Stage 13 to 4 weeks
Networking Fundamentals
- TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS
- OSI model
- Firewalls, VPNs, proxies
- Wireshark traffic analysis
Cybersecurity
Protect systems, find vulnerabilities, and defend what matters.
Hard6 to 10 monthsgrow
Progress
Your Progress0%
Overview
Cybersecurity professionals protect systems and data from attacks. Ethical hackers find vulnerabilities before malicious actors do. One of the fastest-growing, highest-demand fields in tech globally.
Who is this for?
- ✓ Students starting from zero who want structure
- ✓ Self-taught learners who need a clear path
- ✓ Career switchers ready to commit consistently
What can you build?
- Vulnerability assessment reports
- Penetration testing scripts
- Security audit documentation
- CTF challenge solutions
Jobs you can get
Security AnalystPenetration TesterCybersecurity EngineerSOC AnalystEthical Hacker
Salary range: $60,000 to $150,000/year
Roadmap
Follow each stage in order. Mark stages complete as you finish them.
- Stage 23 to 4 weeks
Security Concepts
- CIA Triad
- Authentication & authorization
- Common attacks: phishing, MITM, SQLi, XSS
- OWASP Top 10
- Stage 35 to 6 weeks
Ethical Hacking
- Kali Linux setup
- Reconnaissance (OSINT)
- Vulnerability scanning (Nmap, Nessus)
- Exploitation (Metasploit)
- Web app testing (Burp Suite)
- Stage 43 to 4 weeks
Defensive Security
- Log analysis
- SIEM tools (Splunk basics)
- Incident response
- Security hardening
Resources
NetworkChuck YouTube
FREENetworking and cybersecurity content. Engaging and practical.
www.youtube.com/@NetworkChuck
TryHackMe
FREEThe best beginner cybersecurity platform. Gamified labs and guided paths.
tryhackme.com
TryHackMe — Complete Beginner Path
FREEHands-on cybersecurity training with browser-based labs. Free tier covers foundational security concepts, Linux, and web hacking basics.
tryhackme.com/paths
OWASP Top 10
FREEThe definitive list of the 10 most critical web application security risks.
owasp.org/www-project-top-ten
PicoCTF
FREEBeginner Capture The Flag challenges. Best place to start practicing.
picoctf.org
PortSwigger Web Security Academy
FREEFree world-class web security training from the Burp Suite creators.
portswigger.net/web-security
HackTheBox
FREEIntermediate to advanced hacking labs. The next step after TryHackMe.
www.hackthebox.com
Splunk SIEM Tutorial
FREEHands-on Splunk tutorial covering log analysis, threat detection, alerting, and SIEM fundamentals.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTvGrj3QOmU
Splunk SIEM Home Lab
FREEComplete guide to setting up a Splunk SIEM home lab for log analysis, detection queries, and incident response.
github.com/0xrajneesh/Splunk-SIEM-Home-Lab
Projects
beginner
#01
Home Network Audit
Use Nmap to scan your own network and document devices, open ports, and risks.
intermediate
#01
Vulnerable App Pentest
Test DVWA or HackTheBox and write a professional penetration test report.
#02
CTF Write-ups
Solve 5 TryHackMe challenges and publish detailed write-ups.
AI Guide
What AI helps with
- ✓ Explaining security concepts and attack vectors
- ✓ Writing security policy documentation
- ✓ Understanding CVEs and vulnerability reports
What AI cannot replace
- ✗ Any task facilitating real attacks on systems you do not own
- ✗ Bypassing security controls in production
- ✗ Generating malicious code of any kind
Recommended Tools
Sample Prompts
Explain how SQL injection works, what damage it can cause, and the 3 most effective prevention methods in a Python + PostgreSQL application.Explain the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption, when each is used, and give real-world examples of both.Career Path
Security AnalystPenetration TesterCybersecurity EngineerSOC AnalystEthical Hacker
$60,000 to $150,000/year
Certifications matter more in cybersecurity than any other tech track. Aim for CompTIA Security+ first, it is widely recognized and achievable for beginners.