1. Penetration Testing (Ethical Hacking) 🛡️ Tools: Enum4linux, Netcat, LDAP tools.

3️⃣ Exploitation (Attacking the Target)

✔️ What You’ll Do: Exploiting known vulnerabilities in software, web apps, and networks.Tools:
Simulate cyberattacks on networks, web apps, and systems.
Identify vulnerabilities before hackers exploit them. Metasploit, ExploitDB, SQLmap, Burp Suite.
Use tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap. Privilege Escalation – Gaining higher access.
Write reports and recommend security fixes. Tools: LinPEAS, WinPEAS, GTFOBins.
✔️ How to Get Started: 4️⃣Post-Exploitation & Maintaining Access
Learn Kali Linux, Metasploit, and Burp Suite. Creating backdoors to retain access (for testing purposes).
Get OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) certification. Tools: Meterpreter, Mimikatz, Empire.
Join bug bounty programs (HackerOne, Bugcrowd). 5️⃣Reporting & Fixing Vulnerabilities
Writing detailed penetration testing reports for companies to fix security gaps.

2. Incident Response & Digital Forensics 🕵️ 🛠️

Providing mitigation steps to strengthen security.
Hands-On Practice for Pentesting
✔️ What You’ll Do: You need real-world hacking experience before getting a job. Here’s how to practice
Investigate cyberattacks and security breaches.
safely:
Analyze malware, logs, and system artifacts.
✔ Hack The Box (HTB) – Simulated hacking challenges.
Identify attack sources and recommend countermeasures.
✔ TryHackMe (THM) – Beginner-friendly security labs.

✔️
Work with law enforcement and legal teams.
✔ VulnHub – Download vulnerable machines to hack in your own lab.
How to Get Started:
✔ Bug Bounty Platforms (HackerOne, Bugcrowd) – Find security bugs for rewards.
Learn digital forensics tools (Autopsy, Volatility, Wireshark).
Get GCFA (GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst) or CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic
🎯 Career Path & Certifications for Pentesters
If you want to be a professional penetration tester or ethical hacker, follow this path:
Investigator) certification.
🔹 Beginner-Level Certifications
Practice on DFIR (Digital Forensics & Incident Response) labs.
✅ CompTIA Security+ – Basic cybersecurity knowledge.
✅ CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) – Covers hacking tools & techniques (not hands-on).
3. Cloud Security ☁️ 🔹 Intermediate-Level Certifications
✔️ What You’ll Do: ✅ OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) – The gold standard for pentesting.
Secure cloud environments (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud). ✅ eJPT (eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester) – Beginner-friendly alternative.
Implement cloud security best practices. 🔹 Advanced-Level Certifications
Perform cloud penetration testing. ✅ OSWE (Offensive Security Web Expert) – Focuses on web pentesting.
Protect data from misconfigurations and breaches. ✅ CRTP (Certified Red Team Professional) – Active Directory pentesting.
✔️ How to Get Started: 💡 Goal: Get real-world experience and build a strong pentesting portfolio!
Learn AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud security.
Get AWS Certified Security – Specialty or CCSP (Certified Cloud Security
Professional) certification. ☁️ Part 2: Cloud Security (Securing AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
Practice in cloud security labs (Flaws.cloud, AWS CTF).
📌 What is Cloud Security?
4. Threat Intelligence & Malware Analysis 🦠 Cloud Security focuses on protecting cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) from
cyber threats. Since companies store critical data in the cloud, securing it is a top
✔️What You’ll Do: priority.
Analyze malware behavior (reverse engineering). ✔ Goal: Prevent data breaches, misconfigurations, and cyberattacks on cloud
Track and study cybercriminal tactics. infrastructure.
Provide intelligence to prevent future attacks. ✔ Techniques: Identity & Access Management (IAM), cloud network security,
Use tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, and YARA rules. penetration testing, monitoring, and compliance.
✔️How to Get Started: 🛠️Essential Skills for Cloud Security
Learn malware reverse engineering. To work in cloud security, you must master:
Get GREM (GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware) certification. ✔ Cloud Platforms: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud.
Use online malware analysis platforms (Any.Run, Hybrid Analysis). ✔ Networking & IAM: VPCs, VPNs, IAM roles, security groups.
✔ Cloud Security Services: AWS WAF, GuardDuty, Azure Security Center.
5. Security Architecture & Risk Management 🔐 ✔
✔
DevSecOps: Security in CI/CD pipelines, Kubernetes security.
✔️What You’ll Do: Cloud Pentesting: Attacking cloud-based applications & infrastructure.
Design secure IT infrastructures. ☁️ Cloud Security Tools & Techniques
Assess and mitigate security risks. 1️⃣
Cloud Reconnaissance & Misconfigurations
Implement cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001). Finding open S3 buckets, misconfigured IAM roles, or leaked keys.Tools: Shodan,
Work with executives to develop security policies. CloudSplaining, Pacu, ScoutSuite.
✔️How to Get Started: 2️⃣
Cloud Penetration Testing
Learn cybersecurity frameworks & compliance regulations. Exploiting cloud misconfigurations & privilege escalation.Tools: Pacu (AWS attack
Get CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification. tool), PMapper (IAM misconfig checker).
Work in security auditing or governance roles. 3️⃣
Securing Cloud Infrastructure
Using firewalls, encryption, monitoring, and compliance tools.Tools: AWS WAF,
💀 Most Difficult: Malware Analysis & Reverse Engineering (because
🎯
Azure Sentinel, Google Cloud Security Command Center.
Career Path & Certifications for Cloud Security
of assembly, binary exploitation, and low-level system knowledge). If you want to be a Cloud Security Engineer or Cloud Pentester, follow this path:
🔥 Runner-up: Penetration Testing (especially if you go deep into 🔹
✅
Beginner-Level Certifications
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – Cloud basics.
exploit development and red teaming).
✅ Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) – Intro to Azure security.
☁️ Hardest Modern Trend: Cloud Security (because cloud 🔹 Intermediate-Level Certifications
environments are complex and always evolving). ✅
🔰 Part 1: Penetration Testing (Ethical Hacking) ✅
AWS Certified Security – Specialty – AWS security best practices.
Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500) – Microsoft cloud security.
📌 What is Penetration Testing? 🔹 Advanced-Level Certifications
Penetration Testing (or Ethical Hacking) is the process of simulating cyberattacks on a ✅ CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) – Covers AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
system to find and fix security vulnerabilities before real hackers exploit them. ✅ GCP Professional Cloud Security Engineer – Google Cloud security.
✔ Goal: Identify security weaknesses in networks, web apps, servers, cloud environments, 💡 Goal: Become a Cloud Security Engineer or Cloud Pentester by securing cloud
and even physical security. environments!
✔ Techniques: Using real-world hacking methods, but ethically and legally. 🚀 Final Roadmap: How to Master Both Pentesting & Cloud Security
🛠️ Essential Skills for a Pentester ✅ Step 1: Start with Fundamentals
To become a good penetration tester, you must master: 📌 Learn networking, Linux, scripting, and cybersecurity basics.
✔ Networking: TCP/IP, DNS, VPN, Firewalls, Proxy, NAT, VLANs, Wireshark. ✅ Step 2: Master Pentesting Tools & Techniques
✔ Operating Systems: Linux (Kali, Parrot OS), Windows (Active Directory). 📌 Learn Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, SQLmap, Wireshark.
✔ Programming & Scripting: Python (automation), Bash & PowerShell (scripting), 📌 Practice on Hack The Box, TryHackMe, bug bounty platforms.
JavaScript (XSS attacks), SQL (SQLi attacks). ✅ Step 3: Get Your First Cybersecurity Certification
✔ Security Fundamentals: Cryptography, Authentication, IDS/IPS, Firewalls, Social 📌 Start with Security+ or CEH, then move to OSCP for hands-on hacking.
Engineering. ✅ Step 4: Learn Cloud Security
🛠️ Penetration Testing Tools & Techniques 📌 Study AWS, Azure, Google Cloud security, IAM, networking.
Here’s what you’ll be using: 📌 Learn cloud hacking tools (Pacu, CloudSplaining, PMapper).
1️⃣Reconnaissance (Information Gathering) ✅ Step 5: Get Certified & Apply for Jobs
OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) – Searching for data about a target. 📌 Get AWS Security Specialty or Azure Security Engineer.
Tools: Maltego, theHarvester, Shodan, Google Dorking. 📌 Apply for penetration tester, security analyst, or cloud security jobs.
2️⃣Scanning & Enumeration
Scanning for open ports, services, and vulnerabilities.
Tools: Nmap, Nikto, Nessus, OpenVAS.
Enumeration (extracting user accounts, network shares, etc.).
Cybersecurity Basics: A Beginner's Guide 4. Cybersecurity Learning Path
1. Introduction to Cybersecurity Beginner Level
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber Learn basic networking (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP, etc.).
threats. Understand fundamental security concepts.
It involves defensive strategies, attack mitigation, and risk management. Practice with Linux and Windows security.
Why Learn Cybersecurity? Learn how to use Wireshark and Nmap.
Prevent data breaches and cyber attacks. Take CompTIA Security+ certification.
Secure personal and organizational information. Moderate Level
Gain a high-demand skill set for career opportunities. Gain expertise in penetration testing methodologies.
Protect privacy and digital identity. Master tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and OSINT tools.
Learn scripting for automation (Python, Bash, PowerShell).
2. Fundamental Concepts in Cybersecurity Practice with Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges.
a) Types of Cyber Attacks Take Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification.
Phishing – Deceptive emails and messages to steal credentials. Professional Level
Malware – Includes viruses, trojans, worms, ransomware, spyware, etc. Master cloud security (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud security).
Denial-of-Service (DoS) & DDoS – Overloading a system to make it unavailable. Develop skills in advanced threat detection and forensics.
SQL Injection – Exploiting vulnerabilities in databases. Conduct red teaming and adversary simulation.
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks – Intercepting communication between two parties. Understand compliance regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, NIST, etc.).
Zero-Day Exploits – Attacks on undisclosed vulnerabilities. Obtain advanced certifications (OSCP, CISSP, CISM).
Ransomware – Encrypts files and demands payment for decryption.
Social Engineering – Manipulating individuals into revealing confidential information.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) – Injecting malicious scripts into web pages.
Brute Force Attacks – Repeatedly guessing passwords until access is granted.
Insider Threats – Attacks or breaches caused by employees or trusted individuals.
Supply Chain Attacks – Exploiting vulnerabilities in third-party vendors.

b) Cybersecurity Domains
Network Security – Protecting networks from unauthorized access and attacks.
Application Security – Securing software applications against threats.
Cloud Security – Ensuring security in cloud-based environments.
Endpoint Security – Protecting devices like computers, phones, and IoT devices.
Cryptography – Securing data with encryption techniques.
Incident Response – Detecting, analyzing, and mitigating cyber threats.
Identity & Access Management (IAM) – Managing authentication and authorization.
Data Security – Protecting data at rest, in transit, and in use.
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) – Ensuring adherence to security policies and
laws.
Threat Intelligence – Identifies, analyzes, and responds to cyber threats proactively.

c) Cybersecurity Frameworks & Standards

NIST Cybersecurity Framework – Guidelines for improving security posture.
ISO/IEC 27001 – International standard for information security management.
MITRE ATT&CK – Knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques.
CIS Controls – Best practices for securing IT systems and data.
GDPR & HIPAA – Data protection regulations for privacy and compliance.

3. Essential Cybersecurity Tools

a) Scanning and Reconnaissance
Nmap – Network scanning and discovery.
Wireshark – Packet analysis and network monitoring.
Shodan – IoT and open port scanner.
OSINT Framework – Open-source intelligence gathering.
Maltego – Data visualization for OSINT analysis.
Recon-ng – Web-based reconnaissance automation.
FOCA – Metadata extraction from documents.
theHarvester – Email and domain information gathering.

b) Penetration Testing & Exploitation

Metasploit – Exploit framework for penetration testing.
Burp Suite – Web application security testing.
SQLmap – Automated SQL injection testing tool.
John the Ripper – Password cracking tool.
Hydra – Fast and flexible password brute-forcing tool.
Empire – Post-exploitation framework for PowerShell and Python.
Cobalt Strike – Advanced threat emulation tool.
Responder – Network credential harvesting tool.
Mimikatz – Extract passwords and credentials from Windows systems.

c) Digital Forensics & Threat Detection

Autopsy – Digital forensic investigation tool.
Volatility – Memory forensics framework.
Snort – Intrusion detection and prevention system (IDS/IPS).
Splunk – Security Information and Event Management (SIEM).
ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) – Log analysis and threat hunting.
The Sleuth Kit (TSK) – Command-line digital forensic toolset.
GRR Rapid Response – Incident response and remote forensic analysis.
Xplico – Network forensics analysis tool.
Redline – Malware and endpoint analysis.

d) Cryptography & Privacy

OpenSSL – Cryptographic library for securing communications.
VeraCrypt – Disk encryption software.
GPG (GNU Privacy Guard) – Encrypting emails and files.
Tor – Anonymous browsing.
KeePass – Password manager for securely storing credentials.
NordVPN / ProtonVPN – Secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) services.
BitLocker – Full disk encryption for Windows.
Tails OS – Privacy-focused operating system.