How to Start a Career in Cybersecurity: A Complete Roadmap 

Have you completed your 12th class and are wondering what's next? While others may be pushing you to the traditional career path, such as engineering, medicine, or an MBA. But you are looking for skills that make you future-ready: Advanced Cybersecurity Course. 

One of the greatest myths: cybersecurity is only for people with a tech background. If you have an interest in tech, love solving problems, and are always ready to learn something new, then the cybersecurity field is appropriate for you. 

You can secure your career by learning skills that will be in high demand in the future, such as a cybersecurity course. With the continuous rise in online engagement of people, cybercrime tends to rise. Hence, the need for cybersecurity experts will never go down. The increasing demand, attractive salary packages, and immense global opportunities are making this career path lucrative and secure. 

Let us go through these 10 steps to know how you can start your journey in this exciting field:

🔹 Step 1: Understand What Cybersecurity Is

Let’s not jump into the ocean without knowing how deep it is, right?

Cybersecurity means protecting data, systems, networks, and devices from digital threats. Think of it like a digital bodyguard—but also protects against blockchains, AIPS, companies, and even governments.

Common cybersecurity domains:

• Network security
  
  
• Cloud security
  
  
• Ethical hacking
  
  
• Digital forensics
  
  
• Governance, risk & compliance (GRC)

🔹 Step 2: Identify If Cybersecurity Is Right for You

To know if this career path is suitable for you or not, then have a look at these skills: Do you have a curious mindset, great problem-solving ability, and open to learn continuously?

If your answer is yes, you're already ahead of 90% of the crowd. Cybersecurity isn't just a job. It's a mindset. You’ve got to be curious, patient, and maybe even a little obsessed with tech. 

🔹 Step 3: Choose the Cybersecurity course after 12th

There’s no single way to enter cybersecurity. Many institutes offer beginner-level cybersecurity certifications — like DizitalAdda, which provides practical, job-ready training for students right after 12th.

Here are two main routes:

Formal Education Route

These give you a solid foundation in IT, networks, and programming — all of which are your weapons in the cybersecurity world.

• BSc in Cybersecurity
  
  
• BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)
  
  
• B.Tech in Computer Science with specialization in Cybersecurity
  
  
• BSc IT or Computer Science

Certification & Skill-Based Route (Ideal for Fast Starters)

If you are someone who is not ready to commit your 3-years for this course then there is another option of short-term courses. This is ideal for fast learners and for those who want to start earning on an early basis.

Google Cybersecurity Certificate (Great beginner course)

• CompTIA Security+ (Widely recognized entry-level certification)
  
  
• Cisco’s CCNA Security
  
  
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  

🔹 Step 4: Master the Fundamentals of Cybersecurity

Before you become a digital pro, learn the foundation in key technical areas:

• Networking Basics – Understand TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls, and ports.
  
  
• Operating Systems – Especially Linux and Windows.
  
  
• Programming – Start with Python; useful for scripting and automation.
  
  
• Cryptography – Learn about encryption and secure communication.
  
  
• Security Concepts – Firewalls, VPNs, malware, and phishing.

Use platforms like:

• Cybrary
  
• TryHackMe
  
• FreeCodeCamp

🔹 Step 5: Get Hands-On with Labs and Simulations

Theory alone isn’t enough — employers want practical skills. Start practicing in safe, legal environments.

✅ Tools to Learn:

• Kali Linux – Popular for penetration testing
  
• Wireshark – Network analysis
  
• Nmap – Network scanning
  
• Burp Suite – Web application testing
  

✅ Platforms for Practice 

Set up a home lab using VirtualBox or VMware and practice your skills.

• TryHackMe
  
  
• Hack The Box
  
  
• OverTheWire
  

🔹 Step 6: Start Building Projects & a Cybersecurity Portfolio

Your portfolio showcases your skills to employers. What you are supposed to include in it:

• Capture The Flag (CTF) challenge completions
  
  
• Scripts or automation tools you’ve built
  
  
• Vulnerability assessments or home lab reports
  
  
• Blog posts or LinkedIn write-ups explaining concepts

🔹 Step 7: Gain Real-World Experience (Cybersecurity internship in India)

Internships are a bridge between learning and working. 

Well, many people, after completing the course, skip the internship part because they think that the point of doing an internship is not worth it if they are not getting paid enough in return. But they forget that an internship is a bridge between learning and working. If you skip this part, then you might leave unaware of how things work in real life.  

Where to find internships:

• LinkedIn (follow cybersecurity recruiters and companies)
  
  
• Startups and training platforms (like DizitalAdda)
  
  
• Bug bounty platforms (HackerOne, Bugcrowd)
  

🔹 Step 8: Get Certified to Prove Your Skills

Certifications increase your credibility and showcase your knowledge. Choose wisely based on your level, career goals, and interests. 

🔹 Step 9: Apply for Entry-Level Roles (Cybersecurity jobs for freshers)

Once you’ve built your skills and certifications, start applying.

Common entry-level job titles:

• SOC Analyst (Security Operations Center)
  
• Cybersecurity Analyst
  
• Network Security Engineer
  
• IT Security Associate
  
• Junior Penetration Tester
  

Companies hiring freshers in India and abroad:

• IT Companies (like Infosys, Wipro, TCS)
• Banks (they’re always under threat!)
• Cyber Security Agencies
• Government organizations (like CERT-IN)
• Startups & Tech firms

Many learners from DizitalAdda have secured their first cybersecurity roles in startups and MNCs thanks to practical project work and certification guidance.

🔹 Step 10: How Much Can You Earn?

Here’s a rough idea (entry-level in India):

Freelancing and bug bounties can significantly boost your income over time.

Conclusion

Choosing cybersecurity as a career path is worth it if you are thrilled about solving mysteries, helping people by stopping cyber threats, and love exploring. 

Well, it's not going to be easy, and yes, there's a lot to learn - but that's what makes it exciting. Every day is different. Every problem is a challenge. And every success feels like a small battle to win.

Remember:

• Start small, but stay consistent.
  
• Learn continuously and practice often.
  
• Certifications and projects matter — showcase your work through your portfolio.