> *`Cybersecurity Roadmap - Zero to Hero (Most Common)`* *1. Entry-Level IT & Foundations* ├─ 1.1 *CompTIA A+* │ ├─ Topics: Hardware, software, troubleshooting, operating systems. │ ├─ Duration: ~9-12 weeks (Self-paced or Instructor-led). │ ├─ Skills Gained: │ │ ├─ Computer assembly and repair. │ │ └─ Basic networking and operating systems management. │ └─ Career Paths: IT Support Technician, Help Desk Support. ├─ 1.2 *CompTIA Network+* │ ├─ Topics: Networking fundamentals, security, cloud computing. │ ├─ Duration: ~6-8 weeks. │ ├─ Skills Gained: │ │ ├─ Configure, manage, and troubleshoot networks. │ │ └─ Learn TCP/IP and subnetting. │ └─ Career Paths: Network Support Specialist, Junior Network Admin. *2. Cybersecurity Foundations* ├─ 2.1 *CompTIA Security+* │ ├─ Topics: Threats, attacks, vulnerabilities, risk management. │ ├─ Duration: ~8-10 weeks. │ ├─ Skills Gained: │ │ ├─ Basic cryptography and access control. │ │ └─ Identify and mitigate security threats. │ └─ Career Paths: Security Analyst, Junior Security Engineer. ├─ 2.2 *Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)* │ ├─ Topics: Penetration testing, tools, ethical hacking concepts. │ ├─ Duration: ~12 weeks. │ ├─ Skills Gained: │ │ ├─ Learn how to think like a hacker. │ │ └─ Use tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite. │ └─ Career Paths: Penetration Tester, Security Analyst. *3. Intermediate Networking & Security* ├─ 3.1 *Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)* │ ├─ Topics: Routing, switching, network security, automation. │ ├─ Duration: ~10-12 weeks. │ ├─ Skills Gained: │ │ ├─ Configure and manage Cisco devices. │ │ └─ Build secure and scalable networks. │ └─ Career Paths: Network Engineer, System Admin. ├─ 3.2 *CompTIA CySA+* │ ├─ Topics: Threat detection, analysis, and response. │ ├─ Duration: ~8 weeks. │ ├─ Skills Gained: │ │ ├─ Incident detection and response. │ │ └─ Configure SIEM tools like Splunk. │ └─ Career Paths: Security Analyst, SOC Analyst. *4. Advanced Cybersecurity Certifications* ├─ 4.1 *Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)* │ ├─ Topics: Security architecture, risk management, software development security. │ ├─ Duration: ~3-6 months. │ ├─ Skills Gained: │ │ ├─ Develop and manage security programs. │ │ └─ Secure large-scale enterprise systems. │ └─ Career Paths: Security Manager, Information Security Officer. ├─ 4.2 *Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)* │ ├─ Topics: Advanced penetration testing, exploit development. │ ├─ Duration: ~3-4 months (Highly hands-on). │ ├─ Skills Gained: │ │ ├─ Perform real-world penetration tests. │ │ └─ Exploit vulnerabilities in systems and networks. │ └─ Career Paths: Penetration Tester, Red Team Specialist. *5. Specialized Cybersecurity Domains* ├─ 5.1 *Cloud Security* │ ├─ Certifications: │ │ ├─ AWS Certified Security – Specialty. │ │ └─ Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate. │ ├─ Skills: │ │ ├─ Cloud infrastructure and identity management. │ │ └─ Threat detection and response in cloud environments. │ └─ Career Paths: Cloud Security Engineer, Cloud Architect. ├─ 5.2 *Malware Analysis* │ ├─ Certifications: │ │ ├─ GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM). │ │ └─ Reverse Engineering Malware (REM). │ ├─ Skills: │ │ ├─ Disassemble and analyze malware samples. │ │ └─ Develop YARA rules and indicators of compromise. │ └─ Career Paths: Malware Analyst, Threat Intelligence Analyst. *6. Continuous Learning & Professional Development* ├─ 6.1 *Practical Experience* │ ├─ Participate in Bug Bounty Programs (HackerOne, Bugcrowd). │ ├─ Build a GitHub portfolio of security tools/scripts. │ └─ Join CTF Challenges (TryHackMe, Hack The Box, Portswigger (BurpSuite)). ├─ 6.2 *Networking* │ ├─ Join PH4N745M professional forums (Reddit r/cybersecurity, Discord communities). │ └─ Attend cybersecurity conferences (DEFCON, Black Hat, RSA). ├─ 6.3 *Emerging Fields* │ ├─ AI and Machine Learning in Security. │ ├─ IoT and SCADA Security. │ └─ Quantum Computing's impact on cryptography. *⚠️ Disclaimer:* This content is provided for educational purposes.