<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand career fields today, offering lucrative opportunities for those with the right skills. If you're considering a career in cybersecurity but aren’t sure where to begin, this roadmap will guide you step-by-step through the skills, certifications, and tools you need to land an entry-level role within 7 to 10 months. Whether you're new to tech or transitioning from another industry, following these steps will help you build a strong foundation and gain the confidence to enter this exciting field.</p>

<h2 class="font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">Step 1: Build a Solid Foundation in IT</h2>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">Before jumping into cybersecurity, it's crucial to have a basic understanding of core IT concepts. This step ensures you have the groundwork to troubleshoot, install, and manage basic systems—a prerequisite for working in the field.</p>

<h3 class="font-bold text-h4 leading-[30px] pt-[15px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">Key Topics to Cover:</h3>
<ul class="pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] list-disc [&amp;_ul]:pt-[5px] pt-[5px]">
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="1">Installing Operating Systems</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="2">Managing Common PC Issues</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="3">Networking Essentials</li>
</ul>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">A great starting point is the <b><strong class="font-bold">CompTIA A+ certification</strong></b>, which covers foundational IT skills. If you commit 3-5 hours of study daily, you can complete this step within 1-2 months. Don’t skip this stage if you’re new to tech—being comfortable with these basics is vital for success.</p>

<h2 class="font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">Step 2: Learn Computer Networking</h2>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">Understanding how networks work is essential because cybersecurity heavily involves securing, monitoring, and even exploiting networks. Gaining expertise in computer networking will help you understand how data flows between systems, and how to protect it.</p>

<h3 class="font-bold text-h4 leading-[30px] pt-[15px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">Topics to Focus On:</h3>
<ul class="pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] list-disc [&amp;_ul]:pt-[5px] pt-[5px]">
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="1">OSI and TCP/IP Models</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="2">Common Protocols (HTTP, HTTPS, TCP, etc.)</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="3">IP Addressing and Subnetting</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="4">Routers, Switches, and Firewalls</li>
</ul>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">For certifications, <b><strong class="font-bold">CompTIA Network+</strong></b> offers an excellent introduction to networking principles, while <b><strong class="font-bold">CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)</strong></b> dives deeper into Cisco-specific concepts and tools. The CCNA is more challenging but carries extra weight on your resume. Allocate 1-2 months to this step.</p>

<h2 class="font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">Step 3: Operating Systems (Windows and Linux)</h2>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">Operating systems are at the core of cybersecurity. Most systems you'll protect (or investigate) will run on Windows or Linux. Start with one, based on your current familiarity, and then build knowledge in the other.</p>

<h3 class="font-bold text-h4 leading-[30px] pt-[15px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">Key Learning Areas:</h3>
<ul class="pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] list-disc [&amp;_ul]:pt-[5px] pt-[5px]">
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="1">File Permissions</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="2">Logs Management</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="3">User Management</li>
</ul>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">Spend 1-2 months gaining practical experience with both. While <b><strong class="font-bold">CompTIA Linux+</strong></b> can validate your Linux knowledge, it’s not as essential as networking or cybersecurity certifications. Use training platforms and hands-on practice to solidify your understanding.</p>

<h2 class="font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">Step 4: Learn Basic Coding</h2>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">While you don’t need to be an expert programmer to start in cybersecurity, coding skills can enhance your effectiveness in the role. The most valuable programming language to learn is <b><strong class="font-bold">Python</strong></b> due to its simplicity and versatility within cybersecurity tasks.</p>

<h3 class="font-bold text-h4 leading-[30px] pt-[15px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">Recommended Skills:</h3>
<ul class="pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] list-disc [&amp;_ul]:pt-[5px] pt-[5px]">
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="1">Python basics, including automation scripts</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="2">Bash scripting (for Linux environments)</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="3">PowerShell scripting (for Windows environments)</li>
</ul>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">Python tutorials (like the ones mentioned on the YouTube channel) are a great place to begin—start with beginner-friendly lessons. Spend about a month practicing and applying your coding skills to common security scenarios.</p>

<h2 class="font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">Step 5: Cybersecurity Fundamentals</h2>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">By this stage, you’ll have the foundational skills in IT, networking, and coding. Now, it's time to shift into cybersecurity-specific concepts. This involves identifying vulnerabilities, protecting data, and defending systems.</p>

<h3 class="font-bold text-h4 leading-[30px] pt-[15px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">Recommended Certifications:</h3>
<ul class="pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] list-disc [&amp;_ul]:pt-[5px] pt-[5px]">
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="1"><b><strong class="font-bold">CompTIA Security+</strong></b></li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="2"><b><strong class="font-bold">Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate</strong></b></li>
</ul>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="font-bold">CompTIA Security+</strong></b> is especially well-recognized and often a requirement for entry-level positions. Allocate around 1-2 months to master cybersecurity fundamentals and complete an introduction to defensive (blue team) and offensive (red team) strategies.</p>

<h2 class="font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">Step 6: Defensive Security (Blue Team)</h2>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">Defensive security focuses on safeguarding systems and responding to threats. Mastering this area will prepare you for roles in monitoring and defending network systems.</p>

<h3 class="font-bold text-h4 leading-[30px] pt-[15px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">What to Learn:</h3>
<ul class="pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] list-disc [&amp;_ul]:pt-[5px] pt-[5px]">
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="1">Threat detection and analysis</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="2">Log management and interpretation</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="3">Network security best practices</li>
</ul>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="font-bold">Certifications to Explore:</strong></b></p>

<ol class="pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] [&amp;_ol]:pt-[5px] list-decimal">
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="1"><b><strong class="font-bold">Cisco CyberOps Associate</strong></b> (well-respected certification in defensive security)</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="2"><b><strong class="font-bold">PNSA by TCM Security</strong></b> (hands-on training for realistic network defense tasks)</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="3"><b><strong class="font-bold">PTL1 by Security Blue Team</strong></b> (focused on real-world defensive tasks)</li>
</ol>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">Spend 1-2 months mastering these skills and certifications.</p>

<h2 class="font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">Step 7: Offensive Security (Red Team)</h2>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">Offensive security involves identifying weaknesses through penetration testing and network scanning. This knowledge allows you to think like an attacker and defend systems more effectively.</p>

<h3 class="font-bold text-h4 leading-[30px] pt-[15px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">Key Focus Areas:</h3>
<ul class="pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] list-disc [&amp;_ul]:pt-[5px] pt-[5px]">
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="1">Network scanning techniques</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="2">Vulnerability exploitation</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="3">Simulated hacking practices via safe testing environments</li>
</ul>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="font-bold">Platforms for Practice:</strong></b></p>

<ol class="pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] [&amp;_ol]:pt-[5px] list-decimal">
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="1"><b><strong class="font-bold">TryHackMe</strong></b></li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="2"><b><strong class="font-bold">Hack The Box</strong></b></li>
</ol>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="font-bold">Certifications to Pursue:</strong></b></p>

<ol class="pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] [&amp;_ol]:pt-[5px] list-decimal">
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="1"><b><strong class="font-bold">eJPT (eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester)</strong></b></li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="2"><b><strong class="font-bold">CompTIA PenTest+</strong></b></li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="3"><b><strong class="font-bold">PJP by TCM Security</strong></b></li>
</ol>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">Dedicate 1-2 months to building practical offensive security skills.</p>

<h2 class="font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">Step 8: Hands-On Practice with Labs</h2>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">Employers value real-world experience, so supplement your learning with hands-on practice. Labs and simulations help you develop the critical skills required in the field. Use online platforms like <b><strong class="font-bold">RangeForce</strong></b>, <b><strong class="font-bold">Immersive Labs</strong></b>, or <b><strong class="font-bold">Hack The Box</strong></b>, and document your projects or challenges to showcase during interviews.</p>

<h2 class="font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">Tips for Standing Out to Employers</h2>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">While certifications are valuable, employers are more interested in practical skills and how you apply them to solve real-world problems. Showcase your expertise by:</p>

<ul class="pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] list-disc [&amp;_ul]:pt-[5px] pt-[5px]">
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="1">Creating and maintaining a GitHub portfolio of your projects</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="2">Participating in CTF (Capture The Flag) challenges to test and demonstrate your skills</li>
 	<li class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0" value="3">Taking on freelance or internship opportunities to gain hands-on experience</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">How Long Will It Take?</h2>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">If you can dedicate 3-5 hours of study and practice daily, this roadmap can take around 7-10 months to complete. However, cybersecurity is a dynamic field, and everyone learns at a different pace. Don’t hesitate to take extra time if needed—it’s more important to thoroughly understand each step than to rush through.</p>

<h2 class="font-bold text-h3 leading-[40px] pt-[21px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]" dir="ltr">Final Thoughts</h2>
<p class="text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]" dir="ltr">The path to becoming a cybersecurity professional may seem daunting, but it’s achievable with the right approach. Follow this roadmap, stay consistent, and put in the effort to learn and practice. Remember, the cybersecurity field rewards curiosity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.</p>