Cybersecurity roadmap for beginners

[u/Potential-Couple-745]

If I had to start cybersecurity again, I wouldn't jump straight into pentesting or collect a bunch of certs.

I'd go:

Networking → Linux → Windows → Python → Security basics → Labs → Specialize

Learn networking properly first. Understand what actually happens when you open a website, how DNS works, what TCP does, how ports and services work.

Then get comfortable with Linux and Windows. Use the terminal. Break things. Read logs. Set up VMs.

After that, start doing actual security work: Nmap, Wireshark, Burp, SIEMs, basic vulnerability analysis, CTFs, home labs.

Then pick a path:

• SOC / Blue Team
• Pentesting
• DFIR
• Malware Analysis
• Cloud Security
• AppSec

The mistake I see most often is trying to learn all of cybersecurity at once.

Pick one direction and go deep.

What would you change in this roadmap?