CYBERSECURITY ROADMAP

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A junior cybersecurity professional should focus on building a strong foundation of skills and gaining practical experience.

If you’re passionate about cybersecurity and want to dive into this exciting field on your own, I’m thrilled to offer you a roadmap based on my personal experiences in both offensive and defensive roles.

This guide aims to help aspiring individuals enter the cybersecurity realm.

Here’s a simplified roadmap for a junior in cybersecurity:

CYBERSECURTY BASICS

Assuming you’re already familiar with the basics of IT, you’re off to a great start! Now, if not, start with basic computing, internet networking and security principles.

Let’s focus on transitioning smoothly into cybersecurity. Gain a solid understanding of basic cybersecurity concepts, terminology, and principles. Check out beginner-friendly book like “INFORMATION SECURITY MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES”.

This book is not too technical, more like a practical guide that anyone can follow to keep information secure. This book is here to make Information security simple and easy to understand.

SET UP A HOME LAB ENVIRONMENT TO EXPERIMENT WITH VARIOUS CYBERSECURITY TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES

Create a home lab—a dynamic virtual space for hands-on cybersecurity experiments.

Set clear goals, use virtualization software, and install diverse tools for practical learning. Update regularly to stay current with the cybersecurity landscape.

Your home lab becomes a vital digital playground for honing skills in this dynamic field.

CHOOSE A PATH

Identify an area of cybersecurity that interests you (e.g., penetration testing, incident response, network security). Deciding on a cybersecurity path is a big deal. Let me tell you about how I chose mine. I always wanted to work in cybersecurity, so I joined a big company, let’s call it ABC.com. I started at the Helpdesk, knowing that I wanted to end up in the InfoSec team.

I looked at someone who had a similar start like me and became an InfoSec specialist. I basically copied their plan. I worked hard in Helpdesk for two years, and then, like my role model, I moved to a different department called Operation Engineer. This meant a better position and better pay.

While working as an Operation Engineer for three years, I kept my cybersecurity skills sharp. At night, I focused on Bug bounty programs, finding vulnerabilities on platforms like Intigriti, HackerOne, and Bugcrowd.

Long story short, I applied for the InfoSec role and got the job. It was like a dream come true. Going from Helpdesk to InfoSec wasn’t just a job change for me; it was a journey that showed how hard work and planning can make dreams come true.

ONLINE COMMUNITIES

Connect with cybersecurity professionals by joining forums, groups, and social media communities. Participate actively, share insights, and stay updated on industry trends

This not only builds a valuable network but also fosters a supportive community for knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

NETWORKING EVENTS

Engaging in Cybersecurity Events and Conferences: Enhance your professional network by actively participating in both local and virtual cybersecurity events, conferences, and meetups.

These events provide a platform not only to expand your network but also offer insights, keep you updated, and provide opportunities to meet like-minded professionals.

Continuous Learning and Skill Enhancement

Stay current with the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity by regularly exploring insightful blogs, tuning into podcasts, and following reputable news sources.

Here are some cybersecurity podcasts that I regularly listen to and find valuable:

  1. Tradecraft Security Weekly (Video)
  2. www.phillipwylieshow.com
  3. The Hacker Factory Podcast
  4. Application Security Weekly (Video)
  5. Enterprise Security Weekly (Video)
  6. Security Weekly TV
  7. Enterprise Security Weekly (Audio)
  8. Security Weekly
  9. GIAC Certifications: Trust Me I’m Certified
  10. BLUEPRINT
  11. Exploring Information Security – Timothy De Block
  12. Naked Security Podcast
  13. Tribe of Hackers Podcast
  14. The OWASP Podcast Series
  15. Darknet Diaries
  16. The Social-Engineer Podcast
  17. Liquidmatrix Security Digest Podcast
  18. Nakerah Network
  19. CISO Tradecraft
  20. Cloud Security Podcast by Google
  21. CyberWire Daily
  22. The Privacy, Security, & OSINT Show
  23. Hacking Humans
  24. Smashing Security
  25. Unsupervised Learning –

Each of these podcasts provides unique insights into various aspects of cybersecurity, keeping me informed about the latest trends, threats, and technologies in the field.