How I Would Learn Cyber Security if I Had to Start Over in 2025 (UPDATED Beginner Roadmap)

How to Start a Cyber Security Career in 2025

Introduction

• The speaker, Ben, shares his journey into cyber security and offers guidance for beginners looking to start their careers in 2025.

• Encourages viewers to subscribe for weekly content and engage with the video if they find it helpful.

Step 1: Free Training Resources

• Emphasizes the importance of free training to explore interest in cyber security before committing.

• Recommends IBM Skills Build and Cisco's Introduction to Cyber Security as foundational resources for understanding basic concepts.

Step 2: Beginner Level Training and Certifications

• Suggests enrolling in Zero to Mastery’s Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security Expert course, which provides a structured roadmap from beginner to job-ready.

• Highlights ZTM's hands-on projects and community support as key features that enhance learning effectiveness.

Step 3: Advanced Certifications

• Introduces Google’s Cyber Security Professional Certificate, noting its popularity due to being beginner-friendly with engaging content.

• Discusses the structure of the Google course, including quizzes at the end of modules for knowledge assessment.

Key Entry-Level Certifications

• Describes CompTIA Security+ as a widely recognized entry-level certification covering various cyber security concepts without deep specialization.

• Mentions Network+ certification as essential for understanding networking fundamentals crucial for advanced cyber security topics.

Additional Learning Resources

• Recommends using platforms like Professor M on YouTube or Udemy courses for studying Network+ certification material.

Understanding Cybersecurity Career Paths

Importance of Cloud Computing Knowledge

• Having a basic understanding of cloud computing is essential for cybersecurity roles, enhancing your resume.

• Recommended certification: AWS Cloud Practitioner, which can be completed in a short time frame (7 days). A video documenting this process is available.

• Other platforms like Google and Azure also offer beginner-level certifications worth exploring.

Reflecting on Your Cybersecurity Path

• Cybersecurity encompasses various roles requiring different skill sets; self-reflection is crucial to determine the right path.

• Key questions to consider include current skills, strengths/weaknesses, interests, and desired lifestyle within the field.

Identifying Suitable Roles in Cybersecurity

• Technical individuals who enjoy coding and puzzles may find red team or penetration testing roles appealing.

• Those interested in investigations might prefer SOC analyst or threat intelligence positions.

• For individuals leaning towards business compliance rather than technical aspects, GRC (Governance, Risk Management, Compliance) roles are suitable.

Starting Points for a Cybersecurity Career

• The Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst role is popular for beginners due to its exposure to various tools and investigations that enhance understanding of an organization's cybersecurity posture.

• After identifying a preferred role, create a structured plan outlining necessary skills and certifications needed for that position.

Advancing Skills and Certifications

• Hands-on experience is vital; TryHackMe offers learning pathways that provide practical insights into different cybersecurity roles.

• Recommended advanced certifications:

• Blue Team Level One Certification by Security Blue Team focuses on hands-on labs and exams for blue teaming skills.

• OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) is highly regarded for red teaming or penetration testing careers.

• For GRC paths, consider building towards CISA or CISM certifications as advanced options alongside entry-level training like GRC Mastery.

Conclusion and Encouragement

• The discussed certifications represent significant milestones; however, many intermediate options exist as stepping stones toward these goals—researching them is encouraged.