Want to Get Into Cyber Security but Don’t Know Where to Start? Read This

Cyber Security but Don’t Know Where to Start?

Hello!

So, you want to start learning cyber security, but you feel confused. You don’t know where to begin, and maybe you’re thinking, “Is this even for me?”

Don’t worry, friend. You are not alone. Many people feel the same way at the beginning — even I did. That’s why I wrote this post — to help you understand what cyber security is, and how you can start learning it easily, step by step.

Let’s begin

What Is Cyber Security?

Cyber security means protecting digital things like:

1. Your phone
2. Your laptop
3. Your email and social media accounts
4. Websites and online data

It keeps hackers and bad people away from our personal and important data. Without cyber security, anyone could steal passwords, bank information, or private messages.

Cyber security is like a lock for your online life.

Why Learn Cyber Security?

There are many strong reasons to learn cyber security:

1. Many jobs are available – Every company needs cyber security people.
2. Good salary – Even beginners earn well.
3. It’s interesting – You learn how hackers think and how to stop them.
4. You can work from home – Many jobs are remote.
5. You help protect others – You keep people and companies safe.

Also, cyber security is always changing. That means you will keep learning new things, and your job will never feel boring.

Do You Need a Computer Degree?

No, you don’t. That’s the best part.

You can start even if:

1. You are from a non-technical background
2. You don’t know coding
3. You are a complete beginner

Many people who are now working in cyber security started with zero knowledge. You just need:

1. Interest
2. Time to learn
3. Patience

You don’t need to be super smart. You just need to be consistent.

Step-by-Step Guide to Start Cyber Security

Let’s make things super simple. Here’s what you can do:

Step 1: Learn Basic Computer and Internet Concepts

Before jumping into cyber security, first learn:

1. What is an IP address?
2. What is the internet?
3. How does a website work?
4. What is Wi-Fi?
5. What are passwords, firewalls, antivirus, etc.?

📺 Watch YouTube videos like:

1. “How does the internet work?”
2. “Basic networking for beginners”

You can also search Google in simple language. Learn slowly.

Step 2: Understand What Cyber Security Really Is

Cyber security is not just about “hacking”. It has many parts:

1. Network security
2. Web security
3. Cloud security
4. Ethical hacking
5. Malware analysis
6. Digital forensics

You don’t need to know everything now. Just get an idea of what these things mean. You will find your interest later.

Step 3: Watch Free Beginner Videos

YouTube is full of free knowledge. Here are some good channels:

1. NetworkChuck
2. The Cyber Mentor
3. David Bombal
4. Hackersploit

Search for videos like:

1. “Cyber security for beginners”
2. “How to become an ethical hacker”
3. “Cyber security roadmap 2025”

Watch 1 video daily. Take small notes.

Step 4: Use Free Learning Platforms

Some websites offer free or low-cost courses:

1. tryhackme.com – best for hands-on practice
2. cybrary.it
3. Coursera.org
4. Udemy.com

Start with beginner courses like:

1. Cyber Security Fundamentals
2. Introduction to Ethical Hacking
3. Linux Basics

step 5: Learn Some Tools

Some common cyber security tools are:

1. Wireshark – to see network traffic
2. Nmap – to scan systems
3. Burp Suite – to test websites
4. Kali Linux – an OS made for security testing

Don’t worry if it feels tough. Just watch tutorials. You’ll learn with time.

Step 6: Practice Daily (Even 120 Minutes Is Enough)

Cyber security is a skill. You can’t just read — you have to practice.

Try:

1. TryHackMe – has labs and challenges
2. Hack The Box – more advanced, good for learning
3. OverTheWire – learn Linux skills

Even if you practice only 30–60 minutes daily, you will see results in a few months.

Step 7: Join Online Communities

Talk to other learners. Share your doubts. Ask questions.

Join:

1. Reddit → r/cybersecurity
2. Discord → TryHackMe servers
3. Twitter (X) → Follow cyber security experts
4. LinkedIn → Share your learning journey

When you see others learning, you’ll stay motivated.

What Skills Help in Cyber Security?

These skills are helpful (but not required at the start):

1. Basic networking
2. Linux knowledge
3. Understanding how websites work
4. Problem-solving
5. English reading and writing

Start simple. You will improve all these as you learn.

Job Roles in Cyber Security

After learning, you can apply for jobs like:

1. SOC Analyst (Security Operations Center)
2. Monitor systems and find threats.
3. Security Analyst
4. Study attacks and protect systems.
5. Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
6. Try to hack systems legally to find weak points.
7. IT Support + Security
8. Help people and also learn cyber security tasks.
9. Compliance Analyst
10. Make sure companies follow safety rules.

Once you gain experience, you can go for roles like:

1. Red Team member (attackers)
2. Blue Team (defenders)
3. Cloud security engineer
4. Malware expert

Do You Need Certifications?

Not in the beginning, but later they help.

Some good ones:

1. CompTIA Security+ – best for beginners
2. CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) – well known
3. PNPT – practical test-based
4. OSCP – expert-level, tough but respected

First build your basics. Certifications can come later.

Mistakes to Avoid

Please avoid these common mistakes:

1. Watching only videos, not practicing
2. Skipping networking or Linux basics
3. Thinking you need to be perfect
4. Trying to learn everything in one week
5. Getting discouraged if you fail a challenge

Learning takes time. You don’t need to be fast. You just need to be regular.

How Long Will It Take?

This depends on how much time you give. But here’s a rough idea:

1. 1 hour/day → You’ll see results in 6 months
2. 2+ hours/day → You’ll grow faster, maybe job-ready in 3–4 months
3. If you are already in IT → Transition will be easier

Build Your Portfolio

As you learn, create a record of your progress.

1. Share your learning on LinkedIn or X (Twitter)
2. Write blogs: “What I learned today”
3. Post TryHackMe certificates
4. Start a small GitHub page or blog

Even beginners can build portfolios. Companies love learners who show their work.

Final Words: You Can Do This

Look, bro — cyber security is a huge field. But you don’t need to learn everything at once. Start with one topic a day. Watch one video. Try one lab.

I started with zero knowledge, no tech background. If I can do it, you definitely can.

Forget perfection. Forget speed. Just start.

Your small steps today will become a strong future tomorrow.