Cybersecurity Engineer Roadmap
A practical skill map for breaking into cybersecurity. Covers the networking and OS foundations you need, the hands-on hacking skills employers test for, and the entry-level certifications that open doors.
Phase 1: Phase 1 — Foundations
Networking Basics
TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP, firewalls, and how data moves across networks. You can't secure what you don't understand.
Linux Fundamentals
Navigate the command line, manage files and permissions, and run processes. Most security tooling lives on Linux.
How the Web Works
HTTP request/response cycle, cookies, sessions, and the browser security model — the attack surface for most web vulnerabilities.
Phase 2: Phase 2 — Practical Security Skills
Ethical Hacking Basics
Reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, and privilege escalation. TryHackMe guided paths walk you through each stage.
Web Application Security
OWASP Top 10: SQL injection, XSS, IDOR, broken auth. These vulnerabilities appear in most real penetration tests.
Cryptography Fundamentals
Symmetric/asymmetric encryption, hashing, TLS/SSL, and certificate chains. Essential for understanding almost every security protocol.
CTF Challenges
Capture the Flag competitions build problem-solving skills and are a direct signal employers look for. Start on TryHackMe, graduate to HackTheBox.
Phase 3: Phase 3 — Certifications
Microsoft SC-900
Free Microsoft cert covering cloud security, compliance, and identity fundamentals. A quick win with a real credential.
CompTIA Security+
The most widely required entry-level security certification. Covers risk management, cryptography, threat intelligence, and incident response.