Getting Started in Cybersecurity¶
New to cyber? Start here.
Foundational learning paths and free training resources to build your core skills before diving into red or blue team specializations.
Overview¶
If you're new to cybersecurity, start by building a foundation in IT fundamentals, networking, operating systems, and security concepts.
Once you understand how systems communicate and fail, it becomes much easier to defend or exploit them.
These courses and platforms are designed to give you a structured, hands-on introduction to the field — from zero to employable.
Beginner Roadmaps¶
- Cyber Career Roadmap (NIST/NICE Framework) — Explore roles, skills, and learning paths across the cybersecurity workforce.
- TryHackMe – Pre-Security Path — Perfect for beginners learning the fundamentals of networks and web security.
- CyberDefenders – Blue Team Intro Path — Learn SOC workflows and defensive concepts.
- OverTheWire – Bandit — Hands-on Linux and command-line basics.
- CYBER.ORG Range — Free cyber range available to K–12 educators and students in the U.S., providing a safe environment for guided learning and labs.
Coursera Professional Certificates¶
Professional certification paths that combine IT foundations with security training.
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
- Google IT Automation with Python
- Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate
- Google Project Management Professional Certificate
TryHackMe Learning Paths¶
Guided cybersecurity labs that build your technical foundation step-by-step.
- Windows Fundamentals 1
- Windows Fundamentals 2
- Windows Fundamentals 3
- Active Directory Basics
- Active Directory Hardening
- Introduction to Cyber Security
- CompTIA Pentest+ Path
- Web Fundamentals
Microsoft Learn Career Paths¶
Microsoft’s free, role-based training for modern cloud and enterprise security.
Additional Platforms¶
- GitHub Skills — Hands-on mini labs that teach you Git, Markdown, and automation using GitHub Actions.
- Linux Foundation – Introduction to Linux (LFS101x) — Learn Linux fundamentals, terminal usage, and system administration.
Recommended Reading¶
Books worth owning or referencing early in your career:
- Blue Team Field Manual (BTFM) — A quick reference for defensive operations, log analysis, and incident handling.
- The Hacker Playbook 3 — Great for understanding the offensive mindset and red team tactics.
Next Step
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, start experimenting — spin up a lab, take apart malware samples, or join your first CTF.
The best way to learn cybersecurity is by doing.
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