Steps to Start a Career in Cybersecurity

Breaking Into Cybersecurity with No Experience: A Step-by-Step Guide Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand fields, but getting started with no experience can feel overwhelming. If you’re new to IT/cybersecurity, follow this step-by-step roadmap👇🏾 📌 Step 1: Learn IT & Cybersecurity Basics ✅ Networking: TCP/IP, DNS, Firewalls → Cisco Networking Academy ✅ Operating Systems: Windows & Linux → Intro to Linux ✅ Security Fundamentals: Threats, vulnerabilities → Cybersecurity Fundamentals 📌 Step 2: Get Hands-on Experience (No Job Needed!) 💡 Set up a home lab (VirtualBox, Wireshark, Kali Linux). 💡 Practice in labs → TryHackMe | Hack The Box 💡 SIEM & Log Analysis → Splunk Free Training 📌 Step 3: Get Certified (Boost Your Resume!) 🎯 CompTIA Security+ (Entry-Level Cybersecurity Cert) → Professor Messer Study Guide 🎯 Google Cybersecurity Certificate → Google Cybersecurity 📌 Step 4: Build Your Portfolio & Resume 💡 Create a GitHub (Upload security projects) → How to Build a Portfolio 💡 Optimize LinkedIn (Certifications, projects, skills) 💡 Write Cybersecurity Blog Posts (Share what you learn!) 📌 Step 5: Gain Experience (Before Your First Job!) 🔹 Internships & Volunteering → USAJobs | CyberSafe Foundation 🔹 Bug Bounty Hunting → HackerOne | Bugcrowd 🔹 Freelance IT Work (Tech support, security assessments) 📌 Step 6: Apply for Entry-Level Cybersecurity Jobs ✅ Job Titles to Look For: IT Help Desk, SOC Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst ✅ Job Boards for Cybersecurity Jobs: LinkedIn Jobs | Indeed 💡 Cybersecurity is a growing field, and YOU can break in! Drop a comment below: What step are you working on right now? 👇🏾 #Cybersecurity #CyberSecCareer #CareerChange #SecurityPlus #ITSupport #WomenInCybersecurity #BreakingIntoTech

I created a Roadmap of 6 Steps to Build a Cybersecurity Career from Scratch. If you are looking to transition into a career that will change your life, this guide will help. One of the first jobs I've had in IT was helping people configure their modems to dial into the internet. Yes, I'm that old. "Back in my day" I used to install operating systems with about 20 floppy disks. Yes, times have changed. I've been lucky enough to stay in this field for over 25+ years. What have I learned? There is more opportunity in tech than most other industries and you can self study your way from start to finish if you have the work ethic. I have developed a Cybersecurity Roadmap for those who want to transition into this field. 1. Research & Identify your Career Path - There are many sectors within cybersecurity that you can learn. Red team, blue team, GRC, AI security, cloud security, and more. Research all of them and find one that really peaks your interest. Ask yourself "Is this something I want to do everyday?" 2. Build Foundational IT Skills through Self Study - Start with the basics. Learn operating systems such as Windows and Linux. Learn networking. For a bonus, learn the Python coding language. 3. Get Entry Level Certifications - There are many certs out there. CompTIA's A+, Network+, or Security+ is a good place to start. You can also look at Google's Cybersecurity Certificate, which is currently on Coursera. 4. Gain Hands on Experience - This one really matters. When I was learning, I built my own labs. I learned networking and how to use VMs just to get my labs setup. Then I'd install different offensive tools and defensive tools to get some hands on. You can also use HacktheBox or TryHackMe if you don't have the resources to build your own labs. Get involved in some CTF (Capture the Flag) events too. 5. Network, Seek Mentorship & Join Communities - As I always say, your network is your net-worth. It really is. Attend meetups, both physically and virtually. Find a mentor and learn. The more people you know, the more opportunity will come your way. 6. Build your Brand and Apply for Roles - This is extremely important. It's not about who you know, it's about who knows you. Share your knowledge with others. Build an outstanding profile that stand out from the rest. Teach others what you have learned. I guarantee you are a step ahead of someone else in their journey. By helping others, it shows your knowledge and builds your network extremely fast. None of these above are easy. However, if you have the work ethic and can buckle up for the journey, there will be opportunity on the other side. If you need help on direction or have questions on any of these, you can find me at https://lnkd.in/g2BR9myb. I'm Mike Miller | vCISO | Appalachia Technologies #cybersecurity #informationsecurity #infosec #careers

Trying to land a job in cybersecurity? Here's the secret: Skills matter more than credentials. And the best way to build those skills? Practice. Here’s how I’d start if I were you: -Set up a home lab using tools like Snort, Suricata, or Zeek. -Simulate attacks using Exploit DB and Kali Linux. -Document your findings on LinkedIn, YouTube, Medium, or GitHub.   Want to take it up a notch? -Compare IDS systems (ex. Snort, Suricata, Zeek, Wazuh etc.) -Compare integration methods (ex. Splunk vs. ELK Stack) -Present work at a conference. -Write a paper. (Ex. https://lnkd.in/g9uZmnxH)   ✍️Certificates/Degrees are great, but you won't go far if you can't talk about the concepts! Projects show initiative. Plus, it helps with small talk during interviews. Here’s a few examples with links: 1.Monitor Your Home Network: -Set up Snort: https://www.snort.org/ -Ex. Use it to log and analyze traffic—like web browsing or SSH connections. 2.Simulate Attacks in a Safe Environment -Download Kali Linux and Metasploitable2: https://lnkd.in/gzebUBeE -Ex. Run mock attacks (port scans, brute force attempts, etc.) and test detection ability. 3. Write Your Own Rules -Create custom Snort rules to detect behaviors: https://lnkd.in/g7PUp4H2 -Ex. Blocking access to admin pages or spotting malicious uploads. 4.Visualize Your Findings -Integrate Snort with Splunk or ELK Stack to build dashboards: https://www.splunk.com/ -Ex. Visualize alerts, traffic trends, and risks. 5. Practice with Real Vulnerabilities -Use the Exploit-DB to explore known exploits: https://lnkd.in/gGs8QHfT -Simulate attacks in your lab and see how Snort responds. Start small. Experiment. Build confidence. You GOT THIS! 🤩

#CybersecurityCareerRoadmap Step #zeven - the non-student edition. 🗓️ Last week, I posted on the #student edition on how to "Gain Practical Experience." As promised, this week is of those who are looking to transition to or expanding your #cybersecuritycareer. 🛡️ Career Shift to Cybersecurity: Practical Experience Guide for Non-Students: 👉 Remember to complete steps 1 - 5 from my #CybersecurityCareerRoadmap - to focus your efforts and to optimize your time. ✅ Pursue industry-recognized certifications, e.g., CompTIA Security+ for beginners; CISSP or CEH for those with some IT experience. 🔔 Even if you are not ready/able to get the certification, the studying/preparation process will expand your knowledge on cybersecurity fields. ✅ Attend workshops and boot camps. Many are available online, often with evening and weekend options. Check out LinkedIn resources. ✅ Join local cybersecurity meetups. Network with professionals in your area • Many groups welcome beginners and offer mentorship. In #Houston, I lead the ⭕️#CybersecurityCircle⭕️ on Fridays, an inclusive cybersecurity enthusiasts and professional networking. See the latest post for more info: https://lnkd.in/gMN7mNYg ✅ Volunteer your skills. Great way to gain experience while giving back. #CISA has cyber volunteer resource center: https://lnkd.in/gmQ6q7E4 ✅ Continuously and consistently demonstrate your passion and intent in shifting your career in #cybersecurity through professional social media, e.g. LinkedIn. Leverage the LinkedIn algorithm to get visibility. 🛡️ Build your personal brand. If you need professional help in this area, reach out to Steve Nisenson. 👉 Pro Tip: Many cybersecurity roles value problem-solving, critical thinking, dot-connecting skills, etc. over specific degrees. 🔔 Focus on demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt. ⚠️ Remember, cybersecurity is a field that rewards curiosity and continuous learning. Every bit of experience counts! 🙋🏻♀️ Career changers, what methods have you used to gain practical experience in cybersecurity? Share your tips below! 👇 #CybersecurityCareers #CareerChange #HandsOnLearning #InfoSec

🚨 **Breaking into Cybersecurity: Skills for an Entry-Level SOC Analyst** 🛡️ Thinking about a career in cybersecurity? Starting as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst is a great way to get your foot in the door. Here are the key skills that can help you stand out: 🔍 **Technical Foundations** - Networking basics (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP) - Operating systems (Windows, Linux) - SIEM tools (Splunk, QRadar, etc.) - Scripting (Python, PowerShell, Bash) 🧠 **Analytical Mindset** - Log analysis & threat detection - Incident response fundamentals - Understanding of the cyber kill chain & MITRE ATT&CK 🛠️ **Hands-On Practice** - Labs on TryHackMe, Hack The Box, or Blue Team Labs - Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges - Home lab setups for packet analysis and log review 🎓 **Certifications That Help** - CompTIA Security+ - CompTIA CySA+ - EC-Council Certified SOC Analyst (CSA) 💬 **Soft Skills Matter Too** - Clear communication - Critical thinking - Team collaboration under pressure Cybersecurity is a field where curiosity, persistence, and continuous learning go a long way. If you're just starting out, don’t worry about knowing everything - focus on building a strong foundation and showing your passion for defending digital frontiers. #CyberSecurity #SOCAnalyst #BlueTeam #InfoSec

Entry-Level Cyber is More Than Certs. Certifications like Security+ is a great starting point—but it's just the baseline. There are thousands of cyber professionals fighting for those entry-level jobs right now...all with Sec+. So, you need to think strategically and work beyond the cert. To stand out, you need to showcase what you can DO. Here’s how to go beyond the certs: Build a home lab and practice real-world scenarios (e.g., setting up a SOC or running vulnerability scans). Contribute to open-source projects or participate in CTF challenges to prove your skills. Write about cybersecurity trends or tools to build a personal brand and demonstrate your knowledge. Think Medium or LinkedIn Articles. Hone soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability—they're just as important as technical expertise. Network! Relationships can open doors that your résumé alone can't. There has been a big shift in the industry. Not long ago a certification like Sec+ was the differentiator. It's not anymore. It's the baseline. In 2025, hiring managers want proactive learners, problem-solvers, and collaborators—not just people with a list of certs. Certifications get you acknowledged. Impact gets you hired.

This is the biggest problem with finding a job in cybersecurity. 👩🏻💻 I recently had a conversation with someone who told me they’ve been in the job market for a year and still haven’t been able to land a role. The biggest issue they were having was that they weren’t qualified for any of the jobs they were applying for and because of that, they just did NOT apply to them. My advice? You will never be 100% qualified for a job. And if you are, that job will not challenge you enough to help you grow in your career. 🌟 This is what you should do instead: Look at the top 3 job listings you’re interested in and find the common skills and qualifications they’re looking for. Then take the top 3-4 common skills and look for ways to incorporate them into technical projects on your resume. The best thing about cybersecurity is the fact that there are so many open-source tools or community-edition licenses that you can use for free in your personal projects. The ones who get ahead in cyber are the ones who put in the work to get hands-on. You can no longer just rely on a company to get technical experience, but with the resources that are available online, there are so many options to get the experience you need through labs, simulations, building your own SOC, etc. 💻 Even if you don’t hit all the job requirements, you’ll still be 10x more valuable as a candidate with this new experience under your belt. The next time you see a job you really want to apply for but don’t hit the qualifications, look at the skills they’re looking for and challenge yourself to get at least one of them into your toolbox. This is the best way to grow as a cybersecurity professional. 🤖 You got this! 💪 💡 You can also get my FREE Cybersecurity Beginner Roadmap Guide for anyone who’s looking for where to get started in their cybersecurity career: https://lnkd.in/eY79cbZ3 #cybersecurity #cybersecurityjobs #cybersecurityanalyst

“I keep hearing that every cybersecurity job wants experience, but how do you get experience if no one will hire you?” This is one of the hardest parts of starting out, and many people run into the same problem. Experience does not always mean a full-time job. You can build it in other ways. Work on open-source projects. Help a local business with basic security. Set up your own lab at home and practice. Write about what you are learning and share it with others. Employers want proof that you can do the work. Showing them what you have built or practiced can matter more than a job title on a resume. If you cannot get hired yet, focus on creating your own track record. Every small effort adds up. Over time, you will have real examples to point to, and that can make the difference when someone gives you your first opportunity.