How to Start Cybersecurity in 2025: A Beginner’s Guide with Steps and Charts

Description:

This beginner friendly guide will show you how to start cybersecurity in 2025. Find out the first steps, essential skills and tools to start your career on the path of building a cybersecurity career.

Introduction:

If you’re thinking about starting a career in cybersecurity, but not sure where to get started, well then, this is for you! You’re not alone! The demands of those in cybersecurity have never been higher, and cyber threats are on the rise. The truth is, starting in cybersecurity isn’t as hard as you might think — once you know what to do and how. We will go through everything you need to know to get started down the path of cybersecurity. This article has what you need from getting into some basics to preparing essential skills, until you have visual aids like charts to track your progress.

What Is Cybersecurity and Why Does It Matter?

• Why is digital age tricky when it comes to securing sensitive data?Real world cyber threats, examples: (e.g. Ransomware, Data Breach)

• Increasing demand of cybersecurity personnelcting sensitive data in the digital age

• Examples of real-world cyber threats and their impact (e.g., ransomware, data breaches)

• The growing demand for cybersecurity professionals

The First Steps to Start Your Cybersecurity Journey

• Assess your interest: What are the reasons you want to get into cybersecurity? What they are: Labels

• Security Analyst, Penetration Tester (RAR)Expected: High school diploma, or equivalent (minimum).It requires o a basic understanding of IT concepts. Want to pursue cybersecurity?

• Explore the key areas of cybersecurity:

o Network security

o Ethical hacking

o Incident response

o Governance, risk, and compliance

• Research career roles (e.g., Security Analyst, Penetration Tester)

• Identify basic prerequisites: o High school diploma or equivalent (minimum)

o Basic understanding of IT concepts

Essential Skills and Certifications for Beginners

Understanding protocols (e.g. TCP/IP) and networking Windows and Linux operating systems There is o Programming basics (Python, Bash scripting)

o analytic and problem solving thinking involves Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)Cisco Certified CyberOps Associated working and understanding protocols (e.g., TCP/IP) o Operating systems (Windows, Linux)

o Programming basics (Python, Bash scripting)

• Soft skills:

o The ability to solve problems and think critically

o Attention to detail

• Certifications for entry-level professionals:

o CompTIA Security+

o Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) o Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

Building a Learning Path: Tools, Courses, and Resources

hacker news and o other cyber security blogs and forumsSome of o virtual labs (e.g., TryHackMe, Hack The Box)Wireshark, Metasploit,

o Open source tool surity blogs and forums (e.g., Hacker News) o YouTube tutorials

• Recommended courses and platforms: o Coursera o CyberArk

o edX

• Hands-on practice tools:

o Virtual labs (e.g., TryHackMe, Hack The Box)

o Open-source tools (Wireshark, Metasploit)

Charting Your Cybersecurity Progress

• Introduce a visual learning roadmap:

o Month 1: Basic networking and IT security fundamentals to learn

o Month 2-3: Let’s dive in tools like Wireshark, and begin working on beginner certifications.

o Month 4+: Do practice hands on labs and think about intermediate certifications.

• How to maintain motivation while achieving your objectives

Tips for Landing Your First Cybersecurity Role

• There are two ways to help yourself one is to build a strong resume where you can add your skills and certifications.

• A portfolio with projects and hands on experience.

• Community networks and societies in the realm of cybersecurity

• Internships and entry level positions to consider. certifications

• Create a portfolio with projects and hands-on experience

• Join cybersecurity communities and networks

• Internships and entry-level positions to consider

Conclusion:

At first, starting in cybersecurity can be intimidating, but with the right mindset, resources and a plan, you’re stepping on the right path for a thrilling career in this booming industry. Build foundational skills, gain hands on experience and get certified for things that matter. Ready to start your journey? It’s time to take the first step, and you will be ready to protect networks and fight cybercrime very soon!