Today, digital transformation is no longer optional—it has become an unavoidable necessity. Regardless of sector or context, organizations increasingly depend on technological infrastructures: cloud services, connected devices, data centers, and critical applications that support daily operations. But this evolution comes with a side effect: a much broader attack surface. As cyber threats increase in frequency, sophistication, and cost, most companies still face a significant shortage of security talent capable of addressing these challenges.

• According to the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 by the World Economic Forum, there is a global cybersecurity talent shortage estimated between 2.8 million and 4.8 million unfilled positions.

• A 2025 report by DeepStrike indicates that this gap represents 4.8 million unfilled jobs worldwide, particularly in areas such as cloud security, zero trust, and incident response.

• Another key fact: companies are increasingly relying on internships (55%) and apprenticeships (46%) to identify young cybersecurity talent.

In this context, someone like you—whether you have cybersecurity experience or not—has a huge career opportunity. If you are considering entering the cybersecurity field, or even changing or defining your role, this article will serve as a roadmap to get started on solid ground, understand the career paths available to you, learn which skills and certifications to pursue, and see how platforms like Seccuri are helping accelerate that journey.

Current Landscape: Opportunities and Real Demand

To understand why this industry holds so much potential for you, here are some important trends:

• Cybersecurity job openings continue to grow rapidly: Cybersecurity Ventures reports a 350% increase in unfilled positions between 2013 and 2021.

• Despite some budget cuts, demand for entry-level roles remains very strong. Sectors such as education, healthcare, government, IT services, and telecommunications are increasingly using apprenticeships and internships to attract talent.

• Companies are no longer just looking for classic technical skills (firewalls, networks, operating systems), but also emerging competencies like cloud security, threat intelligence, malware analysis, Zero Trust, and application security.

This means that for someone starting out, there is high demand, room for growth, and a market that urgently needs new talent.

Career Paths for Beginners

There are both technical and non-technical career paths for breaking into cybersecurity. Here’s an overview:

1. Technical paths: Roles such as Junior SOC Analyst, Cyber Defense Analyst, Junior Penetration Tester, or vulnerability analyst. Responsibilities include monitoring security alerts, initial incident response, log analysis, vulnerability scanning, or basic penetration testing. These roles require knowledge of networks, operating systems (Linux and Windows), basic scripting, and tools like SIEMs and vulnerability scanners.

2. Protection and operations: Roles such as systems administrator with a security focus, junior cloud security engineer, or endpoint protection specialist. These positions focus on maintaining secure infrastructures, protecting endpoints, implementing security policies, and managing patches. They require knowledge of cloud security, encryption, backups, and access control.

3. Non-technical (strategy and risk management): Roles such as GRC Analyst (Governance, Risk & Compliance), security awareness specialist, junior auditor, or compliance officer. They involve designing security policies, assessing risks, ensuring regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, or local laws), and promoting a security culture. These roles require analytical skills, knowledge of standards (ISO 27001, NIST), effective communication, and regulatory awareness.

4. Research and specialized support: Roles such as junior forensic analyst, malware analyst, or threat intelligence specialist. These positions investigate incidents, collect digital evidence, analyze malware, and coordinate recovery efforts. They require knowledge of digital forensics, basic programming, static and dynamic analysis, and system architecture.

Framework Reference: NICE and TKS

One of the best ways to structure a learning path is by using recognized frameworks like the NIST NICE Framework.

• It defines 7 general categories of functions and 52 cybersecurity work roles.

• Each role is described with TKS statements (Task, Knowledge, Skill):

  • Tasks (T): the tasks a professional in that role must perform.

  • Knowledge (K): the knowledge they must master.

  • Skills (S): the practical skills they must demonstrate.

For beginners, this framework helps identify which tasks you can start practicing, what knowledge to prioritize, and which technical skills to develop to qualify for specific roles.

Examples:

• A Junior SOC Analyst will have tasks such as monitoring security events, knowledge requirements like network protocols and operating systems, and skills such as interpreting logs or configuring a SIEM.

• A GRC Analyst will support audits, require knowledge of standards like ISO 27001 or GDPR, and skills in drafting policies and managing risks.

This approach makes learning more practical and directly aligned with real-world industry needs.

Recommended Certifications and Training

Some of the most useful certifications and training programs for beginners include:

• CompTIA Security+: Ideal for gaining foundational knowledge in security, networking, and threats. Widely recognized worldwide.

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): For those interested in ethical hacking or penetration testing. Provides a general overview of attack methodologies and tools.

• Introductory online courses (MOOCs and bootcamps): Flexible and accessible ways to explore different areas before specializing. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer beginner-friendly cybersecurity programs.

• Specialized training: Such as digital forensics, cloud security, or incident response, recommended once you have a technical foundation and want to specialize further.

How to Advance: Step-by-Step Roadmap

1. Learn the fundamentals of networks, operating systems, and basic security.

2. Build a home lab with virtual machines to practice.

3. Obtain at least one entry-level certification (e.g., Security+).

4. Look for internships, volunteer work, or small projects that provide hands-on experience.

5. Decide whether you prefer the technical path (pentesting, SOC, threat intelligence) or the management path (compliance, GRC).

6. Join cybersecurity communities, attend conferences, participate in CTFs, and stay up to date.

The Role of Seccuri as Your Ally

At Seccuri, we believe no one should feel stuck for lack of guidance or visibility. Our platform supports both beginners and companies looking for talent.

• For beginners: We offer clear career paths aligned with the NICE framework, highlighting roles, skills, and certifications with personalized recommendations.

• For companies: We make it easier to connect with emerging professionals, align their skills with industry needs, and support workforce and training development.

The result: people like you gain global opportunities and clear guidance for preparing your cybersecurity career, while companies gain access to motivated, ready-to-grow candidates.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is a demanding field, but one full of opportunities. It’s not about knowing everything upfront—it’s about cultivating discipline, curiosity, and strategic direction.

If you’re ready to take your first step, start with the basics, pursue an entry-level certification, choose the path that excites you most, and grow your professional network.

At Seccuri, we’re here to guide you along the way: explore career paths, connect with the industry, and discover opportunities that will help you thrive.

Sources

Seccuri

DeepStrike. (2025). Cybersecurity Skills Gap: 4.8M Roles Unfilled, Costs Surge.

World Economic Forum. (2025). Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025.

(ISC)². (2025). Cybersecurity Hiring Trends Study.

Cybersecurity Ventures. (2021). Cybersecurity Jobs Report: 3.5 Million Unfilled Positions.

NIST. (2024). NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework.

Infosec Institute. (2020). 52 NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework work roles: what you need to know.