Cyber Climb

Why a Roadmap is Essential for Success

Welcome to my cybersecurity journey. My name is Colton, and I’m an active-duty Army Soldier with three years left in my service. Through this blog, I aim to document my progress, hold myself accountable, and share a portfolio of knowledge as I navigate the world of cybersecurity.

So far, I have completed the Google Cybersecurity Certificate program. This is my only experience so far in cybersecurity. Although I have a background in computer programming and a passion for technology, I discovered that writing code wasn’t the right path for me. This realization led me to explore other areas within tech, eventually finding my niche in cybersecurity. One critical lesson I learned during my coding journey is the importance of having a structured plan. Without one, it’s all too easy to jump from topic to topic, falling into the trap of “tutorial hell”—consuming endless resources without ever applying the skills you’re learning.

In this first post, I’ll outline the roadmap I’ll be following to guide my learning. I’ll also share the “capstone” projects I plan to complete for each section of material, ensuring that I focus on practical application and avoid the pitfalls of aimless studying.

Mapping the Journey: An Overview of My Roadmap

My cybersecurity journey is broken into seven distinct phases, each designed to build upon the last. This roadmap provides a clear path for gaining foundational knowledge, developing practical skills, and eventually establishing myself as a cybersecurity professional. Here’s a brief overview of each phase:

1. Foundational Knowledge
   This phase focuses on building the basic understanding needed to enter the world of cybersecurity. I’ll start by learning how computers and networks work, including topics like hardware, software, operating systems, and networking fundamentals. This is where I establish my technical groundwork.
2. Core Cybersecurity Concepts
   Once I have the basics down, I’ll dive into the essential principles of cybersecurity. This includes understanding threats, vulnerabilities, and attack methods, as well as learning to use fundamental security tools like nmap and Wireshark. Hands-on practice will play a big role in solidifying these concepts.
3. Skill Development and Specialization
   With the core concepts in place, this phase will focus on deeper learning and exploring areas of specialization. Whether it’s penetration testing, incident response, or cloud security, I’ll use labs and projects to build specific, marketable skills.
4. Certifications
   Certifications are a key part of breaking into the industry, so this phase will focus on earning credentials that validate my knowledge and skills. I’ll start with beginner certifications like Security+ and work toward more advanced ones as I progress.
5. Building a Portfolio
   To showcase my skills, I’ll create a portfolio of hands-on projects, CTF write-ups, and security assessments. This phase is all about demonstrating what I’ve learned in a tangible way that potential employers can review.
6. Gaining Real-World Experience
   By this stage, I’ll be ready to apply my skills in real-world scenarios. This might include internships, entry-level roles, or freelance work. The goal here is to put my knowledge into action and continue learning through experience.
7. Long-Term Growth
   Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field, so this phase is about staying current and growing as a professional. I’ll pursue advanced certifications, contribute to the cybersecurity community, and continually refine my expertise to remain competitive in the industry.

Breaking Down the Phases: Milestones on the Path

Phase 1: Foundational Knowledge

This phase is all about building a strong technical foundation. I’ll focus on understanding the basics of computers, networks, and operating systems to ensure I have the groundwork necessary to dive deeper into cybersecurity.
Key Milestones:

• Learn basic computer hardware and software concepts.
• Understand networking fundamentals like TCP/IP, DNS, and subnetting.
• Familiarize myself with Linux and Windows operating systems.
• Complete beginner-friendly courses, such as the Google IT Support Certificate or TryHackMe’s foundational paths.
• Capstone Project: Set up a virtual machine or home lab to practice configurations and basic networking.

Phase 2: Core Cybersecurity Concepts

Once I’ve established the basics, I’ll dive into key cybersecurity principles and tools. This phase focuses on understanding threats, vulnerabilities, and the methods attackers use, as well as how to defend against them.
Key Milestones:

• Understand the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability).
• Learn about common threats like phishing, malware, and ransomware.
• Start using essential tools like nmap for network scanning and Wireshark for packet analysis.
• Begin hands-on labs through platforms like TryHackMe or Hack The Box.
• Capstone Project: Complete a beginner CTF challenge and write a detailed walkthrough.

Phase 3: Skill Development and Specialization

This is where I’ll start honing specific skills and exploring areas of specialization within cybersecurity. Whether it’s penetration testing, cloud security, or incident response, this phase is about deepening my expertise.
Key Milestones:

• Learn about advanced networking topics like VPNs, proxies, and IDS/IPS systems.
• Gain hands-on experience in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.
• Explore specialization areas to identify where I want to focus (e.g., ethical hacking, cloud security, compliance).
• Practice scripting with Python or Bash for automating tasks.
• Capstone Project: Secure a virtualized network environment and document the process.

Phase 4: Certifications

Certifications will help validate my skills and make me more competitive in the job market. I’ll start with beginner-level certifications and work toward more advanced ones as my knowledge grows.
Key Milestones:

• Earn CompTIA Security+ as a foundational cybersecurity certification.
• Consider additional certifications based on my interests, such as Network+ for networking fundamentals or CySA+ for security analysis.
• Apply certification knowledge in practical lab environments.
• Capstone Project: Create a comprehensive study guide or tutorial to help others prepare for their certifications.

Phase 5: Building a Portfolio

A strong portfolio is essential for showcasing my skills to potential employers. This phase focuses on creating and documenting hands-on projects that highlight my abilities.
Key Milestones:

• Build and secure a personal website to serve as my portfolio.
• Document completed labs, CTF challenges, and cybersecurity projects.
• Participate in bug bounty programs to gain real-world experience in vulnerability hunting.
• Capstone Project: Publish a detailed write-up of a bug bounty find or a CTF solution.

Phase 6: Gaining Real-World Experience

In this phase, I’ll begin applying my knowledge in real-world scenarios through internships, entry-level roles, or freelance opportunities.
Key Milestones:

• Secure an internship or junior cybersecurity role (e.g., SOC Analyst, Penetration Tester).
• Work on real-world security issues and develop professional problem-solving skills.
• Continue expanding my portfolio with on-the-job projects.
• Capstone Project: Write a blog series documenting real-world challenges and how I solved them.

Phase 7: Long-Term Growth

Again, cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so long-term growth focuses on staying current with trends and continually improving my skills.
Key Milestones:

• Pursue advanced certifications like CISSP, OSCP, or AWS Security, depending on my career path.
• Contribute to open-source cybersecurity projects or participate in community initiatives.
• Research and learn about emerging technologies like AI in security or quantum cryptography.
• Capstone Project: Host a workshop or webinar sharing my expertise with others.

Why This Approach Works for Me

This roadmap is tailored to my learning style, goals, and circumstances, making it the perfect guide for my journey. By breaking the process into manageable phases, I can tackle the complexity of cybersecurity step by step, balancing theory with hands-on practice. I didn’t want a plan that was all books and no action—or vice versa. The clear milestones and capstone projects keep me motivated, while the flexibility to explore different areas lets me discover the specialization that fits me best. Most importantly, this approach ensures I build a solid foundation, document my growth through a strong portfolio, and stay adaptable in an ever-evolving industry.

Sharing the Process: How I’ll Keep You Updated

To keep my journey transparent and engaging, I’ll be sharing my progress regularly. Each week, I’ll post a detailed blog update outlining what I’ve learned, challenges I’ve faced, and milestones I’ve achieved. For more frequent updates, you can follow me on X (@cybercolton), where I’ll share daily insights, quick tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from my learning process. Whether it’s a new tool I’m exploring or reflections on a project, I want to bring you along for the ride every step of the way.

The Start of Something Big: Join Me on This Journey

This blog is more than just a personal journal—it’s a way to inspire and guide others who are starting their own cybersecurity journeys. My hope is that by sharing my learning process, struggles, and successes, I can help others feel confident taking their first steps in this field. As I grow in my knowledge and experience, I want this blog to evolve into a valuable resource for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, packed with practical advice, project ideas, and insights. My ultimate goal is for this space to become a major blog in the cybersecurity world, where people from all walks of life can find the motivation, tools, and community they need to succeed. Together, we can build something impactful and transformative in this ever-evolving industry.