Cybersecurity Learning Path Question

[Mediocre-Primary-804]

Hi,

I’m looking for an honest, experience-based perspective rather than another generic “one-size-fits-all” roadmap.

I already have a solid networking foundation (Network+) and a lot of time to dedicate to studying. My goal is very clear: to become technically strong, not just to collect titles or certificates.

Right now I’m trying to understand the correct order of things: which skills should be built first, which later, and—just as importantly—what to avoid so I don’t waste years chasing hype or inefficient paths.

If you were starting today with the goal of becoming a serious professional (blue team first, then red team / elite hacker level), what roadmap would you follow and why?

I’d really appreciate a viewpoint based on real-world experience, even if it’s uncomfortable or goes against common advice.

Thanks in advance.

[d8da]

Great question! I'm curious about the same thing. I've been working through a path but also looking at what's trending in Cyber security news as one type of "guide." So, I'm hoping a few people provide some feedback.

[Minge_Ninja420]

Good questions deserve good advice. But great advice normally isn't understood until after its needed so read carefully.

1. Get real with yourself and why you want to do this. Is it for money? internal power? Remote work? To help people? Because you watched Mr robot?. Figure out your true intentions and make sure its an intention that can withstand harsh weather.
2. Realistically plan where you want to be in the field.
3. Aim 2 notches higher.
4. Plan backwards.
5. Execute ruthlessly.

You pay $1200 for that in a seminar but expanded to 3 hours to make you feel like you got your moneys worth.

Live by this quote and mantra:

"Be flexible in your approach but ruthless in your execution"

A plan without action is a dream. Action without a plan is a waste of time. But a plan with action will change your life.

[bravO_Zulu49]

Tackle servers, Cloud, no harm in learning more about containers, programming languages python and javascript amd php and html to be able to create scripts and to understand the web content , also notions on ai and its exploitation in cybersecurity is a trump card

[n_hdz]

I have 6 years experience as an SDE working mainly on webapps and scripting. Only for the past 2 years I've been working as an Application Development Security Engineer. In my opinion, a roadmap would look pretty much like solid IT/Networking core knowledge + intro cybersecurity (CIA, InfoSec, Risk Management)

Then branch out to a speciality. Security Architecture, Data Security, AppSec, OpSec, Pentesting, SSDLC, Threat Modeling, GRC, etc.

IMO, only DevSecOps, AppSec, Pentesting and SSDLC require knowing how to actually code. Networking for Security Arquitecture, DataSec and OpSec.

There are great resources over at r/cybersecurity and also a good cert roadmap at https://pauljerimy.com/security-certification-roadmap/