Cybersecurity
1. Foundation – IT & Networking Basics
Objective: Build a strong foundation in computer basics, operating systems, and networking.
• Basic Computer Literacy & IT Fundamentals
• CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) (Certification info and study materials)
• Networking Fundamentals
• Cisco Networking Academy – Introduction to Networks
• Coursera – The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking (by Google)
• Introduction to Cybersecurity Concepts
• Coursera – Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization (by NYU)
• Alison – Introduction to Cyber Security
2. Core Cybersecurity Skills
Objective: Develop a solid understanding of security principles, threat landscapes, and basic
defensive and offensive techniques.
• Security Fundamentals & Best Practices
• Simplilearn – Cyber Security Foundations
• Coursera – Cybersecurity Specialization (by University of Maryland)
• Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing (Introductory)
• Alison – Diploma in Cyber Security (Free course with a certificate option)
• Simplilearn – Certified Ethical Hacker Course
• Security Operations & Incident Response
• Cisco Networking Academy – CyberOps Associate
• Coursera – Cyber Security Operations
3. Specialization Tracks
Choose a path based on your interests. You can follow one track or blend multiple areas.
A. Blue Team – Defensive Security
Objective: Focus on protecting systems, monitoring networks, and responding to incidents.
• Defensive Security & Monitoring
• Coursera – Cyber Security Operations (by IBM)
• Simplilearn – Cyber Security Analyst Master’s Program
• Incident Response & Digital Forensics
• Alison – Introduction to Digital Forensics
• Coursera – Forensic Science and Cybercrime
B. Red Team – Offensive Security
Objective: Learn how to think like an attacker to identify and exploit vulnerabilities.
• Penetration Testing Fundamentals
• Simplilearn – Advanced Penetration Testing Course
• Coursera – Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking (by EC-Council)
• Practical Hands-On Labs
• Cybrary – Free Ethical Hacking Courses (Free tier available)
• TryHackMe – Beginner’s Path (Free interactive labs and challenges)
C. Cloud & Specialized Security
Objective: Develop expertise in securing cloud environments, applications, and emerging
technologies.
• Cloud Security Essentials
• Coursera – Cloud Security
• Simplilearn – Cloud Security Expert Certification Training
• Application Security & DevSecOps
• Coursera – Secure Software Development (by University of Colorado)
• Pluralsight – DevSecOps: The Big Picture (Free trial available)
4. Advanced Certifications & Continuous Learning
Objective: Validate and deepen your expertise, prepare for leadership roles, and stay updated with
ongoing training.
• Advanced Cybersecurity Certifications Preparation
• Coursera – CISSP Certification Preparation (by (ISC)²)
• Simplilearn – Advanced Cyber Security Master Program
• Security Management & Governance
• Coursera – Information Security Governance and Risk Management (by University of
London)
• ISACA – CISM Training Resources (Explore study materials and practice exams)
• Hands-On Advanced Labs & Simulations
• SANS NetWars – Free Challenges (Some challenges are free and provide real-world
scenarios)
• Hack The Box – Advanced Labs (Free tier available)
5. Continuous Professional Development
Objective: Keep your skills current through continuous learning and community involvement.
• Free Online Platforms for Ongoing Learning
• Alison – Various Free Cybersecurity Courses with Certificates
• Cybrary – Free Courses and Skill Assessments
• TryHackMe – Daily Challenges and Learning Paths
• Industry Conferences & Webinars
• Follow industry news via SANS NewsBites
• Join webinars offered by Cisco, ISC², and other professional organizations.
• Networking & Community Engagement
• Join forums such as Reddit’s r/cybersecurity
• Participate in local cybersecurity meetups via platforms like [Link]
