Welcome to the Cybersecurity Roadmap! 🎉 This guide is designed to help you navigate your journey into the exciting and ever-evolving field of cybersecurity, covering everything from foundational knowledge to practical experience and career tips. Let's dive in and build a secure world together! 🌐🔐
- 🚀 Foundation
- 🔎 Fundamentals
- 🌐 Specialization
- 💻 Practical Experience
- 📚 Continuous Learning
- 📺 YouTube Channels
- 💼 Job Roles
- 🔐 Improving Cybersecurity Skills
- 💼 Finding a Job
- 📜 Certifications
- 📅 6 Month Cybersecurity Roadmap
To start learning cybersecurity, you need to build a solid understanding of networking and operating systems. These are the basic skills you need to know how computers and networks communicate and work together, which is essential for keeping systems safe and secure.
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Networking Basics 🌐
Learn how devices share data and connect through networks.
Networking Basics - Coursera -
Operating System Fundamentals 🖥️
Get to know how operating systems work, which is important for understanding system security.
Operating System Fundamentals - Udemy -
Introduction to Cybersecurity 🔒
Start with the basics of cybersecurity and learn why it matters.
Introduction to Cybersecurity - Cybrary -
CompTIA Network+ Certification 📜
This certification covers everything you need to know about networks and helps you validate your knowledge.
CompTIA Network+ - Cybrary -
Linux Essentials 🐧
Learn the basics of Linux, a popular operating system in cybersecurity.
Linux Essentials - Linux Academy (Now A Cloud Guru) -
Cisco Networking Academy 🌍
Free courses to learn networking and security skills from the experts at Cisco.
Cisco Networking Academy -
TCP/IP Networking 🌐
Understand the core protocol suite that powers the internet and most networks.
TCP/IP Networking - Pluralsight -
Security+ Certification Training 🔐
A well-rounded course for learning key security concepts and earning a certification.
CompTIA Security+ - Pluralsight -
Virtualization Basics 🌪️
Learn how virtual machines work, which is useful for running different systems securely.
Virtualization Basics - Udacity
Build a solid foundation in cybersecurity and understand the best practices and tools that professionals use to protect systems and data.
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Security Fundamentals and Best Practices
Learn the key principles of cybersecurity and best practices for staying safe online.
Cybersecurity Fundamentals - Simplilearn -
Basic Security Tools and Technologies 🔧
Discover the essential tools that help protect and monitor systems.
Cybersecurity Tools - YouTube -
Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools 🔍
Get familiar with commonly used cybersecurity tools.
Getting Started with Cybersecurity Tools - Coursera -
Cybersecurity Basics for Beginners 🌐
Start with the fundamentals and basic concepts of cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Basics - edX -
Introduction to Ethical Hacking 🕵️♂️
Learn the basics of ethical hacking and how it helps in finding and fixing vulnerabilities.
Ethical Hacking Basics - Cybrary -
Common Security Vulnerabilities
⚠️
Understand the most common security risks that can affect applications and networks.
Understanding Common Vulnerabilities - OWASP -
Cybersecurity Frameworks 📏
Explore frameworks that guide organizations in building strong security practices.
Cybersecurity Framework Overview - NIST -
Incident Response Fundamentals 🚨
Learn how to respond effectively to security incidents and minimize damage.
Incident Response Basics - Pluralsight -
Introduction to Malware Analysis 🦠
Understand the basics of analyzing and defending against malware.
Malware Analysis - Udemy -
Phishing and Social Engineering Awareness 📧
Recognize and prevent social engineering attacks like phishing.
Phishing Awareness - Proofpoint -
Data Privacy Basics 🔒
Learn how to manage and protect personal and sensitive data.
Data Privacy Fundamentals - Coursera
Cybersecurity offers various paths based on your interests and career goals. Here are some popular specializations and the certifications that can help you excel in each area.
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Network Security 🛡️
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Penetration Testing 💻
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Incident Response 🔍
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Security Analysis 📊
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Security Auditing and Compliance 📝
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Security Architecture 🏛️
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Cloud Security ☁️
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Application Security 📱
Get hands-on with cybersecurity tools and labs. Practical experience is key to understanding real-world threats and how to mitigate them.
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TryHackMe 🔐
TryHackMe Labs
Engage in interactive, guided labs that cover various cybersecurity topics and techniques. -
Hack The Box 🕵️
Hack The Box Labs
Test your skills with a wide range of challenges that simulate real-world scenarios in a gamified environment. -
OverTheWire ⚔️
OverTheWire Games
A series of wargames designed to help you learn and practice security concepts in a fun and engaging way. -
VulnHub 🏴☠️
VulnHub
Downloadable vulnerable virtual machines for practice in your own environment, allowing for in-depth exploration of security weaknesses. -
Cybrary 📚
Cybrary Labs
Offers hands-on labs and training in various cybersecurity domains, catering to both beginners and advanced learners. -
Red Teaming Toolkit 🛠️
Red Team Tools
A compilation of open-source tools and resources to simulate real-world cyberattacks and improve defensive strategies. -
SANS Cyber Aces 🎓
SANS Cyber Aces
Free online courses that provide a solid introduction to cybersecurity, including hands-on labs and challenges. -
NetWars 🎮
SANS NetWars
A hands-on, interactive competition where participants solve real-world cybersecurity challenges in a timed environment.
The cybersecurity field changes quickly, so staying updated is essential! Here are some resources to keep you in the know:
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Cybersecurity News 📰
Dark Reading
Provides insights and updates on cybersecurity threats, trends, and solutions. -
Security Weekly 📡
Security Weekly
A podcast and news platform that covers various cybersecurity topics, interviews with industry leaders, and expert insights. -
Krebs on Security 🔍
Krebs on Security
A blog by journalist Brian Krebs that offers deep dives into cybersecurity incidents and advice for staying secure. -
Threatpost
⚠️
Threatpost
Offers up-to-date news and analysis on cybersecurity vulnerabilities, threats, and the latest research. -
Infosecurity Magazine 📰
Infosecurity Magazine
A source for the latest news, insights, and research on information security. -
CyberScoop 🌐
CyberScoop
Covers news and events related to cybersecurity policy, technology, and trends in the industry. -
The Hacker News 👨💻
The Hacker News
Provides daily updates on cybersecurity incidents, hacking news, and tech trends. -
Reddit - Netsec 🗨️
r/netsec
A community for sharing news, articles, and discussions on information security topics. -
Twitter 🐦
Follow industry experts and organizations for real-time updates. Some accounts to consider:- @thegrugq (Security Researcher)
- @briankrebs (Krebs on Security)
- @DarkReading (Dark Reading)
Expand your knowledge through tutorials and insights from cybersecurity experts.
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Cybrary
A comprehensive resource for IT and cybersecurity training. -
Hak5
Focuses on hacking and penetration testing techniques. -
Professor Messer
Provides free training videos for CompTIA certifications. -
The Cyber Mentor
Offers tutorials on ethical hacking and penetration testing. -
John Hammond
Features hands-on security projects and challenges. -
FreeCodeCamp Cybersecurity
A variety of courses on cybersecurity topics. -
NetworkChuck
Engaging tutorials on networking, cloud, and cybersecurity. -
Security Weekly
A series of discussions and interviews with cybersecurity professionals. -
Cybersecurity and IT Essentials
Offers training videos focused on IT and cybersecurity essentials. -
The Art of Hacking
A channel dedicated to hacking tutorials and techniques. -
Chris Greer
Covers cybersecurity concepts, career tips, and practical advice.
The field of cybersecurity has diverse job roles to explore, each with distinct responsibilities. Here’s a look at popular roles and their average salaries in PHP, USD, and AUD, along with sources for the information:
| Job Role | Average Salary (PHP) | Average Salary (USD) | Average Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Security Engineer | ₱900,000 | $80,000 | AU$60,000 |
| Penetration Tester | ₱800,000 | $70,000 | AU$53,000 |
| Incident Responder | ₱950,000 | $85,000 | AU$63,000 |
| Security Analyst | ₱750,000 | $67,000 | AU$50,000 |
| Security Consultant | ₱1,100,000 | $100,000 | AU$70,000 |
| Cryptographer | ₱1,000,000 | $90,000 | AU$65,000 |
| Security Auditor | ₱850,000 | $75,000 | AU$55,000 |
| Security Architect | ₱1,200,000 | $110,000 | AU$80,000 |
| Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) | ₱2,000,000 | $180,000 | AU$130,000 |
| Malware Analyst | ₱950,000 | $85,000 | AU$63,000 |
| Forensic Analyst | ₱850,000 | $75,000 | AU$55,000 |
| Risk Manager | ₱1,300,000 | $115,000 | AU$85,000 |
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Philippines:
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United States:
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Australia:
Note: Salaries may vary based on experience, education, location, and the specific employer. It’s essential to research current market trends and adjust expectations accordingly.
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Practice Secure Online Behavior 🕵️
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown attachments.
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- Be cautious about sharing personal information online.
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Regular Software Updates
- Keep operating systems, software, and antivirus tools up to date.
- Enable automatic updates when possible to ensure you receive the latest security patches.
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Network Security 🛡️
- Use strong encryption protocols (e.g., WPA3) for Wi-Fi networks.
- Change default router passwords and keep the router firmware updated.
- Enable a firewall to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic.
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Educate Yourself 📚
- Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and trends through blogs, forums, and news sites.
- Participate in online courses or webinars focused on cybersecurity topics.
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Utilize Security Tools 🔧
- Use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to encrypt your internet connection when accessing public Wi-Fi.
- Implement anti-malware software to protect against malicious attacks.
- Use password managers to securely store and manage your passwords.
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Engage in Hands-On Practice 💻
- Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges to test your skills in a practical environment.
- Set up a home lab to experiment with different security tools and configurations.
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Join Cybersecurity Communities 🌐
- Engage with online communities, forums, or local meetups to share knowledge and experiences.
- Networking with other cybersecurity enthusiasts can lead to valuable insights and opportunities.
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Regularly Review and Audit 🔍
- Periodically review your security practices and policies to identify areas for improvement.
- Conduct regular security audits of your systems and networks to assess vulnerabilities.
Here are some essential tips and resources to land your first cybersecurity job!
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Build Your Resume
- Showcase certifications, skills, and hands-on experience.
- Tailor your resume for each application, highlighting relevant projects and accomplishments.
- Include soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
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Networking
- Attend cybersecurity events, conferences, and meetups to connect with professionals in the field.
- Join online forums and social media groups related to cybersecurity (e.g., Reddit, LinkedIn).
- Engage with professionals by asking questions and sharing insights to build relationships.
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Apply for Internships and Entry-Level Jobs
- Start with entry-level roles such as Security Analyst or Junior Penetration Tester.
- Look for internships, co-op programs, or volunteer opportunities to gain practical experience.
- Be open to roles in related fields like IT support or network administration to build relevant skills.
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Leverage Job Boards
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Prepare for Interviews
- Research common interview questions for cybersecurity roles and practice your answers.
- Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with tools and technologies relevant to the position.
- Showcase your problem-solving abilities through scenario-based questions or technical assessments.
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Stay Persistent
- Don’t get discouraged by rejections; keep applying and improving your skills.
- Consider creating a personal blog or GitHub repository to share your projects and insights.
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Utilize Social Media
- Follow industry leaders, companies, and groups on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter for job postings and insights.
- Share relevant content and engage with others in the cybersecurity community to increase visibility.
| Month | Focus Area | Activity | Study Resource Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | Fundamentals of Networking | Read about networking basics | Cisco Networking Basics |
| Complete a networking simulation | Packet Tracer | ||
| Set up a small home network | Networking Basics - Cybrary | ||
| Month 2 | Cybersecurity Principles | Study core cybersecurity principles | Cybrary - Cybersecurity Fundamentals |
| Take notes and review key concepts | |||
| Explore the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) | NIST Cybersecurity Framework | ||
| Month 3 | Threats & Vulnerabilities | Learn about common cyber threats | NIST - Cybersecurity Framework |
| Analyze case studies of recent breaches | Krebs on Security | ||
| Participate in online discussions about recent threats | Cybersecurity Forums | ||
| Month 4 | Tools & Technologies | Explore popular cybersecurity tools | OWASP Top Ten |
| Hands-on practice with a tool (e.g., Wireshark) | Wireshark Official | ||
| Experiment with virtual machines | VirtualBox | ||
| Month 5 | Practical Skills & Projects | Work on a personal cybersecurity project | TryHackMe |
| Join online capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions | CTFtime | ||
| Create a small web application with security features | OWASP WebGoat | ||
| Month 6 | Networking & Collaboration | Attend a webinar or online workshop | Cybersecurity Webinars |
| Network with professionals on LinkedIn | |||
| Participate in community forums | r/cybersecurity on Reddit | ||
| Review the week’s learning and reflect on progress |
Note: This roadmap is a flexible guide. Feel free to adjust the focus areas and activities based on your career goals, interests, and prior knowledge. Everyone's journey in cybersecurity is unique!
Cybersecurity certifications can boost your credibility, help you gain in-depth knowledge, and improve your job prospects.
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CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ -
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
CISSP Certification -
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
CEH Certification -
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
CySA+ Certification -
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
CISA Certification -
Certified Network Defender (CND)
CND Certification
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Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
CCSP Certification -
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
CISM Certification -
Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
GCIH Certification -
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
OSCP Certification -
GIAC Security Expert (GSE)
GSE Certification -
Certified Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
CRISC Certification
Embarking on a career in cybersecurity requires more than just technical know-how; it’s about building a mindset that prioritizes security, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Here are some strategies to help you succeed in this fast-paced field.
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Build a Portfolio
Showcase your skills with hands-on projects like labs, simulations, and real-world scenarios. Your portfolio is a testament to your practical skills and problem-solving abilities. Include your work on platforms like GitHub and create write-ups for penetration testing and incident response cases. -
Stay Updated 🔄
Cybersecurity is constantly evolving with new vulnerabilities and threat vectors emerging every day. Regularly follow reputable sources like Dark Reading, The Hacker News, and cybersecurity podcasts to keep up with the latest trends, tools, and developments. -
Collaborate and Network 🌐
Networking is invaluable in cybersecurity. Join cybersecurity groups on LinkedIn, Reddit, or specialized forums, and attend conferences or webinars. Cybersecurity is a collaborative field, and networking not only opens doors for opportunities but also lets you learn from experienced professionals. -
Practice Analytical and Critical Thinking
Cultivating strong analytical skills is essential for cybersecurity roles, where you’ll often encounter complex problems requiring creative solutions. Consider regular practice with puzzles, logic games, and challenges on platforms like Cybrary and TryHackMe. -
Master Core Tools and Technologies 🔧
Being proficient in tools like Wireshark, Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and network firewalls is critical. Take time to master these tools and understand how they contribute to detecting, mitigating, and responding to threats. -
Gain Experience with Real-World Environments
Real-life cybersecurity is different from theory. Try to gain experience through internships, simulations, or volunteering for nonprofit organizations’ security initiatives. This exposure to real-world environments helps you understand common practices, tools, and challenges in cybersecurity. -
Invest in Soft Skills
Communication is crucial, especially when explaining technical vulnerabilities or security strategies to non-technical stakeholders. Building presentation skills, active listening, and concise writing will help you communicate more effectively in collaborative and client-facing roles. -
Seek a Mentor or Join Study Groups 🧑🏫
A mentor can guide you through career challenges, provide insights into the field, and share resources. Study groups offer support, different perspectives, and encouragement when preparing for certifications or working through complex topics. -
Focus on Continuous Learning and Certifications 📜
Cybersecurity is a field where constant learning is essential. Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CEH, and CISSP are respected in the industry and can significantly boost your career prospects. Pursue certifications that align with your career goals, and remember that each certification represents a commitment to personal growth and industry standards. -
Contribute to Open Source Projects 🛠️
Participating in open-source projects not only helps you practice your skills but also exposes you to new tools, codebases, and collaborative problem-solving. Sites like GitHub and GitLab have numerous projects in need of cybersecurity expertise. -
Develop a Strong Ethical Foundation
Cybersecurity professionals must adhere to a high standard of ethics, as the field often requires access to sensitive information. Understand and commit to ethical principles to gain trust and respect in your work environment. -
Engage in Capture the Flag (CTF) Challenges 🚩
CTF challenges are an excellent way to test your skills in a competitive environment. Platforms like Hack The Box and OverTheWire provide challenges that simulate real-world security scenarios and help you learn from both successes and mistakes. -
Join Cybersecurity Communities
Engage with cybersecurity communities like OWASP, DefCon, or local cybersecurity meetups. Being active in these communities can provide you with insights into industry standards, new techniques, and innovations.
- GitHub: jundelmalazarte
- Facebook: Jundel Malazarte
- Email: jundelmalazarte@348gmail.com
- Timezone: Manila Standard Time (PST) - UTC+8
- Last Updated: [Date] (e.g., November 17, 2024)
Happy learning, and stay safe online! 🎉