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Cybersecurity analyst study plan

A step-by-step path from IT basics to your first analyst role, using free labs.

20 items · 5 sections · study, career, security, tech

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Foundations (4)

  • Learn how computers and networks work: IP, DNS, HTTP, TCPFree: Professor Messer’s Network+ videos on YouTube.Open
  • Learn the command line on Linux and WindowsOpen
  • Learn basic scripting: Python or BashOpen
  • Set up a small home lab with a virtual machineOpen

Core security ideas (4)

  • Learn the CIA triad: confidentiality, integrity, availability
  • Learn common attacks: phishing, malware, SQL injection, password attacks
  • Learn how authentication, encryption and hashing work
  • Read the OWASP Top 10Open

Hands-on practice (5)

  • Do beginner rooms on TryHackMe or Hack The Box AcademyOpen
  • Learn to read logs and find odd events
  • Try a SIEM tool such as Splunk free or ElasticOpen
  • Use Wireshark to look at network trafficOpen
  • Write up each lab you finish in a short note

Certificates and proof (3)

  • Study for CompTIA Security+ as a common first certificateOpen
  • Optional next: Blue Team Level 1 or a Google Cybersecurity certificateOpen
  • Build a small GitHub or blog portfolio of your write-upsOpen

Find the first job (4)

  • Search for SOC analyst, junior analyst or helpdesk with security duties
  • Tailor your resume to the posting with the lab skills you have
  • Practice explaining one incident you investigated in a lab
  • Join a local or online security community

Written from owasp.org

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