Stage 1 — Learning Schedule (2-3 months):

**Month 1: Networking & OS**
- Study OSI and TCP/IP models
- Learn IP addressing and subnetting
- Practice Linux command line (bash)
- Understand Windows security features

**Month 2: Security & Cryptography**
- Study threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks
- Learn the CIA triad and security principles
- Understand symmetric and asymmetric encryption
- Practice with hashing algorithms

**Month 3: Web & Review**
- Understand HTTP and web technologies
- Learn about OWASP Top 10
- Review all concepts and practice labs
- Set up a home lab for practice

Stage 1 Review Checklist:

□ Do I understand the OSI model layers?
□ Can I configure a basic network?
□ Can I navigate Linux using the command line?
□ Do I know the CIA triad?
□ Can I explain symmetric vs asymmetric encryption?
□ Do I understand common web vulnerabilities?

Stage 2 — Learning Schedule (3-4 months):

**Month 1: Security Tools & Hacking**
- Learn Nmap, Wireshark, Metasploit
- Practice on TryHackMe (beginner rooms)
- Understand the penetration testing process
- Study common vulnerabilities and exploits

**Month 2: Certifications**
- Study for CompTIA Security+
- Take practice exams
- Pass Security+ certification
- Start CEH or CySA+ preparation

**Month 3: Network & Cloud Security**
- Study firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs
- Practice with network security labs
- Learn cloud security basics (AWS/Azure)
- Set up a cloud security lab

**Month 4: Practice & Review**
- Complete hands-on labs
- Practice with Hack The Box
- Review all concepts
- Prepare for next stage

Stage 2 Review Checklist:

□ Can I use Nmap for network scanning?
□ Can I analyze packets with Wireshark?
□ Do I understand the penetration testing methodology?
□ Have I earned CompTIA Security+?
□ Can I explain firewall and IDS/IPS concepts?
□ Do I understand basic cloud security?

Stage 3 — Learning Schedule (3-4 months):

**Month 1: Specialization**
- Choose your focus area
- Take specialized courses
- Earn advanced certification
- Build projects in your focus area

**Month 2: Portfolio & Resume**
- Create a cybersecurity portfolio
- Write case studies of your labs
- Build a GitHub repository
- Create a professional resume

**Month 3: Interview Prep**
- Practice technical interview questions
- Prepare for behavioral interviews
- Do mock interviews with peers
- Learn about security frameworks

**Month 4: Job Search**
- Apply to 10+ positions weekly
- Network with security professionals
- Attend security conferences
- Follow up and evaluate offers

Stage 3 Review Checklist:

□ Have I chosen a specialization?
□ Have I earned an advanced certification?
□ Is my cybersecurity portfolio ready?
□ Is my resume updated and professional?
□ Have I practiced interview questions?
□ Have I sent 20+ quality applications?

Career Roadmap: IT Background

Your Advantage: Networking, systems, or development experience.
Your Challenge: Need to transition to security-specific skills.

Recommended Path:
1. Start with Security+ certification (you already have IT knowledge)
2. Learn security tools (Nmap, Wireshark, Metasploit)
3. Focus on network security or cloud security
4. Earn CEH or CySA+ certification
5. Specialize: Cloud Security, SOC, or Pen Testing
6. Apply to security roles in your domain

Recommended Job Titles:
- Security Analyst
- Network Security Engineer
- Cloud Security Engineer
- SOC Analyst

Suggested Certifications:
- CompTIA Security+ → CEH → CISSP (long-term)

Career Roadmap: Non-IT Background

Your Advantage: Domain knowledge (finance, healthcare, etc.).
Your Challenge: Need to build technical skills from scratch.

Recommended Path:
1. Start with IT fundamentals (Networking, OS, basics)
2. Earn CompTIA Security+ (foundational)
3. Build hands-on skills with TryHackMe/Hack The Box
4. Learn about security in your domain (e.g., healthcare security)
5. Earn CySA+ or CEH certification
6. Apply to security roles in your domain

Recommended Job Titles:
- Jr. Security Analyst
- Compliance Analyst
- Security Operations Associate
- GRC Analyst

Suggested Certifications:
- CompTIA Security+ → CySA+ → CISSP (long-term)

Career Roadmap: Freshers & Recent Graduates

Your Advantage: No experience bias, fresh perspective.
Your Challenge: Need to build a portfolio and stand out.

Recommended Path:
1. Build strong fundamentals (networking, OS, security)
2. Earn CompTIA Security+ (entry-level certification)
3. Build a portfolio with TryHackMe/Hack The Box labs
4. Participate in CTF competitions
5. Apply to internships and entry-level roles
6. Consider CEH or CySA+ after 6-12 months

Recommended Job Titles:
- Security Intern
- Jr. Security Analyst
- SOC Associate
- Security Administrator

Suggested Certifications:
- CompTIA Security+ → CEH (after experience)

Career Roadmap: Career Switchers

Your Advantage: Experience in another field + transferable skills.
Your Challenge: Need to bridge the gap to cybersecurity.

Recommended Path:
1. Identify transferable skills (management, communication, etc.)
2. Build technical fundamentals (networking, OS, security)
3. Earn CompTIA Security+ (foundational)
4. Use your domain experience to stand out
5. Consider GRC or compliance roles
6. Apply to roles that value your background

Recommended Job Titles:
- GRC Analyst
- Security Compliance Specialist
- Security Analyst (with domain focus)
- Security Consultant (entry level)

Suggested Certifications:
- CompTIA Security+ → CISM or CISSP (long-term)