TryHackMe — Pre-Security Path
Zero experience needed. Covers networking fundamentals, Linux basics, and web fundamentals before touching any hacking.
Cybrary
Free cybersecurity training videos and courses. Great for structured learning on specific certifications and topics.
Professor Messer
Free CompTIA study materials including video courses for Security+, Network+, and A+. Highly recommended for cert prep.
OverTheWire — Bandit
Linux command-line wargame for absolute beginners. Learn terminal skills through a series of escalating challenges.
CompTIA Security+
The most widely recognized entry-level security cert. Often required for government and DoD positions. Great starting point.
CompTIA Network+
Validates networking knowledge and skills. Understanding networks is essential for cybersecurity — do this before Security+.
CompTIA CASP+
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner — an advanced-level cert for security architects and engineers. DoD 8570 compliant.
CCNA
Cisco Certified Network Associate. Industry-recognized networking cert covering routing, switching, and network fundamentals.
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
Free entry-level cert from ISC2. Great first certification with no experience required — includes free training and exam voucher.
ISC2 CISSP
Certified Information Systems Security Professional — the gold standard for senior security professionals. Requires 5 years of experience.
ISC2 CCSP
Certified Cloud Security Professional. Validates expertise in cloud security architecture, design, operations, and compliance.
OSCP — OffSec
The gold standard penetration testing certification. Hands-on, grueling, and highly respected in the industry.
AWS Security Specialty
Cloud security is in massive demand. This cert validates your ability to secure AWS workloads and infrastructure.
OWASP Top 10
The definitive list of the most critical web application security risks. Required reading for anyone doing web security.
The Hacker News
Stay current on vulnerabilities, breaches, and cybersecurity news. Updated daily with the latest threats and exploits.
NIST NVD
The National Vulnerability Database. Search and track CVEs, vulnerability severity scores, and patch information.
OWASP Cheat Sheet Series
Concise, actionable security guidance on specific topics. Bookmark this — you'll reference it constantly.
NetworkChuck
Engaging, beginner-friendly videos on networking, Linux, hacking, and certifications. Great entry point for new learners.
IppSec
Detailed walkthroughs of retired HackTheBox machines. The go-to channel for learning real penetration testing techniques.
LiveOverflow
Deep technical content on binary exploitation, CTF challenges, and reverse engineering. For when you want to go deeper.
David Bombal
Networking and ethical hacking content. Interviews with industry professionals and hands-on lab demonstrations.
Cyb3rMaddy
Cybersecurity content creator covering technical tutorials, security news, and career advice. Part of HiveMind Security — 200K+ subscribers.
Vulnerable U — Matt Johansen
Ex-CISO and 20-year cybersecurity veteran breaking down real-world security news, front-line practitioner stories, and frameworks to stay secure.
r/netsec
Technical information security community on Reddit. Quality discussions, research papers, and news from practitioners.
CyberSeek
Cybersecurity career pathway tool and job market data. See what roles exist, what they pay, and what certs are needed.
SANS Cyber Aces
Free foundational cybersecurity courses from SANS, one of the most respected names in security training.