shared responsibility model and how it applies to each cloud provider.
2. AWS Certification Track (Months 2-4)
AWS Cloud Practitioner Preparation:
- Begin with AWS's official Cloud Practitioner Essentials course on their training website, completing all modules systematically. Create an AWS free tier account and spend at least 2 hours daily exploring the AWS Management Console, focusing on core services like EC2, S3, and IAM. Take detailed notes on AWS's global infrastructure, pricing models, and support plans. Complete at least three different practice exams from reputable sources like Whizlabs or Jon Bonso, aiming for consistent scores above 80%.
AWS Solutions Architect Associate:
- Purchase and follow Adrian Cantrill's or Stephane Maarek's comprehensive video course, completing all sections and hands-on labs. Set up a dedicated AWS study environment with various services, practicing architecture scenarios daily. Create at least three different complex architectures involving high availability, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery. Spend significant time understanding VPC design, security groups, and network ACLs through practical implementation.
Hands-on Labs:
- Dedicate 2-3 hours daily to hands-on practice in AWS, focusing on different scenarios each week. Start with basic website hosting using S3 and CloudFront, then progress to more complex architectures involving EC2, RDS, and Lambda. Create and maintain a detailed lab notebook documenting all configurations, issues encountered, and solutions implemented. Practice cost optimization by monitoring AWS costs and implementing appropriate measures.
AWS Security Specialty:
- Begin specialized security training focusing on AWS-specific security services like GuardDuty, Security Hub, and WAF. Create comprehensive security architectures implementing defense-in-depth strategies across multiple AWS services. Practice implementing security controls across different compliance frameworks (PCI DSS, HIPAA, etc.). Set up and configure CloudWatch alerts, CloudTrail monitoring, and security automation using AWS Config.
3. Azure Certification Track (Months 4-6)
AZ-900 Fundamentals:
- Begin by completing all Microsoft Learn paths specifically designed for AZ-900, systematically working through each module and completing all knowledge checks. Dedicate at least 2 hours daily to hands-on practice in the Azure portal, focusing particularly on understanding the Azure service categories and resource management. Create detailed study notes comparing Azure services with their AWS counterparts to build a strong cross-platform understanding. Set up test environments using Azure's free credits to practice creating and managing resources like Virtual Networks, Storage Accounts, and App Services.
Microsoft Learn Paths:
- Register for a Microsoft Learn account and create a structured learning schedule covering all six main learning paths for AZ-900. Complete each interactive module, taking time to understand the practical exercises and knowledge checks thoroughly. Document key concepts using the Microsoft Learn sandbox environments, which provide free hands-on experience. Participate in Microsoft Learn community discussions to gain additional insights and clarify doubts.
Azure Security Technologies:
- Focus intensively on Azure's security features by completing the official AZ-500 learning path, spending at least 3 hours daily on security-specific concepts. Practice implementing Azure Active Directory, configuring Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), and setting up Multi-Factor Authentication in test environments. Create comprehensive security policies and procedures for various scenarios, including data encryption, network security, and identity management. Set up and configure Azure Security Center, practicing threat detection and response scenarios.
4. Financial Industry Focus (Months 6-8)
Regulatory Compliance:
- Study SOX requirements in detail, focusing on sections 302 and 404 which relate directly to IT controls and security measures. Create detailed documentation explaining how cloud security measures map to SOX compliance requirements. Spend at least 20 hours studying PCI DSS standards, particularly focusing on the 12 main requirements and how they apply to cloud environments. Develop a comprehensive understanding of GDPR's technical requirements, including data protection, privacy by design, and breach notification procedures.
Industry Standards Implementation:
- Begin with a thorough study of ISO 27001, focusing on all 114 controls and their implementation in cloud environments. Create detailed implementation plans for each relevant control, documenting specific technical measures required. Study the NIST Cybersecurity Framework's five core functions (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover) and their application to financial services. Develop practical implementation guides for COBIT framework processes, focusing specifically on financial technology applications.
Financial Security Practices:
- Dedicate significant time to understanding banking security architectures, including payment processing systems, core banking applications, and their cloud security requirements. Study common financial fraud patterns and develop detection strategies using cloud-native security tools. Create detailed documentation on secure payment system architectures, including tokenization, end-to-end encryption, and secure key management. Practice implementing security controls specific to financial services, such as transaction monitoring and fraud detection systems.
5. Advanced Security Certifications (Months 8-10)
CISSP Preparation:
- Purchase and thoroughly study the official ISC2 CISSP Study Guide and practice questions, dedicating at least 3 hours daily to focused study. Create detailed mind maps for each of the 8 CISSP domains, focusing particularly on their interconnections and relationships. Complete at least 2,000 practice questions from various sources, analyzing each incorrect answer to understand the underlying concepts. Participate in CISSP study groups or online forums to discuss complex topics and gain different perspectives on security concepts.
CISM Certification:
- Begin with a structured review of all four CISM domains using the official ISACA study materials and practice questions. Create practical scenarios for each domain, focusing on how they apply in real-world financial technology environments. Develop a comprehensive understanding of information security governance, including risk management, incident management, and security program development. Practice with at least 1,000 CISM-specific questions, focusing on the managerial aspects of information security.
6. Cloud Security Specialization (Months 10-12)
Multi-Cloud Security:
- Develop a comprehensive comparison matrix of security features across AWS, Azure, and GCP, including detailed analysis of native security tools, compliance certifications, and security best practices. Spend at least 40 hours implementing identical security controls across all three platforms to understand the nuances and differences in approach. Create detailed documentation on identity federation, key management, and encryption implementations across platforms. Practice implementing cross-platform security monitoring and incident response procedures using tools like Prisma Cloud or CloudCheckr.
Provider Security Integration:
- Set up centralized security monitoring across multiple cloud providers using tools like SecurityHub and Azure Sentinel. Create automated security assessment tools that can evaluate configurations across different cloud platforms. Develop and test incident response playbooks that work across multiple cloud environments. Implement unified identity management solutions that work seamlessly across all major cloud providers.
Financial Cloud Security:
- Develop comprehensive security architectures specifically for financial applications, including detailed network segmentation, encryption requirements, and access control policies. Create implementation guides for financial compliance requirements (SOX, PCI DSS, GLBA) across different cloud providers. Practice implementing security controls for specific financial use cases like payment processing, trading systems, and customer data protection. Document specific security measures required for different types of financial data and transactions.
7. Practical Application
Lab Work Setup:
- Create a production-grade multi-cloud environment using at least three major providers, implementing full security controls and compliance measures. Set up automated deployment pipelines that include security scanning, compliance checking, and vulnerability assessment. Implement comprehensive monitoring solutions that cover security, performance, and compliance across all cloud environments. Create disaster recovery and business continuity scenarios that span multiple cloud providers.
Security Controls Configuration:
- Implement comprehensive Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies across all cloud providers, including role-based access control and privileged access management. Set up security information and event management (SIEM) systems to aggregate and analyze security data from all cloud environments. Create and test incident response procedures for different types of security events. Implement automated remediation procedures for common security issues.
Documentation Development:
- Create detailed technical documentation for all implemented security controls, including architecture diagrams, configuration guides, and troubleshooting procedures. Develop comprehensive security policies and procedures that align with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Write detailed incident response playbooks for different types of security incidents. Create training materials for security team members on implemented controls and procedures.
8. Continuous Learning
Current Knowledge Maintenance:
- Subscribe to at least 10 high-quality security blogs and newsletters, dedicating 1 hour daily to reading and summarizing key developments. Join professional organizations like ISACA, ISC2, and Cloud Security Alliance, participating actively in discussions and events. Attend at least one major security conference annually and participate in relevant webinars weekly. Create a personal knowledge base to track new security developments and their potential impact on financial services.
Certification Management:
- Create a detailed spreadsheet tracking all certification renewal requirements, including continuing professional education (CPE) credits needed and deadlines. Develop a quarterly schedule for completing required CPE activities through various approved sources. Document all learning activities and maintain proper records for certification renewal submissions. Plan advancement paths for additional certifications based on career goals and industry trends.
9. Portfolio Development
Project Documentation:
- Create detailed case studies of at least five major security implementations, including problem statements, solution approaches, and outcomes. Document all technical challenges encountered and solutions developed during cloud security implementations. Write weekly technical blog posts about specific security challenges and solutions in financial cloud computing. Create video demonstrations of security implementations and share them on professional platforms.
Professional Network Building:
- Join and actively participate in at least five relevant LinkedIn groups focused on cloud security and financial technology. Contribute meaningful content to professional forums at least three times per week, sharing expertise and engaging in technical discussions. Attend monthly local meetups or virtual events related to cloud security and financial technology. Build relationships with at least 10 industry experts through meaningful interactions and knowledge sharing.
Each of these activities should be tracked in a project management tool or spreadsheet, with specific completion dates and progress metrics. Regular reviews (at least monthly) should be conducted to ensure staying on track with the 12-month timeline and adjusting the plan as needed based on progress and changing industry requirements.
As you can see from this example, it’s a very powerful technique that can help you take a big hairy audacious goal and break it right down to the nitty gritty.
