Cyber Security Roadmap
You defend systems against people paid to break them. Entry is usually a SOC analyst seat - indicative 2026 salaries $65-90k US - and the field rewards fundamentals over gadgets: networking, operating systems and logs before exploit tools.
By Carl Mills • Last updated • tap any step for guidance and free resources • progress saves in your browser • free printable PDF roadmap poster.
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Cyber Security roadmap FAQ
Can cyber security be a first tech job?
Yes, via SOC (Security Operations Centre) analyst roles - monitoring alerts, triaging incidents. Competition is real, so proof matters: home-lab write-ups, CTF progress and a Security+ style cert move you up the pile. Pen-testing roles come later, not first.
Do I need to know how to code?
Scripting (Python or PowerShell) makes you dramatically more effective and is expected within a year or two, but SOC entry roles hire on networking, OS and log-reading fundamentals plus a demonstrated security mindset.
Which certification first?
CompTIA Security+ is the standard HR filter-pass; add BTL1 or the free/cheap SOC-path training and a home lab. Certs open doors; the lab write-ups win the interview.
What next once the list is green?
Prove it under pressure: take the free Mock Interview, then check your application signals.
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