How to Become a Cybersecurity Engineer or Ethical Hacker

Become a Cybersecurity Engineer or Ethical Hacker in 2025. Learn key skills, certifications, tools, and practical steps to launch a high-paying career in cybersecurity.

1. Learn the Fundamentals

Before diving into security-specific content, build a solid foundation in general IT concepts:

Networking: Understand TCP/IP, DNS, ports, routing, HTTP/S
Operating Systems: Especially Linux, which is central to most security workflows
Hardware and system architecture basics

Recommended Resources:

CompTIA Network+
Cisco Networking Academy (free courses)

2. Understand Core Cybersecurity Concepts

Develop a working knowledge of cybersecurity essentials:

Threat types: malware, phishing, ransomware, insider threats
Security controls: firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems
Cryptography: encryption, hashing, key management
Risk management and governance

Recommended Resources:

“The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook”
MITRE ATT&CK Framework
Cybrary and Coursera cybersecurity paths

3. Get Comfortable With Security Tools

Practical skills are essential. Begin using widely adopted tools in offensive and defensive security:

Kali Linux: Security-focused Linux distribution
Wireshark: Packet analysis
Nmap: Network scanning
Burp Suite: Web app testing
Metasploit: Exploitation framework

Create a home lab using VirtualBox or VMware to test tools in a controlled environment.

4. Earn Industry Certifications

Certifications validate your skills and make your resume stand out, especially if you’re entering the field without a degree or formal tech background.

Recommended Certifications & Courses:

CompTIA Security+
Entry-level certification covering core security concepts. Great first step for beginners.
- Course Option: Security+ on Udemy or LinkedIn Learning
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Focuses on penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and hacking techniques.
- Official EC-Council training available
- Course Option: CEH on Cybrary
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
A hands-on certification that requires you to hack into machines and write detailed reports. Highly respected in the industry.
- Course Included: “Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PWK)” by Offensive Security
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
Ideal for experienced professionals looking to move into security leadership or architecture.
- Course Option: CISSP on Coursera

5. Practice in Simulated Environments

How to Become a Cybersecurity Engineer or Ethical Hacker

Hands-on practice is critical. Use platforms that provide real-world scenarios:

TryHackMe
Hack The Box
PortSwigger Web Security Academy
OverTheWire (for Linux and networking basics)
Bug bounty platforms (e.g., HackerOne, Bugcrowd)

These environments help you learn exploit techniques, defenses, and reporting standards.

6. Build a Portfolio

Demonstrate your expertise publicly:

Write blog posts or LinkedIn articles explaining tools and hacks
Document lab walkthroughs or CTF solutions on GitHub
Share your scripts, exploits, or automation tools

A portfolio can be just as powerful as a resume—especially for junior roles.

7. Apply for Entry-Level Roles

Common starting roles include:

Security Analyst
SOC Analyst (Security Operations Center)
Network Security Administrator
Junior Penetration Tester

These roles provide real-world experience and mentorship opportunities, setting you up to grow into senior positions.

8. Stay Updated and Specialize

Cybersecurity changes rapidly. Stay current by:

Subscribing to security newsletters and blogs
Following updates from organizations like OWASP and NIST
Participating in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions
Specializing in areas like cloud security, application security, or threat hunting

Become a Cybersecurity Engineer!

Becoming a Cybersecurity Engineer or Ethical Hacker isn’t about a single certification or tool—it’s about cultivating a mindset of curiosity, persistence, and ethical responsibility. If you’re driven to protect, learn, and adapt in a fast-changing digital world, this path can be both professionally and personally rewarding.

The journey starts with the first command line and never really ends.