CyberPath

Your Cybersecurity Roadmap

> Start here. No experience required.

Explore the Roadmap ↓ Find Your Career Path →

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Open Jobs Globally

$0K/yr

Typical Entry Salary

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Core Career Tracks

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Degree Required

The Complete Roadmap

Beginner-friendly. Click any node to learn more.

Phase 1: Foundation

Start Here

Topics to Master:

  • How The Internet Works (DNS, HTTP/S)
  • OSI & TCP/IP Models
  • Basic Networking (IP Addresses, Subnetting, Ports)
  • Operating Systems (Linux & Windows Fundamentals)
  • Command Line Basics (Bash, PowerShell)

Key Resources:

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+, free YouTube channels like NetworkChuck and Professor Messer.

Phase 2: Core Security Concepts

3-6 Months

Topics to Master:

  • CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
  • Common Threats, Vulnerabilities & Exploits
  • Firewalls, VPNs, and Proxies
  • Encryption & Hashing Basics
  • Authentication & Authorization Methods (MFA)

Recommended Certifications:

ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), Grow with Google Cybersecurity Certificate.

Phase 3: Choose Your Track

6-12 Months

At this stage, you'll start specializing. Choose a track that interests you most. You can always switch later!

🛡️ Blue Team (Defensive)

Protect and defend. You'll be the shield, monitoring for threats and responding to incidents.

Entry Cert: CompTIA Security+

⚔️ Red Team (Offensive)

Think like an attacker. You'll find vulnerabilities before the bad guys do through ethical hacking.

Entry Cert: CompTIA Security+ / CEH

📜 GRC (Governance)

Bridge business and security. You'll manage risk, ensure compliance, and create security policies.

Entry Cert: CompTIA Security+

Phase 4: Intermediate Skills

1-2 Years

Topics to Master:

  • SIEM Tools (e.g., Splunk, QRadar)
  • Vulnerability Scanning (e.g., Nessus, OpenVAS)
  • Network Forensics & Packet Analysis (Wireshark)
  • Malware Analysis Fundamentals
  • Cloud Security Basics (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Recommended Certifications:

CompTIA CySA+ (Blue Team), CEH (Red Team).

Phase 5: Advanced & Specialization

2-5 Years

Topics to Master:

  • Advanced Penetration Testing & Exploit Dev
  • Cloud Security Architecture & DevSecOps
  • Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI)
  • Digital Forensics & Incident Response (DFIR)
  • Security Management & Leadership

Gold-Standard Certifications:

CISSP (Management), OSCP (Offensive), CISM (Management).

Certifications at a Glance

Key credentials to validate your skills and advance your career.

CC (ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity)

Beginner

Perfect first cert to prove foundational knowledge. The exam voucher is free.

Experience: None

Cost: ~$0 (Free Voucher)

Google Cybersecurity Certificate

Beginner

Excellent hands-on preparation for an entry-level job, delivered via Coursera.

Experience: None

Cost: ~$49/mo

CompTIA Security+

Intermediate

The industry baseline. Required by many jobs to prove core security skills.

Experience: 1-2 yrs IT

Cost: ~$404

CompTIA CySA+

Intermediate

Focuses on defensive skills, threat intelligence, and incident response.

Experience: ~4 yrs Security

Cost: ~$404

CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

Intermediate

A well-known cert for demonstrating offensive, white-hat hacking knowledge.

Experience: ~2 yrs IT Security

Cost: ~$1,199

OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)

Advanced

The most respected offensive cert, with a grueling 24-hour hands-on lab exam.

Experience: Pentest Exp.

Cost: ~$1,499

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

Advanced

The gold standard for security management and leadership roles.

Experience: 5 yrs in 2 domains

Cost: ~$749

CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

Advanced

Focuses on governance, risk management, and program development for managers.

Experience: 5 yrs Mgmt Exp.

Cost: ~$575