Roadmap

02 Feb 2025

Roadmap: A Practical Guide to Becoming a Cybersecurity

This roadmap is designed to help you build a strong foundation in cybersecurity and progress to advanced levels. It is structured to be practical, hands-on, and aligned with industry standards. Follow this roadmap step-by-step to gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel in cybersecurity.

Table of Contents

Introduction

• Phase 1: Foundations
• Phase 2: Core Cybersecurity Skills
• Phase 3: Specialization
• Phase 4: Real-World Experience
• Phase 5: Certifications and Career Growth
• Resources and Tools
• Conclusion

Introduction

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field with high demand for skilled professionals. This roadmap will guide you through the essential steps to build a successful career in cybersecurity. It is divided into phases, starting with foundational knowledge and progressing to advanced skills and real-world experience.

Phase 1: Foundations

Before diving into cybersecurity, you need a strong foundation in IT and networking.

### 1.1 Learn Basic IT Skills

Topics to Cover:

• Operating Systems (Windows, Linux, macOS)
• Hardware and Software Basics
• File Systems and Storage
• Command Line Interfaces (CLI) (Windows CMD, PowerShell, Bash)
• System Administration Basics

Resources:

• CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)
• Linux Journey
• PowerShell for Beginners

### 1.2 Understand Networking Basics

Topics to Cover:

• IP Addressing and Subnetting
• Protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, DHCP, ICMP, ARP, etc.)
• Network Devices (Routers, Switches, Firewalls, Load Balancers)
• Network Security Concepts

Resources:

• CompTIA Network+
• Cisco Networking Basics
• Wireshark for Packet Analysis

### 1.3 Learn Basic Programming

Languages to Learn:

• Python (for scripting and automation)
• Bash (for Linux command-line scripting)
• C (for understanding memory and low-level vulnerabilities)
• JavaScript (for web security and application pentesting)

Resources:

• Automate the Boring Stuff with Python
• Learn Shell Scripting
• Introduction to C Programming

Phase 2: Core Cybersecurity Skills

Once you have a solid foundation, focus on core cybersecurity concepts and tools.

### 2.1 Learn Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Topics to Cover:

• CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
• Threat Modeling
• Risk Management
• Security Policies and Compliance (ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR)
• Security Controls (Preventive, Detective, Corrective)

Resources:

• Cybersecurity Essentials by Cisco
• Introduction to Cybersecurity by Cybrary

### 2.2 Understand Operating System Security

Topics to Cover:

• Hardening Windows and Linux Systems
• User and Permission Management
• Log Analysis and Incident Response
• Security Event Management (SIEM)
• Active Directory Security

Resources:

• Windows Security Basics
• Linux Security Basics
• Graylog Log Management

### 2.3 Learn About Malware and Threats

Topics to Cover:

• Types of Malware (Viruses, Worms, Ransomware, Trojans, Rootkits)
• Social Engineering (Phishing, Scams, Pretexting, Baiting)
• Threat Intelligence and Analysis
• Endpoint Security Solutions (EDR, AV, HIDS, NIDS)

Resources:

• Malware Analysis Basics
• Phishing Awareness Training
• MITRE ATT&CK Framework

### 2.4 Practice Hands-On Labs

Tools to Use:

• Virtual Machines (VirtualBox, VMware, Hyper-V)
• Cybersecurity Labs (TryHackMe, Hack The Box, Blue Team Labs Online)
• SIEM Tools (Splunk, ELK Stack, Wazuh)

Resources:

• TryHackMe
• Hack The Box
• CyberDefenders

Phase 3: Specialization

Choose a specialization based on your interests and career goals.

Specializations:

• Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing: Kali Linux, Metasploit, Burp Suite
• Network Security: IDS/IPS, Firewalls, VPNs
• Cloud Security: AWS, Azure, GCP Security
• Digital Forensics & Incident Response (DFIR): Autopsy, Volatility, Sleuth Kit
• Threat Intelligence & OSINT: Maltego, Shodan, theHarvester

Phase 4: Real-World Experience

Gain practical experience by:

• Participating in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions (CTFtime, PicoCTF)
• Contributing to Open Source Security Projects (OWASP, Metasploit, Snort)
• Doing Internships or Volunteer Work
• Building a Home Lab using Virtual Machines and Security Tools

Phase 5: Certifications and Career Growth

Entry-Level Certifications:

• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Advanced Certifications:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

Career Growth:

• Build a Portfolio showcasing projects and certifications
• Engage in Cybersecurity Communities (Reddit, Discord, LinkedIn, Meetup)
• Contribute to Cybersecurity Blogs and Write Research Papers

Additional Tools to Learn

• Packet Analysis: Wireshark, tcpdump
• Network Scanning: Nmap, Angry IP Scanner
• Web Security: Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP
• Forensics: Autopsy, Volatility, Sleuth Kit
• Reverse Engineering: IDA Pro, Ghidra, Radare2
• Wireless Security: Aircrack-ng, Kismet
• OSINT Tools: Maltego, Shodan, theHarvester

Cybersecurity Roadmap Knowledge Exam

EXAM

Conclusion

This roadmap provides a structured approach to becoming a cybersecurity professional. Stay curious, keep learning, and engage with the cybersecurity community.