Learn to become a Cyber Security Expert in 2025.
Starting a Career in tech Cybersecurity roadmap 2025 (6-Month Plan)
Do you want to enter in cyber security the you need this cybersecurity roadmap 2025 to enter in the field but don’t know where to start? This roadmap is for you! Whether you are a student or a beginner, or just switching careers this 6 month plan using only free resources will guide you from zero to job read. Here is beginner friendly roadmap which everyone can follow and become a pro in cyber security field.
Why Cyber Security in 2025
The main question is why cyber security in 2025??
As cybercrime increases annually, the need for cyber security has reached unprecedented levels. Starting in 2025, companies will recruit individuals based on their abilities and practical experience, rather than solely on their degrees. Begin now and transform into a cyber-security engineer.
6-Month Cyber security Roadmap (Beginner to Intermediate)
Each month has a clear focus and includes free learning resources, hands on labs and real world tools. So this is the exact roadmap I am following in my journey to become a cyber-security engineer expert in 2025-2026.
Month 1: Cyber security & IT Foundations
In first month you need to learn the all basic cyber security and IT foundations, because theoretical knowledge is must to start and build a strong future roads.
To Study:
- What is Cyber security? Types of cyber-attacks.
- IT basics: networks, operating systems, hardware
- CIA Triad, common terms (malware, phishing, etc.)
- For all above you can visit my blohttps://munazajameel.site/blog/ www.munazajameel.site/blog
Free Resources:
- Google Cyber security Certificate free (Coursera – Audit mode)
- YouTube: Simplilearn & Network Chuck
- Cyber security Essentials – Cisco Skills for All
Hands-on:
- Install Virtual Box and run Kali Linux.
- Set up your home lab.
Month 2: Networking & Linux Basics
In second month of cybersecurity roadmap 2025, you need to learn the all Networking and Linux Basics, theoretical plus practical knowledge is must to start and build a strong future roads.
To Study:
- OSI Model, TCP/IP, IP addressing, DNS, ports
- Basic Linux terminal commands and permissions
- Shell commands, file systems, users & groups.
- Learn about all from YouTube and read few blogs as well
Free Resources:
- Professor Messer Network+ Playlist
- LinuxJourney.com
- TryHackMe: Linux Fundamentals
- Use Chatgpt for better understandings.
Hands-on:
- Use ping, traceroute, netstat, nmap commands
- TryHackMe labs on networking
Month 3: Web Security & Basic Hacking
In third month you need to learn about the web security and Basics hacking, theoretical plus practical, know about the basic tools used in hacking.
To Study:
- OWASP Top 10 (web app vulnerabilities)
- SQL Injection, XSS, CSRF, Directory Traversal
- Introduction to Ethical Hacking
- Read books as well.
Free Resources:
- PortSwigger Web Security Academy
- TryHackMe: Web Fundamentals
- YouTube: Bug bounty beginners playlist
Hands-on:
- Practice vulnerable web apps using PortSwigger labs
- Document every attack you try.
- Write blog or document in video form.
Month 4: Security Tools & Vulnerability Scanning
In fourth month you need to learn about the security tools and Vulnerability scanning, theoretical plus practical knowledge is must to start.
To Study:
- Tools: Nmap, Wireshark, Burp Suite, Metasploit
- All tools are available in Kali linux
- Passive and active reconnaissance
- Introduction to penetration testing
Free Resources:
- TryHackMe: Tools Rooms
- Nmap and Wireshark official docs
- HackTheBox Academy (Free Tier)
Hands-on:
- Scan your home network with Nmap
- Analyze packets using Wireshark
Month 5: Capture the Flag (CTF) & Real Labs
In fifth month of learning you need to learn about the CTF (Capture the flag) and real labs, make your own labs and then document all your learning journey as proof in blog or video form on YouTube, theoretical plus practical knowledge is must to start.
What to Do:
- Start solving beginner CTFs
- Join platforms like:
Why This Helps:
- Strengthens your thinking like a hacker
- Helps prepare for interviews and bug bounty
Extra Tip: Keep screenshots and notes of every challenge this becomes your portfolio.
Month 6: Portfolio + Career Preparation
In sixth and last month you have to work on your portfolio and do some career preparations. Also keep learning daily and follow news related to cyber security industry as well.
What to Do:
- Write blogs about what you’ve learned.
- Post guides on GitHub or Medium.
- Refine your CV and LinkedIn page.
- Check out the certifications like:
- CompTIA Security+ (if you want)
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate (audit mode free)
Apply for:
- Remote or Hybrid internships.
- Freelancing
- Volunteer for NGOs or local businesses to secure their websites. This will gives you some real practice opportunity.
Conclusion:
In half a year, by dedicating only 2–4 hours daily, you can progress from no knowledge to a job-ready skill set in cyber security. No expensive degrees. No waiting years. Just daily effort, real tools, and free labs.
I am currently following this roadmap myself and documenting every step here. If you’re serious about your cyber security journey, follow along or start your own blog today. As on tiktok, youtube and instagram so many people were asking me related to my roadmap, so here it is.
Let’s Learn Together
Got questions? Share your thoughts in the comments and I will definatly answer here, Follow this blog to stay updated as I share:
- Daily lab walkthroughs
- All tools installation process
- Beginner tutorials
- Free cyber security resources
See you next time.
Check my previous blog https://munazajameel.site/cyber-laws-crimes-attacks/ and youtube https://www.youtube.com/@itzmunazah for raw content!
