Cyber Security Roadmap 2026

From complete beginner to Red Team Ethical Hacker. Learn how to break (and fix) systems.

1. IT & Networking (The Roots)

💡 Teacher's Tip: You cannot hack a network you don't understand. Before hacking, learn how IP addresses, DNS, Ports, and the OSI Model work. Aim for the "CompTIA Network+" knowledge level.
📚 Free Resources: Professor Messer - Network+ Course TryHackMe - Pre-Security (Interactive)
TCP/IP OSI Model Subnetting

2. Linux & Python

💡 Teacher's Tip: Hackers don't use Windows. They use Linux (Kali). Learn the Command Line Interface (CLI). Also, learn Python to write your own hacking scripts.
📚 Free Resources: Linux Basics for Hackers FreeCodeCamp - Python for Hackers
Kali Linux Bash Scripting Python

3. Web Penetration Testing

💡 Teacher's Tip: Most bug bounties are in web apps. Learn the "OWASP Top 10" (SQL Injection, XSS). Master "Burp Suite" - the standard tool for intercepting web traffic.
📚 Best Free Resources: PortSwigger Web Security Academy (Gold Standard) OWASP Top 10 Docs
Burp Suite SQL Injection XSS

4. Network Hacking (Red Team)

💡 Teacher's Tip: Learn how to scan networks (Nmap), find vulnerabilities (Metasploit), and crack passwords. This is the "Mr. Robot" stuff. Practice in safe environments only!
📚 Free Resources: TryHackMe - Jr Penetration Tester HackTheBox (Free Tier)
Nmap Metasploit Wireshark Active Directory

5. Certifications & Career

💡 Teacher's Tip: To get hired, you need proof. Start with CompTIA Security+. Then aim for OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) - the hardest and most respected exam.
📚 Career Guides: CompTIA Security+ OSCP (The Goal)
Security+ CEH OSCP