Phase 1 — Weekly Plan:
Week 1: Networking Basics
- Learn: TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP, OSI model
- Practice: Wireshark for packet analysis
- Goal: Explain how data moves across networks

Week 2: Linux Fundamentals
- Learn: Command line (ls, cd, grep, awk)
- Practice: File permissions, user management
- Goal: Navigate Linux without GUI

Week 3: Security Basics
- Learn: Types of attacks, vulnerabilities, risk
- Practice: Read security blogs and news
- Goal: Understand the security landscape

Week 4: Lab Setup
- Install: VirtualBox/VMware
- Install: Kali Linux (attacker)
- Install: Metasploitable 2 (target)

Phase 1 Checkpoints:
✅ Can explain TCP/IP and DNS
✅ Can use Linux command line
✅ Understand common security threats
✅ Have a working lab environment
✅ Can ping and scan networks

Phase 2 — Weekly Plan:
Week 5: Reconnaissance
- Tools: Nmap, theHarvester, Shodan
- Practice: Scan a target, gather OSINT
- Goal: Map the attack surface

Week 6: Vulnerability Assessment
- Tools: Nessus, OpenVAS, Nikto
- Practice: Scan for vulnerabilities
- Goal: Identify weaknesses

Week 7: Exploitation
- Tools: Metasploit, Burp Suite, sqlmap
- Practice: Exploit a vulnerable machine
- Goal: Gain initial access

Week 8: Post-Exploitation
- Tools: Mimikatz, PowerShell Empire
- Practice: Privilege escalation
- Goal: Maintain persistent access

Phase 2 Checkpoints:
✅ Can use Nmap for network scanning
✅ Can identify vulnerabilities using Nessus
✅ Can exploit vulnerabilities with Metasploit
✅ Can perform privilege escalation
✅ Completed 3+ practice machines (HTB/CTF)

Phase 3 — Weekly Plan:
Week 9: Certification Prep
- Choose: CEH, CompTIA Security+, or OSCP
- Study: Official course materials
- Practice: Sample questions

Week 10: Portfolio Building
- Write: Penetration test reports
- Upload: CTF walkthroughs to GitHub
- Update: LinkedIn profile

Week 11: Interview Prep
- Practice: 20+ interview questions
- Mock: Technical and behavioral interviews
- Research: Companies and roles

Week 12: Apply & Launch
- Apply: 10+ quality applications
- Network: LinkedIn, cybersecurity forums
- Follow-up: Send follow-ups

Phase 3 Checkpoints:
✅ Certified (CEH/Security+/OSCP)
✅ Portfolio website or GitHub
✅ Practiced interview questions
✅ Sent applications
✅ Interview calls scheduled

Career Roadmap: B.Tech / B.E. Graduates

Your Advantage: Strong engineering and networking background.
Your Challenge: Need to learn security tools and techniques.

Salary Range: ₹5 - 12 LPA

Focus Areas:
- Network security
- Penetration testing
- Security certifications (CEH, OSCP)
- Vulnerability assessment

Recommended Certifications:
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
- OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)

Recommended Job Titles:
- Penetration Tester
- Security Analyst
- Ethical Hacker
- Security Engineer

Career Roadmap: BCA / MCA Graduates

Your Advantage: Strong programming and IT skills.
Your Challenge: Need to learn networking and security concepts.

Salary Range: ₹4 - 10 LPA

Focus Areas:
- Application security
- Web penetration testing
- Security tools
- Certifications

Recommended Certifications:
- CompTIA Security+
- CEH

Recommended Job Titles:
- Security Analyst
- Web Application Security Tester
- Ethical Hacker (Junior)
- SOC Analyst

Career Roadmap: Non-Technical & Non-CS Graduates

Your Advantage: Domain knowledge and communication skills.
Your Challenge: Need to build technical and security skills.

Salary Range: ₹3.5 - 7 LPA

Focus Areas:
- Security awareness
- GRC (Governance, Risk, Compliance)
- Security fundamentals
- Certifications

Recommended Certifications:
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+

Recommended Job Titles:
- Security Analyst (Entry)
- GRC Analyst
- Security Awareness Specialist
- Junior Security Consultant

Career Roadmap: Diploma & Polytechnic Students

Your Advantage: Practical skills and hands-on experience.
Your Challenge: Need to build theoretical security knowledge.

Salary Range: ₹3 - 6 LPA

Focus Areas:
- Network security
- Vulnerability scanning
- Security tools
- Certifications

Recommended Certifications:
- CompTIA Security+
- CEH (after 1 year)

Recommended Job Titles:
- Security Technician
- Junior Security Analyst
- SOC Analyst (Entry)
- Network Security Administrator

Career Roadmap: Freshers & Recent Graduates

Your Advantage: Fresh perspective and adaptability.
Your Challenge: Need to build experience and certifications.

Salary Range: ₹4 - 8 LPA

Focus Areas:
- Security fundamentals
- Hands-on practice
- Certifications
- Portfolio building

Recommended Certifications:
- CompTIA Security+
- CEH

Recommended Job Titles:
- Security Intern
- Junior Security Analyst
- Ethical Hacker (Trainee)
- SOC Analyst

Career Roadmap: Career Switchers & Self-Taught

Your Advantage: Transferable skills and maturity.
Your Challenge: Need to build security expertise and credentials.

Salary Range: ₹4.5 - 9 LPA

Focus Areas:
- Security fundamentals
- Penetration testing
- Certifications
- Networking

Recommended Certifications:
- CompTIA Security+
- CEH or OSCP

Recommended Job Titles:
- Security Analyst
- Penetration Tester
- Security Consultant
- Ethical Hacker