Cybersecurity is a booming technical career path. As more companies move their data, processes, and systems online, they need cybersecurity professionals to help ensure their information is secure. However, because this field is growing and evolving, it can be challenging for entry-level professionals to know how to get into cybersecurity with no experience.
In this guide, we’ll pull back the curtain on the cybersecurity field to give you actionable steps on how to get into cybersecurity with no experience. We went straight to the source — cybersecurity professionals themselves — to get top tips on breaking into the industry.
>>MORE: Which type of cybersecurity career is right for you? Learn about each and take a free quiz.
Build Cybersecurity-Specific Knowledge
Cybersecurity is a highly technical field. While you’ll be able to gain more technical knowledge on the job, you will need core hard skills to land a role. Cybersecurity skills include:
- Networking fundamentals: understanding how networks function (TCP/IP, DNS, routing, firewalls, VPNs) to know how attacks spread and how to defend against them
- Operating systems: familiarity with different operating systems, especially Windows and Linux
- Scripting and programming: writing scripts to help you automate tasks, analyze logs, and develop security tools. Common programming languages include Python, Bash, and PowerShell
- Cloud computing: understanding cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP
AIG Shields Up: Cybersecurity
Build your scripting and programming skills in this free job simulation. As an information security analyst at AIG, you'll analyze security alerts and respond to a ransomware attack using Python and stakeholder management skills.
Avg. Time: 2-3 hours
Skills you’ll build: Problem solving, research, communication, data analysis, security engineering
You should also have a general understanding of key cybersecurity concepts — so you understand the context in which you can put your technical skills to the test.
- Security best practices: basic best practices like strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and regular software updates
- Incident response: how to respond to security incidents, including identifying, containing, eradicating, and recovering from attacks
- Security threats and vulnerabilities: common attack vectors (like malware and phishing) and how vulnerabilities are exploited
- Security principles: fundamentals of information security, also known as the CIA triad (confidentiality, integrity, and availability)
- Cryptography: encryption, hashing, and digital signatures to protect data
- Cybersecurity-specific tools: Wireshark (network analysis), Nmap (network scanning), Metasploit (penetration testing), and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS)
How to Build Cybersecurity Skills and Knowledge
Where can you start if you don’t have any experience with cybersecurity? While a computer science or information technology degree will have courses that teach you these skills, there are also tons of ways to learn online or at home.
Coursera, edX, and NetworkLessons offer online introductory courses in networking, cloud computing, cryptography, and more. Look for courses covering the OSI model, TCP/IP, subnetting, routing protocols, and basic network security concepts.
If you want to build your coding skills, online programs like Codecademy and LeetCode can help.
To practice these concepts, use networking simulators like Packet Tracer (Cisco) and GNS3 to create virtual networks and experiment with different configurations or build a home lab for a real-world networking experience. This will allow you to explore various scenarios, including cloud configurations, in a safe and practical environment.
Further, Forage job simulations are a great way to build your cybersecurity skills and understand how they apply to a real-world work environment. In these free, self-paced programs from top employers, you’ll use these skills to solve workplace problems.
Mastercard Cybersecurity
Learn how to craft a phishing email simulation as a part of Mastercard's security awareness team.
Avg. Time: 1-2 hours
Skills you’ll build: Technical security awareness, design thinking, security awareness training, data analysis and presentation
“Focus on hands-on experience,” says Frank Cicio, founder and CEO of iQ4, a cybersecurity and AI training organization. “Tools like Wireshark, Splunk, or even free resources like TryHackMe or Hack The Box are invaluable for building practical skills. Employers want candidates who can do more than talk theory — they want problem-solvers who can apply their knowledge and understand their role in the big picture.”
Get Certified
You’ve built some key cybersecurity knowledge — that’s great! Knowing how to get into cybersecurity with no experience requires figuring out how to signal that expertise in other ways. Many employers recognize certifications as a sign that you have basic cybersecurity skills and knowledge.
But what certification should you get? The most common entry-level certifications include:
- CompTIA Security+: covers a broad range of security concepts, proving your knowledge of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations, security architecture, security operations, and security program management and oversight
- CompTIA Network+: covers basic networking concepts, proving your knowledge in network implementations, operations, security, and troubleshooting
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): focuses on offensive security techniques
- Entry-level cloud certifications: certifications on cloud expertise from AWS, Microsoft, and Google, proving your competence in working in cloud computing.
If you’re interested in getting certified, certification-specific courses can help prepare you — some even from the organizations that offer the certification.
Don’t Forget Soft Skills
Even though cybersecurity is a highly technical career path, you don’t work in a bubble.
“Communicating clearly and collaborating well with teams is a huge part of success in this field,” Cicio says.
You’ll need stellar written and verbal communication skills to communicate with your internal team and non-technical stakeholders. You’ll need to explain the technical aspects of your work in digestible layperson’s terms.
Strong problem-solving, analytical, and attention to detail skills are also crucial for cybersecurity. These skills enable you to approach challenges logically, meticulously examine systems for vulnerabilities, and design robust security solutions that minimize risk.
Build Relationships
When we asked processionals the one secret they have about getting into the cybersecurity field, their overwhelming answer was networking.
“Networking plays a HUGE role,” says Joshua Weiss, CEO of TeliApp, a technology company that provides cybersecurity services to U.S. government organizations. “Going to networking events, conventions, industry conferences, etc. presents enormous opportunities for candidates to become friendly with other people in the industry who may be able to assist when they begin their careers.”
Cicio agrees, arguing that relationships can matter just as much as certifications.
“Yes, having certifications is important, but the industry is surprisingly small and relationship-driven,” he says. “Attend conferences, local cybersecurity meetups, or even virtual webinars. Engage with professionals on LinkedIn. When someone recognizes your name because you asked smart questions or showed genuine curiosity, you’re already ahead of the pack. Many entry-level hires happen through these informal networks before a job is even posted.”
Create a Standout Resume
You’ve built your technical skills, knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, and soft skills, and made some connections along the way. Now it’s time to apply — what do you include on your resume?
“As a person who interviews cybersecurity professional candidates of people who have no practical work experience, I look at their coursework, their major and minor, as well as any certifications they may have achieved,” Weiss says.
If you’re a student just entering the field, don’t shy away from including what you’ve learned in school — these courses, skills, and projects are proof that you’ve built some expertise in the field. You’ll want to include:
- Your major and minor, if they relate to cybersecurity
- Any coursework you’ve done that taught cybersecurity concepts or skills
- Projects you’ve worked on, whether in class or during your free time
- Related certifications
Datacom Cybersecurity
Investigate a cyberattack and conduct a comprehensive risk assessment in this free Forage job simulation. You'll get resume bullets and interview tips to improve your application when you're done.
Avg. Time: 3-4 hours
Skills you’ll build: Research, analytical skills, communication, risk assessment and analysis
Include Your Soft Skills
While your technical knowledge is critical, you shouldn’t limit your resume to hard skills and practical cybersecurity projects. Other part-time work experiences, volunteering, and extracurriculars can give the recruiter or hiring manager a holistic picture of who you are and how you work with others.
While Weiss first examines a candidate’s education and coursework, he then turns to what they’ve been doing in their free time.
“Specifically, I care about any and all jobs and internship opportunities they’ve experienced during their academic career,” he says. “Of course, working at a company in the capacity of cybersecurity is always nice to see. But I care about communication skills, too. So, for example, if a candidate puts on their resume that they worked as a cashier in Shoprite or an order taker at KFC — this is just as important. One of the most important components of creating a healthy cybersecurity culture is communication. I need to know that the candidate is a good communicator, will be proactive, and has the ability to handle communicating with strangers professionally, stressful situations, and other circumstantial scenarios, because in the real world, it happens a lot.”
How to Get Into Cybersecurity With No Experience: The Bottom Line
Cybersecurity is a growing field with many opportunities, but if you’re trying to learn how to get into cybersecurity with no experience, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start.
First, focus on your technical skills and knowledge. You’ll want to build basic hard skills and expertise in networking, scripting, and operation systems, as well as security best practices and concepts. Online courses can give you an overview of these skills, but it’s essential to get experience practicing and experimenting with them independently. You can then prove your skills by getting certified.
When you’re getting closer to the application stage of the process, focus on building your network — according to cybersecurity professionals, it’s key to breaking into the industry.
“The cybersecurity field is growing fast, but so is the competition,” Cicio says. “If you focus on practical skills, build real relationships, and demonstrate your passion for learning, you’ll stand out. At iQ4, we always say, ‘Cybersecurity isn’t just a job — it’s a mission.’ Show that you’re ready for it, and opportunities will come.”
Ready to build your cybersecurity skills in real-world job simulations — and improve your chances of getting hired into the field? Explore Forage security programs.
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