✅ Phase 1: Foundation (Beginner)
Goal: Learn the basics of networking, Linux, and how the internet works.
🧩 Platforms & Certifications:
TryHackMe – Pre Security Path 🏅
🔹 https://tryhackme.com/path/outline/presecurity
🎯 Certificate + Profile BadgeCisco – Introduction to Cybersecurity 🏅
🔹 netacad.com
🎯 Free certificate from Cisco Networking AcademyIBM Cybersecurity Fundamentals (Coursera) 🏅
🔹 coursera.org
🎯 Free via audit mode + certification if eligible
✅ Phase 2: Core Skills (Beginner → Intermediate)
Goal: Start ethical hacking hands-on and understand tools.
🧩 Platforms & Certifications:
PortSwigger Web Security Academy 🏅
🔹 portswigger.net/web-security
🎯 Badges + shareable profileINE Intro to Cybersecurity (Free Starter Pass) 🏅
🔹 ine.com
🎯 Includes free intro courses + badges
✅ Phase 3: Specialization (Intermediate)
Goal: Choose a path (Web, PrivEsc, Network, or Red Team)
🧩 Web Hacking
TryHackMe – Web Fundamentals Path 🏅
https://tryhackme.com/path/outline/web
🔹 Certificate + BadgeBurp Suite Certified Practitioner (BSCP) 🏅 (Optional Paid)
🔹 portswigger.net
🎯 Professional-level exam
🧩 Privilege Escalation & ToolsTryHackMe – Offensive Pentesting Path 🏅
🔹 Includes PrivEsc, Metasploit, web exploits
🎯 Certificate + XP + BadgeHTB Academy – Tier 0 & Tier 1 (Free Modules) 🏅
🔹 academy.hackthebox.com
🎯 Achievements + Profile XP
✅ Phase 4: Real Pentesting & Red Team (Intermediate → Advanced)
Goal: Practice in real environments, build labs, advanced topics.
🧩 Labs & Certifications:
Hack The Box – Starting Point / Pro Labs 🏅
🔹 hackthebox.com
🎯 Ranks + Badges + Career ProfileeJPT v2 (INE) – Junior Penetration Tester 🏅
🔹 ine.com
🎯 First industry-recognized practical cert (~$10–30 via discount)
✅ Phase 5: Advanced / Expert-Level
Goal: Deep knowledge, exploit development, AD, red team operations.
🧩 Expert-Level Certifications:
TryHackMe – Red Teaming, AD, Malware Analysis Paths 🏅
🎯 Earnable badges + completion certificatesHTB – CPTS (Paid, Advanced) 🏅
🔹 Certified Penetration Testing Specialist
🎯 Professional badge & credentialOSCP – Offensive Security Certified Professional 🏅
🔹 offsec.com (Optional Paid)
🎯 Industry gold standard
🚀 Bonus: Showcase Your Progress
• Create a public GitHub repo or Notion page to log each cert
• Add TryHackMe & HTB profiles to your LinkedIn
• Build a cybersecurity resume with badge links
Top comments (0)