The Complete Cybersecurity Roadmap

This is the complete roadmap for a cybersecurity expert to land your first cybersecurity job. We will look into the main areas you should study and focus on, which certifications can help you, and how long each step might take to become a cybersecurity expert

If you can learn and practice 3 to 5 hours each day, you can be ready for an entry-level role in about 7 to 10 months. Let’s learn in detail:-

Step 1: Building a Strong Foundation in IT

This is a step that, unfortunately, a lot of people skip, but it’s absolutely important—especially if you’re new to tech or transitioning from another job.

If someone asks you to fix their computer or troubleshoot their Wi-Fi and you have no clue, this is your starting point. Otherwise, you can skip to the next step.

A great place to start is CompTIA A+, a well-known certification that covers foundational IT knowledge, such as installing operating systems, handling common PC issues, managing essential software, and more. I’ll put the link down below if you’re interested.

If you spend 3 to 5 hours studying every day, this step should take you about a month or two.

I am recommending them simply because it is well-known and provides a solid foundation in cybersecurity.

Step 2: Computer Networking

Once you have a solid foundation in IT, the next step is computer networking. If you really want to protect or attack systems, you have to understand how data moves.

Spend about a month or two learning:

• OSI and TCP/IP models
• Common protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, TCP, and more
• IP addressing and subnetting
• Basics of routers, switches, and firewalls

If you want a structured way to learn and prove your networking skills, CompTIA Network+ is a great entry-level certification. It covers general networking principles without focusing on a specific brand of devices.

Another option is CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), which goes deeper into Cisco’s networking and equipment. It’s the gold standard for networking, and having it on your resume will help you stand out. However, it is more difficult than Network+.

Remember, certifications are only part of the story. Employers want to see real hands-on skills, not just a piece of paper. Simply getting these certifications won’t guarantee you a job—you need to build essential skills while using certifications to boost your resume.

Step 3: Operating Systems (Windows & Linux)

Next, let’s talk about operating systems, particularly Windows and Linux.

If you’re just starting out, pick one to focus on—let’s say Windows, if that’s what you use daily. Get comfortable with:

• File permissions
• Logs
• Basic user management

However, in the long run, you should learn both because Linux is extremely common in servers, cloud environments, and security tools. Spend one to two months on this step.

If you want a formal path for Linux, you can go for CompTIA Linux+, but honestly, this certification isn’t as useful as Network+ or CCNA. If you choose to get it, do it for the knowledge rather than the certification itself.

Step 4: Coding

You don’t need to be an expert, but having some knowledge of coding will help you a lot throughout your IT journey.

The best language to learn is Python because it’s beginner-friendly and widely used in cybersecurity. 

I also recommend learning Bash for Linux or PowerShell for Windows, as these are essential for automating tasks like file management, user creation, and system checks.

They’re simple languages, and once you learn a programming language like Python, picking up another one will be much easier.

Step 5: Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Now you’re ready to learn cybersecurity fundamentals.

You have a couple of certification options here:

• CompTIA Security+ – One of the most popular cybersecurity certifications and often a requirement for many roles, especially government jobs.
• Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate – A newer option. Some hiring managers may be less familiar with it, but it’s a solid path if you prefer a guided online approach.

Step 6: Defensive Security (Blue Teaming)

With all the foundations you’ve built, the next step is defensive security, which focuses on defending against cyberattacks. In cybersecurity, this is known as blue teaming.

You should learn how to:

• Detect threats
• Analyze logs
• Secure networks

Here are some certification options:

• Cisco CyberOps Associate – A well-respected certification.
• PASA by TCM Security – A smaller brand than Cisco but very hands-on.
• PTL1 by Security Team Blue – Focuses on real-world defensive security tasks.

Step 7: Offensive Security (Red Teaming)

The next step is offensive security, which is about testing systems for weaknesses. This is commonly called red teaming.

Spend about a month or two practicing:

• Scanning networks
• Exploiting vulnerabilities
• Simulating real-world hacks

You can use platforms like TryHackMe or Hack The Box, which provide safe labs to build real-world hacking skills.

For certifications, here are some beginner-friendly options:

• eJPT – A hands-on, entry-level red team certification.
• PJP by TCM Security – Another beginner-level penetration testing certificate.
• CompTIA PenTest+ – A solid penetration testing certification.

That’s enough of it. If you follow this roadmap and put in 3 to 5 hours of study each day, you can be ready for an any type of entry to medium-level cyber security job within 7 to 10 months of study and practice.