Professional Cybersecurity Learning Path (Detailed like Web Dev or Design)
1. Networking (Foundation Like HTML for Web Dev)
Learn these 100%:
- IP Address, Subnetting, DNS, DHCP
- OSI Model (7 Layers)
- Routing, Switching, VLAN
Tools: Wireshark, Cisco Packet Tracer
Course: Cisco CCNA (even YouTube has free ones)
2. Linux & Windows Mastery (Like knowing Photoshop for Designers)
Learn:
- Linux (Ubuntu/Kali) terminal commands
- File permissions, users, processes, logs
- Windows Security registry, Group Policy, PowerShell
TryHackMe Linux Fundamentals (Free)
3. Cybersecurity Concepts (Like Design Principles)
Learn:
- Firewalls, IDS/IPS, Antivirus, VPN
- Authentication, Authorization, Accounting (AAA)
- CIA Triad Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
4. Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing (Like Coding Backend in Web Dev)
Learn Hacking Phases:
- Reconnaissance Nmap, Google Dorking
- Scanning Nessus, OpenVAS
- Exploitation Metasploit, SQLmap
- Post-Exploitation Maintaining access
Practice on TryHackMe or HackTheBox
5. Web App Security (Like Frontend Coding)
Learn:
- SQL Injection, XSS, CSRF, File Inclusion
- OWASP Top 10 Vulnerabilities
Use Burp Suite for web attack testing
6. Cryptography (Like Exporting Secure Files in Design)
Learn:
- Symmetric vs Asymmetric Encryption
- SSL/TLS, Digital Signatures, Certificates
7. Cloud & IoT Security (New Tech, Like AI for Designers)
Learn:
- AWS, Azure Security Basics
- IoT Device Security
8. Certifications (Like Adobe Certificate for Designers)
- CompTIA Security+ (Entry)
- CEH Certified Ethical Hacker (Intermediate)
- OSCP Offensive Security Certified Professional (Advanced)
Daily Practice Tools (Like VS Code for Coders)
Linux Terminal
Wireshark
Nmap
Metasploit
Burp Suite
Where to Learn (Practical)
1. TryHackMe.com Beginner to Advanced
2. HackTheBox.com Real Labs
3. TCM Security (Udemy)
4. Professor Messer (Free YouTube)
Created for: Ayaanle Abdiaziz
Date: 17 June 2025