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Ahmad Ubaidillah
Ahmad Ubaidillah

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So You Wanna Be a Cybersecurity Hero? A Super Noob-Friendly Roadmap (With Memes)

#cybersecurity #idnbootcampcyber

I wanna be a hacker like in the movies… typing really fast, code flying everywhere, maybe wearing a hoodie.

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Hold on, future hacker! 🚨 Before you start smashing your keyboard, let’s take a fun and simple walk through what cybersecurity actually is and how you, a complete beginner (a.k.a total noob), can get started the right way.

This guide is packed with jokes, analogies, and examples so simple that even your non-tech friend (yes, the one who still clicks on phishing links) could understand.

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1. What Is Cybersecurity, Really?

Cybersecurity is all about protecting stuff on the internet, like websites, apps, personal data, bank info, and even memes.

If the internet is a big digital city, cybersecurity people are the police, the bodyguards, the alarm systems, and the lawyers, all rolled into one.

Here are some cool job roles:

  • Penetration Tester (aka Ethical Hacker): You try to break into systems to help fix the holes.
  • Security Analyst: Monitors and protects against threats. Basically, the guard dog.
  • SOC Analyst (Security Operations Center): Watches the system 24/7 like Batman in Gotham.
  • GRC (Governance, Risk, Compliance): The rule follower. Makes sure the company doesn’t break the law.

Analogy: If your house was a website, cybersecurity is making sure the doors are locked, windows aren’t broken, and no one can sneak in through the toilet.

2. Learn the Basics (Your First Superpower)

Before hacking anything, you need to understand how stuff works.

  • Learn Networking
    Understand how the internet works, you need to learn about IP addresses, DNS, firewalls, and ports. Networking is like understanding the city map. If you don't know the roads, you’ll get lost fast. But if you do know them, you can even escape the police chasing you, hypothetically, of course. 😉

  • Get Comfortable with Operating Systems
    Learn Windows AND Linux, How you can hate the terminal if you think be a CyberSecurity is you are sitting on front of your laptop and it showing like matrix animation!

  • Basic Scripting
    Learn a little Python and Bash, but you don’t need to be a coding wizard. Just enough to write simple scripts, Like learning enough cooking to make instant noodles… but with code.

3. Try Real Cybersecurity Tools (This is the Fun Part)

Once you’ve got the basics, it’s time to play with real tools.

  • Kali Linux: the hacker’s toolbox.
  • Nmap: scans networks.
  • Wireshark: captures and analyzes data traffic.
  • Burp Suite: tests web apps for vulnerabilities.
  • Metasploit: the Swiss Army knife for ethical hackers.

Reminder: These tools are powerful. Use them only on systems you’re allowed to test. Don't be that person.

4. Practice (But Keep It Legal!)

Don’t test your hacking skills on real websites. That’s illegal. Instead, use safe platforms made for learning:

  • TryHackMe: gamified learning, perfect for beginners
  • HackTheBox: a bit harder, but fun
  • PortSwigger Web Security Academy: great for web security

Joke: Hacking your ex’s Instagram = crime. Hacking TryHackMe = career.

5. Get Certified (Optional but Cool)

You don’t need a certificate to start, but it helps you get jobs. Here are beginner-friendly ones:

  • CompTIA Security+: great starting point
  • CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): a bit advanced
  • OSCP: tough but respected. Only go here when you’re ready to cry (in a good way).

Analogy: Certs are like badges in Pokémon. You don’t need them to battle, but they help you get into the big leagues.

6. Build Your Portfolio & Connect with Others

  1. Start a blog or GitHub to share what you’re learning
    Fun fact: This article was written as part of a bootcamp challenge.
    Did I cry trying to write it? Maybe. Did I learn a lot? Heck yes.

  2. Join cybersecurity communities on Reddit, Discord, or LinkedIn
    Like me, join a CyberSecurity bootcamp like IDN Network.

  3. Join CTFs (Capture the Flag), My first CTF experience is on #IDNBootCampCyber.

Pro Tip: Write about your journey. Even if it’s just, “Today I broke into a IDN Network CTF and it felt awesome.”

Cybersecurity Roadmap for Noobs (Visual) 

1. Learn Networking & OS
        ↓
2. Practice Python/Bash
        ↓
3. Explore Tools (Nmap, Burp, etc.)
        ↓
4. Use Legal Labs (TryHackMe)
        ↓
5. Get a Certificate (if you want)
        ↓
6. Build Projects, Join Communities
        ↓
7. Apply for Junior Roles / Internships
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Meme Time!

First time opening Wireshark:

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Ups:

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Final Words

Cybersecurity is a huge world and yes, it can look scary at first. But it’s also one of the most exciting and meaningful careers you can get into. You’re literally helping make the internet safer.

So take your time, start small, ask dumb questions (they’re not dumb!), and enjoy the ride.

"With great power comes great responsibility… and probably a lot of late-night Googling and ask the AI."

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