How do I actually start learning cybersecurity from scratch in 2026?
Posted by MysteriousCitron2945@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 12 comments
I’ve been thinking about getting into cybersecurity, but honestly I’m a bit confused about where to begin.
There’s so much information online some people say start with networking, others say learn Linux, and some suggest jumping straight into tools or certifications. It’s kind of overwhelming.
I don’t come from a hardcore programming background, but I’m willing to learn step by step if I have a clear path.
From your experience:
- What should be the first thing to learn?
- Do I need programming knowledge before starting?
- How important is hands-on practice vs theory?
- And how long does it realistically take to become job-ready?
Would really appreciate if someone could break this down in a simple roadmap
Reasonable_Ad1226@reddit
Figure out how to find a search engine
hannibal1412@reddit
Bro...
cyberxhunt@reddit
Start with the fundamentals before tools or certs. Networking basics — how HTTP works, what DNS does, how TCP/IP moves data. You can't find security issues in systems you don't understand. Then: TryHackMe for structured learning → HackTheBox for challenges → bug bounty for real targets. The mistake most beginners make is jumping to tools before understanding the underlying systems. Slow down on the fundamentals and everything else moves faster.
JustAPieceOfMeat385@reddit
https://www.codepath.org/courses/cybersecurity
JustAPieceOfMeat385@reddit
This might help:
https://roadmap.sh/
Cheap_Yellow_7366@reddit
Tryhackme.com
Maggie7_Him@reddit
Realistic timelines: 6-12 months consistent effort (2-3hts you to entry-level SOC or blue team. Bug bounty / offensive work realistically takes 18-24 months.
On the programming question: scripting ability compounds faster than anything else at this stage./day) geickly.
**Hands-on >> theory, but a little theory first.** CTF platforms are the fastest way to build intuition. TryHackMe has structured paths for beginners; PicoCTF is good if you want pure fundamentals. Doing 30 minutes of a CTF challenge teaches more than an hour of reading.
Realistic timelines: 6–12 months consistent effort (2–3h/day) gets you to entry-level SOC or blue team. Bug bounty / offensive work realistically takes 18–24 months.
The programming question — scripting ability compounds faster than anything else at this stage.
AdityaVerma609@reddit
A simple path:
ameliawat@reddit
this is the right answer. cybersecurity is so broad that you need to just pick something and start. i started with networking basics and it gave me the foundation for everything else
Conscious_Meal_7766@reddit
Hot take: stop trying to find the "correct order." Networking, Linux, and scripting all reinforce each other — you'll be learning all three in parallel whether you plan to or not. Pick one free resource (Professor Messer's Network+ videos are gold) and just start. The roadmap becomes clear after \~2 weeks of actually doing stuff. The paralysis of choosing the perfect path burns way more people out than picking a "wrong" starting point ever did.
Padyanava2110@reddit
Is learning Cybersecurity for a 15M hard? I really want to get into Cybersecurity or like get basic knowledge in it. I'm currently studying in Class 11th CBSE and I have taken PCM with Python as subjects.
BeginningOne8195@reddit
It feels confusing at first, but just start with basics like networking and Linux, then learn by actually trying things - hands-on practice is what really makes it click.