How to get into Cybersecurity with NO Experience - The Ultimate Guide

🔒 Hands-On Cybersecurity Course + INTERNSHIP 🔒

In this video I will be breaking down the steps anyone can take to get a job and start a career in cybersecurity. If you follow these steps and do the BEST you can at each step, it's only a matter of time before you will find yourself working in cyber or at the very least, working in IT and well on your way. Best of luck!

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⌨️ - Coding - ⌨️

⭐️ - Social Media - ⭐️

🎥 - Equipment - 🎥

📄 - Sample Resumes - 📄

0:00 Intro
0:53 Step 1. Get in tune with the industry and maintain this step at least until you get a job
4:15 Step 2. Gain basic computing and security knowledge
7:32 Step 3. Gain a security credential and hands-on security experience.
11:39 Step 4. Get your resume and linkedIn Squared away. (Also Indeed and whatever other job sites)
12:57 Step 5. Start applying for jobs!
15:04 Step 6. Interview Preparation
16:53 Step 7. Networking
19:00 Resume Preview
22:07 Outro

Step 1. Get in tune with the industry and maintain this step at least until you get a job.
Start listening to Darknet Diaries. This will prepare your brain for what's possible and "let you in" on all the different crazy stuff that happens around the world. You'll learn about attacks you never thought possible and you'll get exposure to all different kinds of crazy situations all around the world. If you like it, try to listen to all the episodes.

To complement DND, start listening to a daily cyber news source, such as The CyberWire by Dave Bittner and crew. This is a highly produced, curated news source for cyber security events all around the world. Listening to this will improve your vernacular and keep you in tune with the industry and latest events. Consistently listening to this a lot will pay off a lot come time your interview. Not only will you know about all kinds of recent events, but you'll be able to articulate yourself using industry terms much better than if you had not been listening.

Huntress labs or the hacker news, etc

Step 2. Gain basic computing and security knowledge along with some basic programming skills
This step can be a bit tough because Cybersecurity builds on IT, so you have to have somewhat of a base in IT knowledge before you can really be effective in security. While this step is hard, it's by no means insurmountable.
I would recommend the following the following curriculum to get started:
CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+. You don't necessarily need to get the certifications, but I would honestly recommend at least getting Security+.
I would also STRONGLY recommend learning the basics of a programming/scripting language. Nothing too rigorous. I personally recommend CodeWithMosh' python course.
Put all of these things on your resume
A degree can satisfy this step, however it's not required

DISCLAIMER: This video description has some affiliate links and I may receive a small commission. I only share stuff that I use and believe in. Thanks so much for your support 🥺

[JoshMadakor]

🔒Hands-On Cybersecurity / SOC Analyst Training (REAL EXPERIENCE)🔒

[lordperilous]

As a 20+ year security leader, this is a good beginning to getting into the field. I would add another huge item that helps getting past HR when you have 0 experience. Do you help your neighbors and friends setup their wireless network? Casting to their TV? Fix their computers? Assist with community That's experience! Independent Consulting counts even if it's not paid. If I see a candidate that has spent a few years setting up technology, or cleaning up malware I will take them over someone with just schooling and no real-world experience. Remember that basic IT is fundamental even for cybersecurity jobs. And don't think with no experience you are going to jump into anything but a junior role. What I look for is passion for learning, and eagerness to get better. OJT is the best experience and will help you move up in the industry. I hope this adds some value to your job hunt- good luck!

[ockdjwo]

Josh, your resume template, channel, and general content just helped me land a job offer almost doubling the salary of my last job. THANK YOU!!!

[MikeSmithIV]

Just like everyone else here, thank you. Been working in warehouses for the last 10 years and have been thinking about the change. I’ve already started CompTIA security+ practice but started to get nervous about it all because I have no experience. Between this video and the comments, I’ve gained the confidence to keep moving forward. Good things are coming for us all!

[cyborgbabyarms]

I just want to say your channel has played a huge part in my success. Around the time this video came out I had 0 experience in information technology and I was very discouraged. I’d tried many things to get into IT and I was very skeptical at first. I said screw it, what do I have to lose? I followed this advice and pointers from some of your other videos to the letter and I almost instantly landed a PRN role and that company just hired me on full time in Software Implementation. With your guidance and a lot of sleepless nights and hard work, my dream came true. Thank you.

[rangerdoc]

The fact that you've gone from "I hope to have 10k subs" to actually having over 300k in just 7 months is a testament to the top-tier value you are providing in this channel.

[nattyboom]

2 months into cybersecurity bootcamp, learning so much my eyes are bleeding. Loving linux/powershell, networking so interesting!!

[RD_RDR]

I love the way you laid out all of the information, training/skill courses it really helped me kind of find a direction and where to start putting my self together for the presence online that’s more professional instead of using personal

[xlrjaeger]

This is great stuff! I’m sure everyone has their own story of getting in the door. My story I would never recommend. I’m a 27 yo cybersecurity leader which wasn’t easy, hardest part was getting in the door. I don’t have any certs but have BS in Cyber security which did nothing for me lol. I never recommend someone going to school for this field. Self eduction is best imo. I interviewed all over the US in person until I found my first job as an associate information security analyst contractor role. Thankful for that opportunity and it was really the manager who gave me a chance with the job. Since then I have paid it forward giving an associate security analyst role and moved up some help desk analysts who have a lot of drive for analysts and engineer roles. Feels good to give back in this field.

[XxJoejohnsonxX]

It’s soooo refreshing reading the comments of stories similar to mine. I’ve always wanted to get into the cybersecurity/IT world but I always thought you needed a degree and I knew I was never gonna go back to school so I kinda settled for random jobs. The past 2 years I’ve been getting the itch more and to really look into trying to get into the field without a degree and now im seeing it’s possible. This video and reading the comments sealed the deal for me. Im definitely gonna try and get into the industry. I feel like im pretty knowledgeable except I don’t know the technical terms for most things. I’ve been setting up networks for friends and fam and running anti virus programs since I was little so I feel like with a little training I could learn quick. Thank you for making these videos. I will def watch more and take any advice you’re willing to give.

[dayssooner]

Thank you so much for this! I’m 34 and been in dead end jobs my whole life (fast food, call centre & factory work) and was made unemployed at the start of the pandemic. I’ve had enough of just “scraping by” for my wife and kids and have a huge passion for IT but the cost of cyber security courses are way out of reach. This has reignited my passion to get in to the industry in an affordable manner.

[esmirlasantiagovasquez]

I’m so happy I found your channel!!! As a complete newbie, it can feel overwhelming due to all the information out there, but it’s always so satisfying to have the opinion of someone that’s actually doing what you would like to do. Keep making content, I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one that’s grateful you are on YouTube.😃

[barstlpr]

Just decided to make the jump into Cyber Security this week with basically no experience. I can already tell this channel is going to be my #1 resource. VERY helpful and detailed advice!

[iyamirmartinez]

I appreciate all the content you're putting out josh! You definitely will grow quickly with this work ethic.

[tigerlilyblooming]

You are a real gem! I'm new to cybersecurity -- the reluctant candidate who undervalued my experience across platforms and a multitude of industries where my employers ALWAYS put me on the implementation team whenever it was time to automate anything in the company. I'm stoked to know there's a name for what I do...it went unrecognized for so long because I made far too many assumptions about the world of cybersecurity. Thanks for this. I'm now a forever subscriber.

[morganfaubion]

I just started school at the age of 30 for CIS and have been trying to decide on a career path with that. Cyber Security/Ethical Hacking have been a passion I didn’t know how to pursue until I found your channel and Network Chuck a few days ago. You both have helped show me a way. Thank you

[LordOnyx]

Josh, you’re a lifesaver. You’re putting these out as I’m earning my degree at WGU and while getting ready to start the job hunt. Perfect timing. Thank you for your help

[jasonbenson]

Hello Josh, I've noted your list & am right now starting my career change to cybersecurity. Thank you for posting this it has really helped.

[massacringkitty]

This video was very helpful, being a data center technician for 5+ years and this is a good starting point. Thanks for the tips.

[carasander]

Currently looking at an information security position and gathering information. Watched two of your videos and love the content you are offering!!