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How can a student without a technical background effectively develop the skills needed to succeed in a cybersecurity major and career?

I’d appreciate advice on learning strategies, recommended online courses or certifications, and practical exercises that could help bridge the gap from beginner to confident in the field.

fall25 stem cybersecurity certification
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Jared’s Answer

Comptia A+ and Security+ are excellent beginner certifications. Many free online courses are available, and Packt Publishing offers a free eBook daily, though not always on cybersecurity.

You don't need a technical background to enter cybersecurity, but having technical skills is a big advantage. There's a gap between those who only understand security and those who can also implement solutions. I highly recommend gaining technical skills to stand out.

Jared recommends the following next steps:

learn.microsoft.com
training.fortinet.com
www.coursera.org
udemy.com
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Hetal’s Answer

Even without a technical background, you can build strong cybersecurity skills by starting with the fundamentals and gradually moving to hands-on practice. Focus first on learning networking, operating systems, and basic programming (Python is very useful). Free resources like Cybrary, TryHackMe, and Hack The Box offer guided labs for beginners, while certifications like CompTIA Security+ provide a solid foundation. Pair learning with small practical projects, like setting up a home lab, practicing ethical hacking in safe environments, or participating in CTF (Capture The Flag) challenges to build confidence and real-world experience.
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Atul’s Answer

Taking online courses can be a great way to learn and grow. If you put in the effort, you can even take a test to become a certified ethical hacker, which is an exciting opportunity. Before that, consider getting an undergraduate degree from a state school, as it's usually more affordable. Choose a major related to Computer or Electrical Engineering or Science to set a strong foundation. Many tasks today are handled by hardware, which speeds things up. If you're in high school, now is a great time to start planning for these steps. Keep pushing forward, and you'll do great!
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