Cybersecurity Expert Guide

Master cybersecurity with comprehensive guides covering offensive security, defensive operations, compliance frameworks, and modern threat landscape. Build a career in cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity Domains

Master essential cybersecurity domains from fundamentals to specialized areas.

Essential/Critical
Important
Advanced
Specialized

Security Fundamentals

Networking Basics

essential
TCP/IPOSI ModelDNSHTTP/HTTPSVPN

Operating Systems

essential
Windows SecurityLinux SecuritymacOS SecurityMobile Security

Programming & Scripting

essential
PythonPowerShellBashJavaScriptSQL

Security Principles

essential
CIA TriadRisk ManagementThreat ModelingDefense in Depth

Offensive Security

Reconnaissance

critical
NmapShodanOSINTRecon-ngtheHarvester

Vulnerability Assessment

critical
NessusOpenVASQualysRapid7Nuclei

Penetration Testing

critical
MetasploitBurp SuiteOWASP ZAPCobalt StrikeEmpire

Web Application Testing

important
SQLmapNiktoDirbGobusterWfuzz

Wireless Security

advanced
Aircrack-ngKismetWiFi PineappleWifiteReaver

Defensive Security

SIEM & Monitoring

critical
SplunkELK StackQRadarArcSightSumo Logic

Incident Response

critical
DFIR ToolsVolatilityAutopsyWiresharkYARA

Threat Hunting

advanced
MITRE ATT&CKSigma RulesHunting QueriesIOCsTTPs

Endpoint Security

important
CrowdStrikeSentinelOneCarbon BlackESETSymantec

Network Security

important
Firewall ManagementIDS/IPSNetwork SegmentationDLP

Cloud Security

AWS Security

critical
IAMGuardDutySecurity HubCloudTrailConfig

Azure Security

critical
Security CenterSentinelKey VaultAzure ADDefender

GCP Security

important
Security Command CenterCloud IAMCloud KMSVPC Security

Container Security

advanced
TrivyTwistlockAqua SecurityFalcoSysdig

DevSecOps

advanced
SASTDASTSCASecret ScanningPolicy as Code

Governance & Compliance

Frameworks

critical
NISTISO 27001CIS ControlsCOBITFAIR

Compliance Standards

important
PCI DSSHIPAAGDPRSOXFISMA

Risk Management

important
Risk AssessmentBIAVulnerability ManagementThreat Intelligence

Audit & Assessment

important
Internal AuditsExternal AuditsPenetration TestingCompliance Testing

Specialized Areas

Digital Forensics

specialized
EnCaseFTKX-WaysCellebriteOxygen

Malware Analysis

specialized
IDA ProGhidraOllyDbgCuckoo SandboxYARA

Reverse Engineering

specialized
x64dbgRadare2Binary NinjaHex-RaysFrida

Cryptography

advanced
OpenSSLGPGCryptoolHash AnalysisPKI

IoT Security

specialized
Firmware AnalysisHardware HackingRadio AnalysisEmbedded Security

Security Frameworks

Industry-standard frameworks for building robust security programs.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework

Comprehensive framework for improving cybersecurity posture

Core Functions:
IdentifyProtectDetectRespondRecover
Use Cases:
Risk ManagementIncident ResponseSecurity Program Development

MITRE ATT&CK

Knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques

Core Functions:
TacticsTechniquesProceduresThreat Intelligence
Use Cases:
Threat HuntingDetection EngineeringPurple Team Exercises

ISO 27001

International standard for information security management

Core Functions:
ISMSRisk AssessmentControlsContinuous Improvement
Use Cases:
ComplianceCertificationSecurity Governance

CIS Controls

Prioritized set of cybersecurity best practices

Core Functions:
BasicFoundationalOrganizationalImplementation Groups
Use Cases:
Security BaselineRisk ReductionCompliance Mapping

Current Threat Landscape

Understanding modern cyber threats and effective mitigation strategies.

Advanced Persistent Threats (APT)

Long-term targeted attacks by nation-states or sophisticated groups

Examples:
APT28APT29Lazarus GroupEquation Group
Mitigation:
Threat IntelligenceAdvanced DetectionZero TrustIncident Response

Ransomware

Malware that encrypts data and demands payment for decryption

Examples:
REvilContiLockBitBlackCat
Mitigation:
Backup StrategyNetwork SegmentationEndpoint ProtectionUser Training

Supply Chain Attacks

Attacks targeting third-party vendors to reach primary targets

Examples:
SolarWindsKaseyaCodeCovnpm packages
Mitigation:
Vendor AssessmentSoftware Bill of MaterialsCode SigningMonitoring

Cloud Security Threats

Threats specific to cloud infrastructure and services

Examples:
MisconfigurationsData BreachesAccount HijackingAPI Vulnerabilities
Mitigation:
CSPMCWPPIdentity ManagementEncryption

Security Certifications

Professional certifications to advance your cybersecurity career.

Entry Level

Beginner
CompTIA Security+
3-6 months

CompTIA

Foundation

CompTIA Network+
3-4 months

CompTIA

Networking

GSEC
6-12 months

SANS

General Security

CySA+
4-6 months

CompTIA

Analyst

Professional

Intermediate
CEH
6-9 months

EC-Council

Ethical Hacking

GCIH
6-12 months

SANS

Incident Handling

GCFA
9-12 months

SANS

Forensics

OSCP
12-18 months

Offensive Security

Penetration Testing

Expert Level

Advanced
CISSP
12-18 months

ISC2

Management

CISM
12-15 months

ISACA

Management

CISSP
18-24 months

ISC2

Architecture

OSEE
24+ months

Offensive Security

Exploit Development

Specialized

Expert
GIAC Certs
Variable

SANS

Various Specialties

AWS Security
6-12 months

AWS

Cloud Security

Azure Security
6-12 months

Microsoft

Cloud Security

Vendor Specific
Variable

Various

Tool Specific

Cybersecurity Career Path

1

Learn Fundamentals

Master networking, systems, and security basics. Get Security+ certification.

2

Choose Specialization

Focus on offensive, defensive, or governance track based on interests.

3

Gain Experience

Build hands-on skills through labs, CTFs, and real-world projects.

4

Advanced Expertise

Pursue advanced certifications and leadership roles in security.

Ready to Start Your Security Journey?

Get expert guidance on cybersecurity fundamentals, advanced techniques, and career development.