If you are looking to become a Security Engineer or already started on the path, below is a learning path that could be followed to achieve the goal.

1. Learn the basics of computer networking:
   • Start by learning the fundamentals of computer networking, such as the OSI model, network topologies, and protocols. You can find plenty of resources online, such as videos and tutorials.
   • Familiarize yourself with networking devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers.
   • Learn about IP addressing, TCP/IP, DNS, and DHCP. These are the building blocks of network communication and are essential for a security engineer.
   • Practice configuring network devices, such as setting up VLANs, access control lists, and VPNs.
   • Links
     • Cisco Networking Academy: https://www.netacad.com/
     • Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/topic/networking/
     • Computer Networking Basics: https://www.computernetworkingbasics.com/

2. Gain proficiency in programming:
   • Choose a programming language to focus on, such as Python or Bash.
   • Start by learning the basics of programming, such as syntax, data types, and control structures.
   • Move on to more advanced topics, such as file I/O, error handling, and regular expressions.
   • Practice writing scripts and programs to automate tasks, such as network scanning or log analysis.
   • Explore libraries and frameworks that can help you with specific security tasks, such as Scapy or PyCryptodome.
   • Links
     • Codecademy: https://www.codecademy.com/
     • Udacity: https://www.udacity.com/
     • Learn Python the Hard Way: https://learncodethehardway.org/python/

3. Develop a solid understanding of operating systems:
   • Choose an operating system to focus on, such as Linux or Windows.
   • Learn the basics of the command-line interface and how to navigate the file system.
   • Familiarize yourself with system administration tasks, such as managing users and permissions, configuring services, and troubleshooting.
   • Learn about security features of the operating system, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption.
   • Links
     • Linux Journey: https://linuxjourney.com/
     • Windows Server Administration Fundamentals: https://www.udemy.com/course/windows-server-administration-fundamentals/

4. Learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity:
   • Start by learning about the CIA triad: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. These are the core principles of cybersecurity.
   • Study the different types of attacks, such as phishing, malware, and social engineering.
   • Learn about risk assessment methodologies and threat modeling.
   • Explore cryptography and how it is used to secure data and communications.
   • Study security controls, such as access control, auditing, and monitoring.
   • Links
     • SANS Institute: https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-resources/
     • Cybrary: https://www.cybrary.it/
     • Introduction to Cybersecurity: https://www.coursera.org/learn/introduction-cybersecurity

5. Get familiar with penetration testing:
   • Learn about the different phases of a penetration testing engagement, such as reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, exploitation, and post-exploitation.
   • Practice using penetration testing tools such as nmap, Metasploit, and Burp Suite.
   • Learn about web application security testing, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
   • Familiarize yourself with wireless security testing, such as cracking WPA2 passwords and sniffing wireless traffic.
   • Links
     • Offensive Security: https://www.offensive-security.com/
     • Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking: https://www.udemy.com/course/penetration-testing-and-ethical-hacking/

6. Study security frameworks and standards:
   • Study security frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, and CIS. These frameworks provide guidelines on how to secure systems and networks.
   • Learn about compliance standards, such as PCI-DSS and HIPAA. These standards are mandatory for certain industries and provide guidance on how to protect sensitive data.
   • Explore privacy regulations such as GDPR and CCPA. These regulations provide guidance on how to handle personal data and protect individual privacy.
   • Links
     • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): https://www.nist.gov/
     • Center for Internet Security (CIS): https://www.cisecurity.org/
     • ISO/IEC 27001: https://www.iso.org/isoiec-27001-information-security.html

7. Gain practical experience:
   • Participate in security-related projects, such as creating a honeypot or building a secure web application.
   • Join bug bounty programs and practice finding and reporting vulnerabilities in web applications and software.
   • Do an internship in a security-related field. This will give you hands-on experience and help you build your skills.
   • Links
     • Hack The Box: https://www.hackthebox.eu/
     • Bugcrowd: https://www.bugcrowd.com/
     • Cybersecurity Internships: https://www.internships.com/cyber-security

8. Get certified:
   • Consider obtaining certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). These certifications validate your skills and knowledge in the field of cybersecurity.
   • Links
     • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): https://www.eccouncil.org/programs/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh/
     • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP
     • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): https://www.offensive-security.com/pwk-oscp/

9. Keep up to date:
   • Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field, and it is important to stay up to date with the latest threats, technologies, and trends.
   • Subscribe to security blogs and news sites to stay up to date with the latest developments in the field.
   • Attend conferences, seminars, and webinars to network with other security professionals and learn about new technologies and techniques.
   • Join online communities such as Reddit or StackExchange to discuss security topics with other professionals.
   • Participate in CTF (Capture the Flag) competitions to practice your skills and learn new techniques.
   • Links
     • Threatpost: https://threatpost.com/
     • Dark Reading: https://www.darkreading.com/
     • The Hacker News: https://thehackernews.com/
10. Specialize in a specific area:
    • Consider specializing in a specific area of cybersecurity, such as network security, application security, cloud security, or incident response.
    • Learn about the tools and techniques specific to your area of specialization.
    • Obtain certifications or attend training courses that are specific to your area of specialization.
    • Gain practical experience in your area of specialization through internships, projects, or on-the-job experience.
    • Links
      • Network Security: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/enterprise-networks/network-security.html
      • Application Security: https://www.owasp.org/
      • Cloud Security: https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/
      • Incident Response: https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-resources/incident-response/

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