going to conflict zones solo is asking to get ganked. That happens in combat zones in real life too.
To be honest, I tried a few combat zone excursions and discovered that hunting down individual signals and fighting pirates I find offer better practice, less over head (your taking less damage and if you use ballistics less ammo). Plus the bounties you get seem to pay out more.
That would be my advice. Or wait for that dude, and catch him when he's heading home for fuel, bang bang, and repairs. (You'll need an interdictor)
Some dude ganked me in a war zone, and I have his number, when the time is right and he's forgotten who I am I will have my revenge.
Also for the moment there's two people in starter zones: the weak, and those who pray on the weak. Plus a rare slow flying veteran trolling those who pray on the weak. So get away from there, you'll find better trading oppurtunites and all the rest further afield.
(Note I do not advocate seal clubbing new players, but at the moment its simply a reality, so you gotta deal with those people)
I would shy zway from telling you to not play open play. Learning to deal with grief and crime is one of the more engaging part of online games with those who can stomach it.