Cybersecurity Career Guide 2025: A Beginner’s Roadmap
No Experience? No Problem! How to Get Into Cybersecurity in 2025
Cybersecurity is a fast-growing industry with endless opportunities, but breaking in can feel overwhelming.
If I were starting from scratch in 2025, here’s exactly how I would approach it to build a solid foundation and land my first cybersecurity job.
1. Learn the Fundamentals
Before diving into specialized areas, I’d focus on the basics:
Networking – Learn TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls, and how data moves across the internet.
Operating Systems – Gain proficiency in Linux and Windows, as these are essential in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Basics – Understand threat actors, attack techniques, risk management, and security frameworks like NIST and ISO 27001.
Scripting Basics – Python and Bash scripting can automate security tasks and improve efficiency.
How to Learn:
Free courses on Cybrary, Coursera, and YouTube
Books like The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook and The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing
Hands-on practice using TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and OverTheWire
2. Get Hands-On Experience ASAP
The best way to learn cybersecurity is by doing. I’d set up a home lab with:
Virtual Machines (Kali Linux, Windows, Ubuntu) to test tools and attacks.
SIEM & Logging Tools (Wazuh, Elastic Stack) to analyze security data.
Firewalls & IDS/IPS to learn how network defense works.
I’d also participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions and bug bounty programs to practice real-world security skills.
3. Earn Industry-Recognized Certifications
Certifications help validate skills and make job applications stand out. I’d follow this roadmap:
Entry-Level - (Foundational knowledge of cybersecurity)
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity
CompTIA Security+
Blue Team Level 1 - BTL1
Intermediate: (For ethical hacking)
EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH)
INE Security Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT)
Hack The Box - Certified Defensive Security Analyst (CDSA), for SOC roles.
You can also complete the Try Hack Me - SOC Analyst learning path.
Advanced: (Depending on specialization)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP, also known as OffSec Certified Professional)
GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
4. Gain Practical Experience (Even Without a Job)
Many people struggle with the “experience gap.” Here’s how I’d bridge it:
Contribute to open-source security projects on GitHub.
Volunteer for nonprofits or small businesses to help with cybersecurity needs.
Join cybersecurity communities like OWASP, Defcon Groups, Rootcon, and local meetups.
5. Build a Strong Personal Brand
Networking is key in cybersecurity. I’d:
Write about my learning journey on LinkedIn and Medium.
Engage with professionals on Twitter and cybersecurity Discord groups.
Attend conferences (virtually or in person) to connect with industry experts.
6. Apply for Entry-Level Jobs and Keep Learning
After building my skills and network, I’d start applying for roles like:
SOC Analyst (Security monitoring & incident response)
Penetration Tester (Junior) (Testing systems for vulnerabilities)
IT Security Analyst (General cybersecurity tasks within an organization)
I’d also continue learning and adapting, as cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field.
Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity is an exciting, rewarding field that welcomes newcomers from all backgrounds.
If I were starting in 2025, I’d focus on learning the fundamentals, gaining hands-on experience, earning certifications, building my brand, and networking.
The key is to start small, stay consistent, and never stop learning.
Would you start your cybersecurity journey differently?
Let me know in the comment!
LET’S BUILD TOGETHER
Your feedback and questions will be invaluable in shaping this newsletter.
If there’s a topic you’re curious about, let me know.
I want this space to be as collaborative as possible, so please feel free to reply and share what’s on your mind.
I’m here to help you grow, learn, and succeed in the world of cybersecurity.
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Here’s to learning, sharing, and making an impact together!
With you on this cyber path,
Jeff