The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
IT Support / Helpdesk Specialist
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Troubleshooting, customer service, understanding user behaviour, basic system administration, ticketing system usage.
You're ready to move on when
- You've shown a consistent interest in resolving security-related issues (e.g., phishing reports, malware removal).
- You've taken the initiative to learn about cybersecurity in your spare time.
- You're comfortable navigating different operating systems and basic network configurations.
- 2
Junior Network or Systems Administrator
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Network protocols, server management, log analysis, infrastructure understanding, patching and vulnerability management basics.
You're ready to move on when
- You've been involved in securing network devices or servers.
- You understand how different systems communicate and where vulnerabilities might lie.
- You're familiar with command-line interfaces and basic scripting.
- 3
Cybersecurity Bootcamp Graduate / Self-Taught Enthusiast
6-12 months (intensive study)Skills to master
- Foundational security concepts, basic incident response, penetration testing basics, security tools exposure, scripting.
You're ready to move on when
- You have a strong portfolio of labs, projects, or CTF (Capture The Flag) participation.
- You can articulate core cybersecurity principles and demonstrate practical application.
- You're eager to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world SOC environment.