My Cyber Security Road Map

Cyber security is a vast stream which doesn’t have a correct route to follow or that’s what I believe. Learning Computer basics, Networking, Linux, Programming, Cryptography skills has made me a good cyber security professional. Theoretical knowledge is not enough in this stream, which means hands-on-practice is the one which everyone in this stream should focus. Researching and self learning is the best way to understand or study any topic or subject, especially topics related to Cyber Security.

1. Computer Skills

I learned basic computer skills like operating and other computer component stuffs by literally using my old laptop and desktop computer. It was the easiest and free of cost way to learn how to operate a computer. I started using computer when I was 11 or something. I learned what is keyboard, monitor, mouse, speaker, RAM, ROM, Router etc. kind of stuff by just using the computer.

2. Networking Skills

Networking skills are important. Because, the Internet is also a group of interconnections, which means it is developed with networking respectively. So to understand what goes on the internet and how it works, network must be known. I learned basic network stuffs like networking devices, OSI model, TCP/IP model etc. when I was 14. I tried to install routers, hubs, switches etc. and that’s how I learned networking. Recently I enrolled to some free online course of Networking introduced by Cisco and other vendors.

3. Programming Skills

Knowledge in programming languages, scripting languages and also in markup languages will be very helpful for understanding the working of applications, servers etc. I started learning programming languages since I was 16. My favorites are Python, Java and C. Python helps me to automate my hacking tasks. Now, I’m familiar with Python, C, C++, Java, JavaScript, PHP, HTML, CSS, Visual Basic etc.

4. Linux Skills

Almost 98% of the servers in the world are of Linux. So understanding of Linux is an advantage. I started using Linux when I’m 15. The first Linux OS which I used where Ubuntu. Since then, I used Kali Linux, Parrot OS, Linux Mint, Arch Linux etc. Linux CLI(Command Line Interface) is what makes it different from other operating systems. Knowledge in Linux commands and tools are very useful.

5. Cryptography Skills

Skills in Cryptography is very useful when it comes to real world attacks and playing CTF challenges. I learned Cryptography by playing CTF challenges on TryHackMe and Hack The Box. Terminologies like Symmetric Encryption, Asymmetric Encryption, Public & Private Key etc. are must known and encryption and decryption algorithms also.