Careers in Cybersecurity Roadmap

Udemy Team

Pursuing a career in cybersecurity is more than joining one of the most in-demand fields today; it’s about becoming the first line of defense against evolving digital threats. But where do you begin, and how do you advance effectively in such a broad and complex industry? This roadmap lays out clear steps, certifications, and training paths at every stage of your cybersecurity career—from entry-level to advanced leadership roles.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to climb the career ladder, this guide provides a structured approach to cybersecurity certifications, skill-building, and specialization.

Fundamentals of Cybersecurity

The road to a successful cybersecurity career begins with mastering foundational IT and cybersecurity concepts. You need a strong understanding of IT infrastructure, networking, and basic security principles to build upon as you grow.

Start with IT Fundamentals

Starting out, it’s crucial to build knowledge around the basics of IT and networking. Certifications like CompTIA A+ and Network+ set a solid foundation.

Learn How to Stop Hackers:

Courses like The Complete Ethical Hacking Course introduce information security (INFOSEC) and IT security essentials.

CompTIA A+ Certification:

Passing the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) exams certifies your understanding of hardware, software troubleshooting, and operating systems. Courses like CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-002) Full Course & Exam Prep provide robust training.

Networking Fundamentals:

Explore courses like CompTIA Network+ (N10-008) to gain practical hands-on networking skills and knowledge about protocols, configurations, and troubleshooting.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA):

Meeting the CCNA standards ensures that you’re confident in managing network solutions, a critical skill for cybersecurity professionals.

Get Started in Cybersecurity Basics

Once you master IT essentials, it’s time to enter the world of cybersecurity. The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) certification is an ideal first step. It covers critical topics like securing systems, networks, and organizational assets.

Beginner Skills in Cybersecurity

Understanding threats and vulnerabilities:

Learn how to identify and prevent common attacks like Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS).

Cybersecurity Risk Management:

Gain insights into addressing vulnerabilities, implementing incident response strategies, and using frameworks like BCP (Business Continuity Planning) and DRP (Disaster Recovery Planning).

Tackling Encryption Basics:

Understand cryptography and how encryption ensures data confidentiality and integrity.

Courses like Introduction to Cyber Security – 2 Hour Crash Course provide hands-on practice and theoretical knowledge to help you get started.

Intermediate Cybersecurity Specialization Paths

Once you’ve established your foundational knowledge, it’s time to specialize. Intermediate-level certifications enable you to tackle advanced concepts and prepare for hands-on roles within cybersecurity.

Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

As ethical hacking becomes increasingly vital, certifications like PenTest+ and tools such as Python programming for security are must-haves. Consider:

The Complete Ethical Hacking Course: This teaches penetration testing alongside coding for testing tools.
CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-002) certification to deepen vulnerability assessment and penetration testing skills.

Network Security

Network security certifications focus on fortifying systems against breaches. Advanced networking courses, such as The Complete Cyber Security Course Network Security, cover WiFi security, firewalls, and hackers’ methods.

Incident Response

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification ensures a strong understanding of continuous monitoring for threat detection. Learning about security operations and mitigation strategies through Cybersecurity Incident Response Fundamentals is also critical for intermediate cybersecurity professionals.

Cloud Security

Cloud platforms are central to modern cybersecurity. Specialized certifications like the AWS Certified Security Specialty and Introduction to Cloud Security with Microsoft Azure ensure that you understand vulnerabilities within cloud computing environments.

Advanced Cybersecurity Specialization and Leadership

To reach senior positions like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), advanced certifications are essential. These roles focus not only on technical knowledge but also on managing cybersecurity strategies and teams.

Cybersecurity Management and Strategy

Preparing for leadership roles requires certifications like Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). These validate managerial skills and the ability to oversee complex security programs.

Additionally:

Focus on implementing comprehensive Cybersecurity Risk Management Frameworks.
Leverage global standards such as NIST RMF or ISO 27001 frameworks to build compliant security practices.

Digital Forensics and Threat Intelligence

Master emerging fields such as Digital Forensics and Threat Intelligence through hands-on certifications like Digital Forensics and Cybercrime Investigation. These provide expertise in malware analysis, reverse engineering, and crisis response.

Cloud Specialization

Stay relevant with cloud-based career paths by earning certifications like:

Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK).
CISA for auditing and securing cloud architectures.

Cybersecurity Career Paths

After acquiring certain certifications, you can start or advance in cybersecurity roles across different levels. Here’s a breakdown of potential career paths based on your experience:

Entry-Level Jobs (0-2 Years)

Typical Roles:

Security Analyst
SOC (Security Operations Center) Analyst
Network Security Administrator

Expectations:

You’ll focus on monitoring networks, investigating security alerts, managing access controls, and learning to identify common attack patterns like phishing, malware, and brute-force attempts. Entry-level roles are great for building foundational knowledge and developing analytical thinking.

Average Salary:

$60,000 – $85,000 per year (U.S.)

Essential Skills:

Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, firewalls, routing, VPNs)
Security event monitoring and basic SIEM usage
Vulnerability assessment tools (e.g., Nessus, OpenVAS)
Incident documentation and reporting
Familiarity with compliance frameworks (e.g., HIPAA, PCI-DSS)

Recommended Certifications:

CompTIA Security+ (baseline for cybersecurity)
CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst)
Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

Mid-Level Jobs (3-5 Years)

Typical Roles:

Penetration Tester
Threat Intelligence Analyst
Incident Response Specialist
Cloud Security Engineer

Expectations:

Mid-level professionals are expected to proactively defend networks, perform red and blue team operations, and create response plans for real incidents. You’ll work closely with other IT and security teams to reduce risk and implement controls. Specializing in areas like cloud security, threat intel, or incident response is common at this stage.

Average Salary:

$90,000 – $120,000 per year (U.S.)

Key Skills:

Offensive security and penetration testing (e.g., Metasploit, Burp Suite)
Digital forensics and malware analysis
Threat hunting and behavioral analysis
Scripting with Python, Bash, or PowerShell
Cloud security tools and IAM (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

Recommended Certifications:

CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
GIAC (e.g., GCIH, GPEN, GCIA)
AWS/Azure Security Specialty Certifications
CompTIA CASP+ (for advanced practitioners)

Advanced Roles (5+ Years)

Typical Roles:

Security Architect
Cybersecurity Manager
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Lead

Expectations:

Senior-level roles demand strategic thinking, leadership, and deep technical expertise. Professionals at this level are responsible for setting security policies, building secure infrastructure, managing teams, and ensuring organizational compliance with global standards. The focus shifts from tactical execution to high-level risk reduction and business alignment.

Average Salary:
$130,000 – $200,000+ per year (U.S.)

Critical Skills:

Designing secure network architectures and enterprise-scale security strategies
Leading security audits, compliance, and risk management programs
Managing and mentoring security teams
Aligning cybersecurity with business goals
Communicating with executive stakeholders and board members

Recommended Certifications:

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional)
CRISC, CGEIT, or ISO 27001 Lead Implementer/Auditor (for GRC tracks)

These levels highlight the value of continual learning and certifications to advance your career.

Udemy’s Recommended Course Maps:

Cybersecurity Certification Prep

Entry-Level Certifications

Mid-Level Certifications

Senior-Level Certification:

Cybersecurity Leader Certifications

Microsoft Cybersecurity Certifications

AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Cybersecurity Certifications

Container Security

Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist 2025

Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance

Gen AI for Cybersecurity Professionals

Cybersecurity Risk & Mitigations

NIST AI Risk Management Framework (RMF)

NIST AI Risk Management Framework (RMF) Masterclass

Why These Roadmaps Work

This roadmap is designed to guide learners through a structured, scalable journey from foundational cybersecurity skills to leadership-level expertise. It’s built on a carefully curated mix of industry-recognized certifications, practical lab work, and specialized training.

By following this learning path, you’ll gain not only the technical credentials needed to stand out to employers, but also the hands-on experience required to solve real-world security challenges. Here’s why it’s effective:

Certification-backed credibility: Every course in this roadmap prepares you for top-tier certifications like Security+, CISSP, CEH, CISM, and more—credentials that hiring managers and recruiters actively look for.
Real-world skill development: Labs, simulations, and ethical hacking projects help you apply what you learn in realistic environments, bridging the gap between knowledge and execution.
Career-aligned progression: The path is divided into entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level milestones, making it easy to track your growth and pivot into roles like SOC analyst, penetration tester, security architect, or CISO.
Flexible and future-ready: With content covering AI security, cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, and frameworks like NIST and ISO 27001, you’ll stay ahead of evolving threats and technologies.
Strategic career support: Along the way, you’ll also build soft skills in risk management, compliance, and leadership—essential for climbing the cybersecurity career ladder.

To get the most out of this roadmap and strengthen your resume, be sure to:

Stay current on the latest cyber threats and emerging attack vectors.
Continuously enhance your expertise with hands-on labs and open-source tools.
Join cybersecurity communities, attend conferences, and network with industry pros to discover niche specialties and job opportunities.

With consistent effort and smart upskilling, this roadmap can help you grow from beginner to expert—and future-proof your cybersecurity career.

Build a Future in Cybersecurity with Udemy Courses

The cybersecurity industry is growing exponentially, offering high salaries and job security for trained professionals. By following this structured roadmap, you can move through entry-level positions to leadership roles while keeping pace with this fast-evolving field.

Take the first step toward your cybersecurity career today. Browse recommended courses, certifications, and free tutorials to start building your expertise.