Month Wise Plan
Stage 1: Master the IT and Networking Fundamentals
Before diving into security, you need a strong base in how systems and networks work.
What to Learn:
- Operating Systems: Windows, Linux (basic CLI)
- Networking: TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, ports & protocols
- Virtualization: How to use VirtualBox or VMware
- Troubleshooting skills
Study Resources:
- CompTIA ITF+ or A+
- CompTIA Network+ (or Cisco CCNA if you want more depth)
StationX Courses:
Stage 2: Core Cybersecurity Knowledge
This is where you build your cybersecurity foundation — the minimum for Analyst or Engineer roles.
What to Learn:
- CIA Triad, threat types (malware, phishing, DoS, etc.)
- Security policies and risk management
- Basics of firewalls, IDS/IPS, and endpoint security
- Introduction to SIEM (like Splunk, QRadar, or Elastic)
Certifications:
- CompTIA Security+ (essential)
- CompTIA CySA+ or SSCP (optional but helpful)
StationX Courses:
Stage 3: Hands-On Labs + Tools Experience
Hands-on experience sets you apart. Start building a home lab and practicing with tools.
What to Practice:
- Install Kali Linux and try basic tools: Nmap, Wireshark, Nikto
- Use Splunk in a home lab or cloud instance
- Learn vulnerability scanning with OpenVAS or Nessus
- Try CTFs (Capture the Flag) on TryHackMe or Hack The Box
Resources:
Stage 4: Pick a Role & Specialize Your Learning
Now we tailor your path based on your goal: Analyst vs Engineer.
Cybersecurity Analyst Focus:
- Log analysis, incident response, threat hunting
- SIEM tools (Splunk, QRadar, ELK)
- Ticketing systems, documentation, reporting
Certifications:
- CompTIA CySA+
- GCIA (if you want elite analyst skills, later on)
StationX Course:
Cybersecurity Engineer Focus:
- Network security architecture
- Secure configurations (servers, firewalls, cloud)
- Automation/scripting (Python, PowerShell, Bash)
- Vulnerability management
Certifications:
- CISSP (long-term goal, requires experience)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) for practical offensive knowledge
- CCSP or AWS Security (if you're interested in cloud)
StationX Courses:
Stage 5: Real-World Experience and Portfolio
How to Get It:
- Build a portfolio on GitHub (scripts, reports, SIEM dashboards)
- Write blog posts explaining tools or attacks you test
- Volunteer for internships, bug bounty, or small businesses
Resources:
- StationX Cybersecurity Career Guide (Free)
- StationX Community (network with 500,000+ professionals)
Optional But Powerful Add-Ons
- Mentorship: Get a StationX Mentor to fast-track your progress.
- Join a Mastermind Group: Learn with and from others weekly. Great for accountability and networking.
- Blog/LinkedIn: Start sharing your journey. Recruiters LOVE seeing proactive learners.
Final Words
This path will absolutely qualify you for Analyst or Engineer roles — and with focus, you could be job-ready in 6–12 months. I recommend you bookmark this roadmap and track your progress step-by-step.
🔐 Cybersecurity Daily Routine Timetable (6-Month Plan)
⏰ You can use this as a weekly cycle (Monday–Sunday). Focused, structured, and scalable.
🗓️ Month 1–2: Foundations (IT + Networking)
Goal: Understand OS basics, networking, ports, protocols, troubleshooting.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1st Hour | ✅ Watch StationX A+ or ITF+ videos (Windows, Linux, virtualization) |
| 2nd Hour | 🛠️ Practice on a virtual machine (e.g., setup Windows/Linux, CLI, file mgmt) |
| 3rd Hour | 📘 Study Network+ topics (TCP/IP, DNS, ports, firewalls) |
| 4th Hour | 📊 Quiz yourself with flashcards or practice exams |
📌 Weekend Task: Build a small lab (VirtualBox or VMware) and set up Windows + Kali.
🗓️ Month 3: Core Cybersecurity Concepts
Goal: Learn CIA triad, malware types, firewalls, encryption, risk management.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1st Hour | 🎥 Security+ Course on StationX (or Udemy if needed) |
| 2nd Hour | 🛡️ Hands-on: simulate malware, check logs, play with firewall settings |
| 3rd Hour | 📘 Read Security+ book or notes, do flashcards |
| 4th Hour | 🧠 Recap + quiz on concepts (threats, access control, risk mgmt) |
📌 Weekend Task: Join TryHackMe and do “Pre-Security” and “Intro to Cyber Security” rooms.
🗓️ Month 4: Analyst vs Engineer Specialization
Choose your path! Or split your week:
Option A: Cybersecurity Analyst Focus
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| Mon–Wed | 👁️ Learn SIEM (Splunk, Elastic, QRadar) basics via StationX or YouTube |
| Thurs–Fri | 📉 Practice log analysis + incident response (TryHackMe or BlueTeam Labs) |
| Sat–Sun | 🧪 Practice CTFs, review MITRE ATT&CK, document findings |
Option B: Cybersecurity Engineer Focus
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| Mon–Wed | 🔧 Learn secure configurations (firewalls, Linux hardening, cloud basics) |
| Thurs–Fri | 💻 Learn Python or PowerShell for automation + scripting |
| Sat–Sun | 🧠 Review network architecture, simulate threat models, build scripts |
🗓️ Month 5: Certifications + Projects
Goal: Cement your knowledge, prepare for exams, and build a public portfolio.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1st Hour | ✍️ Review certification objectives (Security+ / CySA+ / CEH) |
| 2nd Hour | 🔁 Take practice exams + review weak areas |
| 3rd Hour | 💻 Work on a personal project (log parser, port scanner, firewall config) |
| 4th Hour | 🚀 Start documenting work on GitHub or LinkedIn |
📌 Weekend Task: Create and share a full analysis report (e.g., phishing link analysis).
🗓️ Month 6: Job Prep + Mentorship + Mock Interviews
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| Mon–Wed | 🎯 Practice mock interviews, write resumes tailored to Analyst/Engineer |
| Thurs–Fri | 💬 Join StationX mastermind or community for feedback + networking |
| Sat–Sun | ✉️ Apply to 5–10 jobs/internships weekly + keep practicing on TryHackMe |
🧠 Bonus Daily Study Tips
- ☀️ Morning: Theory + videos (best for fresh brain)
- 🌞 Afternoon: Practice labs
- 🌙 Evening: Review notes, quizzes, flashcards
- 🧘♂️ Take breaks! Burnout is real. 25-min Pomodoro blocks work great.
- 📚 Use StationX's Free Cybersecurity Career Guide weekly for alignment.