How to Start Learning Cyber Security With No Experience

Introduction

This article outlines a comprehensive guide for learning cybersecurity on your own, particularly for beginners aiming to enter the field. It emphasizes a structured approach to developing the necessary skills and gaining experience in ethical hacking and cyber security.

Breaking into cybersecurity without IT experience is challenging but possible through certifications, hands-on practice, and entry-level IT jobs.

Build a Strong IT Foundation

Begin with the core concepts of cybersecurity, including an understanding of operating systems (especially Linux and Windows), networking protocols (like TCP/IP), and the basics of encryption and firewalls.

Some cybersecurity concepts to learn:
✅ CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
✅ Risk Management – Identifying and mitigating security threats
✅ Data & Network Security – Protecting systems from unauthorized access
✅ Security Controls – Techniques to enforce security policies
✅ Threat & Vulnerability Assessment – Identifying weaknesses in systems
✅ Incident Recovery – Responding to and mitigating cyber incidents

Key technical areas to focus on:
Operating Systems – Linux, Windows, MacOS
Networking Basics – IP addressing, firewalls, VPNs
Encryption & Security Protocols – SSL, TLS, hashing
Basic Coding – Python, Bash scripting, PowerShell

I recommend checking out Google IT support professional certificate offered on Coursera platform. This path allows you to build technical IT skills and gives you an introduction to security and defence concepts.

Understand Cybersecurity Career Paths

Cybersecurity has two main career tracks:
🔹 Blue Team (Defensive Security) – Protects systems from attacks. Example: SOC Analyst.
🔹 Red Team (Offensive Security) – Simulates attacks to find vulnerabilities. Example: Penetration Tester.

Build Your Own Cyber Security Home Lab

Home labs are crucial for learning practical skills, including networking and security tools like Wireshark and Splunk.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Use Virtual Machines (VMs): Install VirtualBox or VMware to run Linux (Kali, Ubuntu) and Windows systems for testing.
2. Learn Basic Networking: Set up a virtual network using tools like Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3.
3. Practice Security Tools:
   • Wireshark (packet analysis)
   • Splunk (log monitoring)
   • Metasploit (penetration testing)
   • Burp Suite (web security testing)

Get Hands-On Cyber Security Practice

Cybersecurity is a practical field. Employers look for real-world skills, not just theory.

How to Get Hands-On Experience?

🔹 CTF & Practical Hands-On Cyber Security Platforms:

• Hack The Box (HTB)
• TryHackeme
• picoCTF
• OverTheWire

🔹 Practice in Simulated Environments

• HTB Academy Guided Mode – Interactive cybersecurity training.
• HTB Labs – Real-world attack scenarios.
• THM Tracks such as red team and SOC 1&2 tracks

Enroll in Cybersecurity Courses

Self-paced online courses can also be a cost-effective way to gain skills. While cybersecurity is competitive, persistence, networking, and hands-on learning can help newcomers break in. Many platforms, including Springboard, Coursera, and edX, offer courses that cater to beginners.

These courses typically cover topics such as network security, ethical hacking, cryptography, and digital forensics, which form the core of any cybersecurity professional’s knowledge base.

For example the Google cyber security certificate on Coursera platform is a great track to get started in Cyber security. While it’s still gaining track in the corporate world and doesn’t have the same weigh like other certifications such as COMPTIA Security+, it’s still a sought-after path to break into cyber security and build the base grounds.

Pursue Cybersecurity Certifications

Certifications are a great way to validate your knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. CompTIA Security+ is one of the most recommended entry-level certifications, but there are others, such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and OSCP, which can help you specialize further.

I recommend starting with foundational certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CySA+, rather than advanced ones like CISSP (which requires experience).

Beginner Certifications (Recommended First Steps)

1. CompTIA Security+ – This is the most commonly recommended certification for entry-level security roles. It covers basic cybersecurity concepts, risk management, and security frameworks.
2. CompTIA Network+ – Helps build networking fundamentals, which are crucial for security professionals.
3. CompTIA A+ – A general IT certification useful for beginners, but not strictly necessary for cybersecurity.

Mid-Level Certifications (After Some Experience)

4. CompTIA CySA+ – Focuses on security analytics and threat detection, ideal for Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst roles.
5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – Covers penetration testing but is more valuable after gaining experience.
6. Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate – Useful for SOC analyst roles and focuses on security monitoring.
7. OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional): Focuses on building solid penetration testing skills.
8. HackTheBox CPTS: Similar to OSCP in focus but with more coverage for technical subjects.

Advanced Certifications (For Later Career Growth)

7. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) – Requires at least 5 years of experience and is often a requirement for senior cybersecurity positions.
8. OSEP (Offensive Security Experienced Penetration Tester): The OSEP focuses on advanced penetration testing techniques, evasion, and post-exploitation tactics against hardened environments.

🔹 Key Takeaway: Start with Security+, then build up to CySA+ or CyberOps Associate if you are looking to specialize in the defensive area of cyber security. However, if you want to expand your knowledge in the offensive domain, then start with Security+ them build up to OSCP or HTB CPTS.

Enroll in an Entry Level Job

Without IT experience, I recommend starting in IT support roles, such as help desk or network administration, to gain fundamental knowledge. Then you can start looking for night shift roles in Security Operations Centers (SOCs), as they are easier to land for newcomers.

Best Entry Points Into Cybersecurity

1. IT Help Desk – Helps develop troubleshooting, system administration, and networking skills.
2. Network Technician – Focuses on networking (a critical foundation for security).
3. System Administrator – Manages servers, Active Directory, and IT infrastructure.
4. Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst (Tier 1) – The most common entry-level cybersecurity job. Requires some networking/security knowledge.

Where to Look for Jobs?

• Job Boards: LinkedIn, Indeed, CyberSecJobs, Dice
• Internships & Apprenticeships: Many companies offer paid security internships.
• Government Programs: The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service provide cybersecurity training and jobs.
• Networking: Engage with professionals on LinkedIn, Twitter, and cybersecurity forums (like r/cybersecurity on Reddit).

Participate in CTF Challenges

Practical experience is essential in cybersecurity. Participating in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions or joining bug bounty programs can provide hands-on experience in real-world scenarios. Many companies also offer internships or volunteer opportunities where you can apply your learning to actual security challenges.

Specialize in a Subfield

Once you’ve grasped the basics, you may want to choose a specific area of cybersecurity that interests you. This could include penetration testing, incident response, cloud security, or risk management. Specializing allows you to dive deeper into a niche, making you more marketable and knowledgeable in that domain.

Use Free Resources to Keep Learning

There are many free or low-cost resources available online, including blogs, YouTube channels, forums, and open-source tools, that can enhance your learning without requiring a large investment. Platforms like GitHub also host a wealth of security-related projects that you can explore.

Salary Expectations & Career Growth for Cyber Security & IT Professionals

Entry-Level Salary Ranges

• IT Help Desk / Network Tech: $40K – $60K
• SOC Analyst (Tier 1): $55K – $75K
• Penetration Tester (Junior): $60K – $80K
• Cybersecurity Analyst: $70K – $90K

Mid-Career (3-5 years experience)

• SOC Analyst (Tier 2/3): $80K – $100K
• Cloud Security Engineer: $90K – $130K
• Penetration Tester (Mid-Level): $90K – $120K
• Incident Response Analyst: $85K – $120K

Senior-Level (5+ years experience)

• Cybersecurity Manager / Director: $120K – $180K
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): $200K+

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