BEST Cybersecurity Roadmap For Beginners | Beginner Cybersecurity Roadmap to Start Your Career 2025

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive roadmap for beginners aiming to start a career in cybersecurity, outlining key courses, hands-on labs, and projects to become job-ready within 2-3 months. The roadmap covers foundational cybersecurity tools, web and network security, certifications like Google Cybersecurity Professional and CompTIA Security+, and hands-on projects to enhance your resume. It also offers recommendations for various cybersecurity niches, including cloud security, defensive security, offensive security, and GRC. The video concludes with tips on LinkedIn, resume, and interview preparation to secure your first cybersecurity job.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start with TryHackMe’s Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to gain hands-on experience through cybersecurity labs, focusing on levels 2, 4, and 6 for tools like nmap, Hydra, and Metasploit.
• 📚 Move on to Google’s Cybersecurity Professional Certificate to build foundational cybersecurity skills and prepare for the CompTIA Security+ certification.
• 🛡️ The CompTIA Security+ certification is essential for landing entry-level cybersecurity jobs, as it's highly valued by hiring managers.
• 💡 Complete cybersecurity projects (such as building a phishing simulator or intrusion detection system) to enhance your resume and demonstrate practical skills.
• 🔧 Work on web application security and network security by learning tools like Burp Suite and understanding SQL injection and DNS vulnerabilities.
• 📘 Study Professor Messer's CompTIA Security+ course, using his free resources alongside a textbook to build confidence for passing the certification exam.
• 🖥️ Join cybersecurity communities like BSides for networking opportunities and attend events, workshops, and conferences to boost your career prospects.
• ☁️ For cloud security, pursue the Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate certification, one of the fastest-growing areas in cybersecurity.
• 🔍 If interested in blue teaming (defensive security), earn the Blue Team Level 1 or Hack The Box Certified Defensive Security Analyst certifications.
• 🎯 Offensive security enthusiasts should consider TCM Security's PNPT certification or the Ethical Hacking Essentials course to build penetration testing skills.

Q & A

What is the recommended time frame for completing the beginner's cybersecurity roadmap?

The roadmap is expected to take around 2 to 3 months to complete, depending on how much time is dedicated to learning.

Which platform is suggested for the initial training in cybersecurity?

The platform 'TryHackMe' is recommended for beginners, particularly focusing on levels 2, 4, and 6 for essential cybersecurity skills.

What is the primary certification recommended for entry-level cybersecurity professionals?

The CompTIA Security+ certification is highly recommended as it is widely recognized by HR and hiring managers.

Why is the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate suggested before taking the CompTIA Security+ exam?

The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate provides a solid foundation for beginners, including hands-on projects and cybersecurity skills, and offers a discounted exam voucher for the CompTIA Security+ certification.

What is the benefit of completing cybersecurity projects before applying for jobs?

Completing cybersecurity projects allows candidates to showcase hands-on experience, specific skills, and the tools they've used on their resumes, which makes them more appealing to recruiters even without previous work experience.

What are some examples of hands-on cybersecurity projects that beginners can work on?

Examples include creating your own SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) lab, phishing attack simulator, and setting up a host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS).

What are the four cybersecurity niches mentioned, and how can someone choose the right one?

The four niches are Cloud Security, Defensive Security, Offensive Security, and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). The choice should depend on the learner’s interest and the skills they’ve acquired from their training.

What training resources are available for those interested in Cloud Security?

The Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate Professional Certificate is recommended for those looking to build a career in Cloud Security.

What is the Blue Team Level 1 Certificate, and who is it for?

The Blue Team Level 1 Certificate is designed for junior SOC (Security Operations Center) analysts. It covers hands-on training in areas like phishing analysis, threat intelligence, digital forensics, and incident response.

How can networking help in a cybersecurity career, and what training resources are available for it?

Networking is an essential skill for both offensive and defensive security roles. The Juniper Networks IT and Network Security Training is a recommended free resource for learning these skills.