Cybersecurity pillar · Module 6 of 6

Security careers: where to go from here

Cybersecurity has a massive talent shortage. Over 3.4 million unfilled positions globally. If you’re interested in this field, there’s opportunity—but the path isn’t always obvious.

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Career paths in security

Blue team (defensive)

  • Security analyst: Monitor for threats, investigate alerts
  • Security engineer: Build and maintain security infrastructure
  • Incident responder: Handle breaches when they happen
  • GRC analyst: Governance, risk, compliance
  • Security architect: Design secure systems

Red team (offensive)

  • Penetration tester: Find vulnerabilities before attackers do
  • Red team operator: Simulate advanced attacks
  • Bug bounty hunter: Get paid to find bugs
  • Security researcher: Discover new vulnerabilities

Getting started without experience

  • Build a home lab. Set up VMs, practice tools, break things. Documenting your lab work is a portfolio.
  • Get hands-on. TryHackMe, HackTheBox, and CyberDefenders offer structured learning paths with real skills.
  • Certifications can help. CompTIA Security+ is the entry point. No experience required. Opens doors.
  • Network (the human kind). Security communities are welcoming. Twitter/X security community, local DEF CON groups, BSides conferences.
  • Adjacent roles work. Many security professionals started in IT, support, or development. Those skills transfer.

🚀 The honest truth

Breaking into security takes effort. But the field rewards curiosity and persistence. If you genuinely enjoy understanding how things work (and break), and you keep learning, you’ll find your path. The skills you’re building now are the foundation.

Nice work! What’s next?

You’ve built a foundation in cybersecurity. You understand the threats, the defences, the frameworks, and where to go deeper. Here’s how to continue.

Get hands-on

  • Create a TryHackMe account and complete the pre-security path
  • Try the Google Phishing Quiz
  • Set up a home lab (VirtualBox + Kali Linux is free)
  • Enable MFA on all your personal accounts

Go deeper

Free resources for your journey