Start your cybersecurity journey with a clear 7-day plan
Whether you are a complete beginner or switching careers, follow a practical first week — then continue on a role-based path for SOC, ethical hacking, Linux, or compliance.
Each day links to tutorials, tools, and labs on PentesterWorld so you always know what to do next.
- Day-by-day plan
- Role-based paths
- Hands-on labs
- Free to start
No random topic jumping — build momentum in your first week.
Your first week
7-day beginner plan
- 1Day 1Start here
Security mindset & threat basics
- 2Day 2Up next
Networking for security
- 3Day 3Up next
Linux command line
- 4Day 4Up next
Web security introduction
- 5Day 5Up next
SOC & log awareness
- 6Day 6Up next
First hands-on lab
- 7Day 7Finish strong
Pick your career direction
- 7
- Day plan
- 5+
- Career paths
- Free
- Core content
First 7 days
Your beginner-first week
One focused theme per day — with links to tutorials, tools, and labs on PentesterWorld.
Your week at a glance
~1 hour per day — finish the week, then pick a role path below.
Begin Day 1Choose a role-based path after week one
Continue with structured roadmaps aligned to the job you are building toward.
Complete beginner
No IT background required — start with fundamentals, then branch into your preferred specialty.
Days 1–7 plan above
SOC analyst path
Logs, alerts, triage, phishing, and incident documentation for blue-team roles.
SIEM, IR, and detection basics
Ethical hacking path
Web testing, recon, OWASP risks, and responsible offensive security workflows.
Web security & practical testing
Compliance & GRC path
SOC 2, ISO 27001, CIS controls, evidence collection, and audit readiness for IT teams.
Controls, evidence, and policies
Linux security path
Command line, log analysis, permissions, and hardening skills used daily in SOC and pentest roles.
Shell, logs & hardening basics
Career switcher
Structured roadmaps, labs, and community events to build proof of practical skills.
Portfolio-ready progress
Ready for hands-on practice?
Move from reading to doing with labs, free tools, and community events.