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Hudson
Student
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Cyber security learning
What should I learn to be super successful in cybersecurity?
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6 answers
Craig Castrogiovanni
Distinguished Engineer
1
Answer
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
Craig’s Answer
A proven path to “Success in Cybersecurity”
I'm thrilled you're aiming for a super successful career in cybersecurity. It's a field with incredible demand and endless opportunities. However, "cybersecurity" is a huge umbrella, and the path to success isn't a single highway—it's a massive map of specialized trails.
The key to be super success is really focusing on that area that really make you super excited, the specific area that ignites your passion. This is super important because if your passionate and excited about it you will never find it boring. You need to constantly learn in this career field and the technology is constantly changing. I think passion drives innovation and success so take that for what it Is worth. Here is a simple blueprint that I often recommend to folks as the foundational stepping stones.
Step 1: Discover Your Cybersecurity Passion
Before you commit years to training, you need to find the niche that genuinely excites you. Ask yourself these simple questions in regards to security:
What problem makes me jump out of bed? Is it building a fortress against attacks (Defense/Blue Team), or is it finding the cracks in the armor (Offense/Red Team)?
Do I like solving mysteries? (Digital Forensics/Incident Response)
Do I prefer the big-picture view of policy, compliance, and risk? (Governance, Risk, and Compliance - GRC)
Are you fascinated by how code works? (Application/Software Security)
Are fascinated by how to protect a network, and who does that design work? (Network Security/ Hardware and Physical Security)
Is cloud computing the future I want to secure? (Cloud Security)
Step 2: Research and Map Your First Steps
This is where you move from theory to reality. Use job boards (like LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.) to look up titles in the areas that stood out to you (e.g., "Penetration Tester, “Ethical Hacking", "Security Analyst," "Cloud Security Engineer", “Digital Forensics”, “Security Solutions Engineer”).
Write down the top three titles for the three most exciting job titles, start reviewing the listings for their required and preferred certifications.
Step 3: Deep Dive into Certifications and training required for those three job titles
Once you have a list of frequently requested certifications for your target roles (you'll likely see industry leaders like CompTIA, (ISC)², EC-Council, and GIAC), you need to get into the details:
Review what the certification covers: Go to the official website for the certification (e.g., CompTIA's site for Security+). Look at the official "Exam Objectives" or "Domains."
Identify Prerequisites: What do they recommend or require before you sit for the exam?
Does anything stand out that makes you say, "Yeah, that is for me?"
If, for example, the core topics of the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam fill you with curiosity, that is a huge sign! Now, look at its prerequisites and what they cover.
Step 4: Build a Foundational Training Bedrock
Regardless of your chosen specialization, a strong foundation in core IT is non-negotiable. You can't secure what you don't understand. Employers and advanced certifications consistently emphasize the following baseline knowledge:
Operating Systems (OS): Get hands-on with both Basic Linux (command line navigation, file permissions) and Windows (Active Directory, patching, group policy).
Networking: You need to understand how data moves. What is TCP/IP? How do firewalls work? The CompTIA Network+ certification is an excellent way to validate this foundational networking knowledge.
Core Security: You must master security concepts like cryptography, access control, and risk management. The CompTIA Security+ is often called the "entry-level golden standard" and is frequently required for government and defense roles.
Lastly, set realistic goals and deadlines for completion. If you don't set your sites on a target how will you be able to really push yourself and see what your capable of doing?
I hope you find this helpful and I look forward to see you reach for your dreams.
I'm thrilled you're aiming for a super successful career in cybersecurity. It's a field with incredible demand and endless opportunities. However, "cybersecurity" is a huge umbrella, and the path to success isn't a single highway—it's a massive map of specialized trails.
The key to be super success is really focusing on that area that really make you super excited, the specific area that ignites your passion. This is super important because if your passionate and excited about it you will never find it boring. You need to constantly learn in this career field and the technology is constantly changing. I think passion drives innovation and success so take that for what it Is worth. Here is a simple blueprint that I often recommend to folks as the foundational stepping stones.
Step 1: Discover Your Cybersecurity Passion
Before you commit years to training, you need to find the niche that genuinely excites you. Ask yourself these simple questions in regards to security:
What problem makes me jump out of bed? Is it building a fortress against attacks (Defense/Blue Team), or is it finding the cracks in the armor (Offense/Red Team)?
Do I like solving mysteries? (Digital Forensics/Incident Response)
Do I prefer the big-picture view of policy, compliance, and risk? (Governance, Risk, and Compliance - GRC)
Are you fascinated by how code works? (Application/Software Security)
Are fascinated by how to protect a network, and who does that design work? (Network Security/ Hardware and Physical Security)
Is cloud computing the future I want to secure? (Cloud Security)
Step 2: Research and Map Your First Steps
This is where you move from theory to reality. Use job boards (like LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.) to look up titles in the areas that stood out to you (e.g., "Penetration Tester, “Ethical Hacking", "Security Analyst," "Cloud Security Engineer", “Digital Forensics”, “Security Solutions Engineer”).
Write down the top three titles for the three most exciting job titles, start reviewing the listings for their required and preferred certifications.
Step 3: Deep Dive into Certifications and training required for those three job titles
Once you have a list of frequently requested certifications for your target roles (you'll likely see industry leaders like CompTIA, (ISC)², EC-Council, and GIAC), you need to get into the details:
Review what the certification covers: Go to the official website for the certification (e.g., CompTIA's site for Security+). Look at the official "Exam Objectives" or "Domains."
Identify Prerequisites: What do they recommend or require before you sit for the exam?
Does anything stand out that makes you say, "Yeah, that is for me?"
If, for example, the core topics of the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam fill you with curiosity, that is a huge sign! Now, look at its prerequisites and what they cover.
Step 4: Build a Foundational Training Bedrock
Regardless of your chosen specialization, a strong foundation in core IT is non-negotiable. You can't secure what you don't understand. Employers and advanced certifications consistently emphasize the following baseline knowledge:
Operating Systems (OS): Get hands-on with both Basic Linux (command line navigation, file permissions) and Windows (Active Directory, patching, group policy).
Networking: You need to understand how data moves. What is TCP/IP? How do firewalls work? The CompTIA Network+ certification is an excellent way to validate this foundational networking knowledge.
Core Security: You must master security concepts like cryptography, access control, and risk management. The CompTIA Security+ is often called the "entry-level golden standard" and is frequently required for government and defense roles.
Lastly, set realistic goals and deadlines for completion. If you don't set your sites on a target how will you be able to really push yourself and see what your capable of doing?
I hope you find this helpful and I look forward to see you reach for your dreams.
Mamta
Student
Haldwani, Uttarakhand, India
0
Questions
Updated
Mamta’s Answer
Hey,
To do really well in cybersecurity, start with the basic like how networks works, how to use linux, and a bit of python. Then learn how hackers attack and how to stop those. Also get comfortable with cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. Keep practicing on sites where you can try real security challenges. If you learn things step by step you will become very strong in this field.
To do really well in cybersecurity, start with the basic like how networks works, how to use linux, and a bit of python. Then learn how hackers attack and how to stop those. Also get comfortable with cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. Keep practicing on sites where you can try real security challenges. If you learn things step by step you will become very strong in this field.
David Allen
Consultant
84
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
To be truly successful in cybersecurity, you must master a dual set of competencies: a deep technical foundation and crucial, high-level soft skills that allow you to translate technical risks into business-actionable intelligence. On the technical side, the most critical foundational knowledge includes Networking (understanding TCP/IP, firewalls, network segmentation, and intrusion detection systems), Operating Systems (deep familiarity with Windows, Linux, and their command-line interfaces), and Cloud Security (expertise in platforms like AWS/Azure/GCP). Beyond the fundamentals, you should immediately begin learning Scripting/Programming—Python and PowerShell are essential for automating tasks, performing malware analysis, and customizing tools. Finally, specialize in a high-demand domain like Incident Response (handling a breach systematically), Ethical Hacking/Penetration Testing (finding vulnerabilities before attackers do), or Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), as specialization is key to long-term career growth.
However, technical skills alone are not enough for "super success"; the most effective professionals excel at communicating and adapting. You must continuously hone soft skills such as Critical Thinking and Analytical Reasoning, which are vital for investigating complex incidents, connecting disparate pieces of evidence, and predicting an attacker's next move. Given your current struggle with public speaking, focus on improving your Written Communication and your ability to translate technical jargon into clear, business-focused reports for non-technical leadership (e.g., explaining a vulnerability's impact in terms of dollars or reputation, not just code). The field is defined by constant change (new AI threats, new compliance laws), so a Continuous Learning Mindset and Adaptability are non-negotiable for staying ahead and succeeding at the highest levels.
However, technical skills alone are not enough for "super success"; the most effective professionals excel at communicating and adapting. You must continuously hone soft skills such as Critical Thinking and Analytical Reasoning, which are vital for investigating complex incidents, connecting disparate pieces of evidence, and predicting an attacker's next move. Given your current struggle with public speaking, focus on improving your Written Communication and your ability to translate technical jargon into clear, business-focused reports for non-technical leadership (e.g., explaining a vulnerability's impact in terms of dollars or reputation, not just code). The field is defined by constant change (new AI threats, new compliance laws), so a Continuous Learning Mindset and Adaptability are non-negotiable for staying ahead and succeeding at the highest levels.
Val Mongina
Cybersecurity Engineer
10
Answers
McKinney, Texas
Updated
Val’s Answer
To be super successful in cybersecurity, focus on staying naturally curious — always explore how things work under the hood. Ask questions, seek help when stuck, and dive deep into understanding systems, networks, and applications. Build confidence through certifications, but remember they only support your journey; the real skill comes from hands-on practice in labs, CTFs, and real-world scenarios where you learn to connect the dots. Keep learning, keep experimenting, and never lose that drive to understand why things break and how to secure them.
Mandar Phalak
Cybersecurity, Program Management, Business Operations
1
Answer
Pleasanton, California
Updated
Mandar’s Answer
Starting a career in cybersecurity is an exciting journey. Here's how you can begin:
Training:
- Begin with some initial certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CISA.
- AI and Crypto are growing fields, so it's a great time to learn the basics.
- There are plenty of online resources, including articles and videos, to help you understand these topics easily.
First Career Steps:
- Consider a broad role like security support or incident management to get a wide view of the security field.
- Roles in security risk management or security audit support can also provide a great introduction.
- Managing security programs is another excellent way to start by overseeing technical projects.
As you gain experience, you can choose a specific area that matches your interests and strengths to advance further.
Training:
- Begin with some initial certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CISA.
- AI and Crypto are growing fields, so it's a great time to learn the basics.
- There are plenty of online resources, including articles and videos, to help you understand these topics easily.
First Career Steps:
- Consider a broad role like security support or incident management to get a wide view of the security field.
- Roles in security risk management or security audit support can also provide a great introduction.
- Managing security programs is another excellent way to start by overseeing technical projects.
As you gain experience, you can choose a specific area that matches your interests and strengths to advance further.
Kirthi KN
Computers
35
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Kirthi’s Answer
Hello Hudson!
It is great to see your enthusiasm. As a professional from Cybersecurity Audit and GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) domain, I see the cybersecurity industry from a unique vantage point. I don't just look at how hackers get in; I look at how businesses build the systems, policies, and culture to stop them.
To be "super successful" (I assume mean highly paid, respected, and effective), you need to move beyond the idea that cybersecurity is just about "hacking."
Here is a roadmap based on what I look for when I audit organizations and hire talent:
1. Master the Boring Stuff First (The Foundation)
You cannot secure what you do not understand. Before you learn to break into a computer, you must learn how it works.
Networking: Learn the OSI Model, TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP. If you don't know how a packet moves from A to B, you can't secure the path.
Operating Systems: Get comfortable with Linux. Learn the command line. You also need to understand Windows administration (Active Directory) because that is what most companies use.
Basic Coding: You don't need to be a software developer, but learning Python or Bash scripting will help you automate tasks.
2. Understand the "Why" (The GRC Perspective -- My Perspective)
This is the secret sauce that separates the technicians from the leaders.
Risk Management: Learn how to calculate risk. If a server has a vulnerability, does it matter? If that server holds no data and isn't connected to anything, the risk is low. If it holds credit card numbers, the risk is high.
Frameworks: Familiarize yourself with the "rules of the road" like NIST, ISO 27001, or SOC 2. These are the standards companies use to build their security programs.
3. Pick a Lane (But know a bit of everything)
Cybersecurity is huge. Eventually, you will want to specialize:
Red Teaming (Offensive): Ethical hacking and penetration testing.
Blue Teaming (Defensive): Monitoring logs, Incident Response (IR), and hunting for threats.
Cloud Security: Securing AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud (This is in huge demand right now).
GRC/Auditing: (My field) validating that security controls are working and aligning security with business goals.
4. Soft Skills are Critical
This is often overlooked. As an auditor, I spend 50% of my time looking at screens and 50% of my time talking to people.
Communication: You must be able to explain a complex technical flaw to a CEO in a way that impacts their bottom line.
Report Writing: If you find a hack but can't write a clear report on how to fix it, your work is wasted.
5. Certifications to Target
While degrees are good, certifications prove you know the specific material.
Start with: CompTIA Security+ (The baseline).
Mid-level: CySA+ or specific cloud certs (AWS Security).
The Gold Standard (Later in career): CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) or CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor).
My final piece of advice: Build a home lab. Set up a virtual machine, try to hack it, and then try to fix it. The most successful people in this field are the ones who never stop being curious.
Good luck!
It is great to see your enthusiasm. As a professional from Cybersecurity Audit and GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) domain, I see the cybersecurity industry from a unique vantage point. I don't just look at how hackers get in; I look at how businesses build the systems, policies, and culture to stop them.
To be "super successful" (I assume mean highly paid, respected, and effective), you need to move beyond the idea that cybersecurity is just about "hacking."
Here is a roadmap based on what I look for when I audit organizations and hire talent:
1. Master the Boring Stuff First (The Foundation)
You cannot secure what you do not understand. Before you learn to break into a computer, you must learn how it works.
Networking: Learn the OSI Model, TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP. If you don't know how a packet moves from A to B, you can't secure the path.
Operating Systems: Get comfortable with Linux. Learn the command line. You also need to understand Windows administration (Active Directory) because that is what most companies use.
Basic Coding: You don't need to be a software developer, but learning Python or Bash scripting will help you automate tasks.
2. Understand the "Why" (The GRC Perspective -- My Perspective)
This is the secret sauce that separates the technicians from the leaders.
Risk Management: Learn how to calculate risk. If a server has a vulnerability, does it matter? If that server holds no data and isn't connected to anything, the risk is low. If it holds credit card numbers, the risk is high.
Frameworks: Familiarize yourself with the "rules of the road" like NIST, ISO 27001, or SOC 2. These are the standards companies use to build their security programs.
3. Pick a Lane (But know a bit of everything)
Cybersecurity is huge. Eventually, you will want to specialize:
Red Teaming (Offensive): Ethical hacking and penetration testing.
Blue Teaming (Defensive): Monitoring logs, Incident Response (IR), and hunting for threats.
Cloud Security: Securing AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud (This is in huge demand right now).
GRC/Auditing: (My field) validating that security controls are working and aligning security with business goals.
4. Soft Skills are Critical
This is often overlooked. As an auditor, I spend 50% of my time looking at screens and 50% of my time talking to people.
Communication: You must be able to explain a complex technical flaw to a CEO in a way that impacts their bottom line.
Report Writing: If you find a hack but can't write a clear report on how to fix it, your work is wasted.
5. Certifications to Target
While degrees are good, certifications prove you know the specific material.
Start with: CompTIA Security+ (The baseline).
Mid-level: CySA+ or specific cloud certs (AWS Security).
The Gold Standard (Later in career): CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) or CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor).
My final piece of advice: Build a home lab. Set up a virtual machine, try to hack it, and then try to fix it. The most successful people in this field are the ones who never stop being curious.
Good luck!