Career Path

IT & Cybersecurity Foundations

Career Path

Any career in cybersecurity begins with learning a diverse range of IT and Cybersecurity concepts. This career path is designed to provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills required to enter the cybersecurity workforce.

Path Releasing Q2 2025
Full access included with 
Insider Pro
 and 
Teams

45

H

40

M
Time

Beginner

i
Designed for learners with a solid grasp of foundational IT and cybersecurity concepts who are interested in pursuing an entry-level security role.
Experience Level

32

i

Earn qualifying credits for certification renewal with completion certificates provided for submission.
CEU's

Enrollees

Learners at 96% of Fortune 1000 companies trust Cybrary

About this Career Path

Cybrary’s IT and Cybersecurity Foundations career path will equip you with a strong foundation of cybersecurity knowledge and hands-on skills. Over the course of 30 courses and hands-on virtual labs, you will learn essential IT concepts, security best practices, and the technical skills needed for entry-level IT and cybersecurity roles.

Our courses feature thoughtful, bite-sized content from expert instructors who have helped thousands of other beginners grasp fundamental IT and cybersecurity topics. 

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Skills you'll gain

  • Operating system fundamentals
  • Network fundamentals
  • Cybersecurity fundamentals
  • Scripting and programming fundamentals
  • Wireshark, NMAP, cryptography, firewall, IDS, and vulnerability scanner basics

Path Outline

Collection Outline

Coming Soon

The Leadership and Management Career Path is expected to release in Q2 of 2025. Sign up now to explore our other leadership courses and content.

Start Learning for Free
1

Learn

Learn core concepts and get hands-on with key skills.

COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
Cybrary Orientation
0
H
35
M
Welcome to Cybrary! This course will provide you with essential onboarding tips and a guided tour of our platform. Learn more about all that Cybrary has to offer you, including our expert-designed career paths, courses, virtual labs, and practice tests.
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
Careers In Cybersecurity
1
H
45
M
Getting started in cybersecurity can be tough, and the number of careers seems endless. This course will get you hands-on with six of the most common cybersecurity roles, including penetration tester, digital forensics, cloud security, governance, security analyst, and security engineer. Decide which career is right for you today!
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
Network Basics
1
H
0
M

This brief course is designed to introduce you to fundamental networking and network security concepts. You will learn basic networking terminology and topics like the CIA triad, networking models, common ports and protocols, common network-based threats, and network infrastructure security.

COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
COURSE
Cybersecurity Basics
1
H
50
M

This brief course is designed to introduce you to fundamental cybersecurity concepts and terminology. You will learn about security controls, access management, data protection, encryption, incident response, GRC, and more.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Linux CLI Basics
1
H
50
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of the Linux Command Line Interface. You will learn and practice several common Linux commands.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Linux File System Basics
1
H
0
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of the Linux file system. You will practice using the Linux CLI to navigate the Linux file system and explore important directories.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Network Reference Models
1
H
0
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn about the OSI and TCP/IP Reference Models and how they are used to organize the communications standards used by computer networks. You will then explore the different layers of the two models using Wireshark and a PCAP file containing wireless network traffic.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
IP Addressing Basics
1
H
20
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of IP addressing. You will practice analyzing a TCP/IP network topology in the GNS3 network simulator using basic Linux commands.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Network Device Basics
1
H
10
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of network devices. You will practice assessing and configuring a simple network topology in the GNS3 network simulator.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Cryptography Basics
0
H
30
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn about the basics of cryptography and the cryptographic process. You will practice encrypting and decrypting messages using a simple simple ciphe

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Symmetric Cryptography
0
H
55
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn about the basics of symmetric cryptography. You will practice encrypting and decrypting messages using symmetric cryptography.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Asymmetric Cryptography
1
H
5
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn about the basics of asymmetric cryptography. You will practice encrypting and decrypting messages using asymmetric cryptography.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Cryptographic Hash Functions
1
H
0
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn about the basics of cryptographic hash functions. You will practice generating and comparing hash values.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Windows CLI Basics
1
H
0
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of the Windows Command Line Interface. You will learn and practice several common Windows commands.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Windows File System Basics
1
H
10
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of the Windows file system. You will practice using the File Explorer and the Windows CLI to navigate the Windows file system and explore important directories.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Windows Services
1
H
10
M

In this hands-on lab, you learn the basics of Windows Services. You will explore several key Windows Services using the Service Control Manager and PowerShell, and demonstrate the risks associated with unquoted service paths.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Access Control Basics
1
H
10
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of access control, including different types of access control. You will practice using Windows Security Permissions and icacls to manage and verify and access control.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Data Backup and Recovery Basics
1
H
20
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of data backup and recovery, including different types of backups. You will practice using Windows Server Backup to create a data backup and recover files from a data backup.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Antivirus Basics
0
H
55
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of antivirus software. You will practice using Windows Defender Antivirus to detect and remove malware from a Windows system.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Wireshark Basics
1
H
15
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of Wireshark, including basic functionality and practical applications. You will practice packet capture and analysis using a range of different protocols and Wireshark features, including display filters, streams, and conversation filters.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Nmap Basics
1
H
10
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of Nmap, including basic functionality and practical applications. You will practice scanning and enumeration using a range of different Nmap options.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VPN Basics
1
H
25
M

In this lab, you will learn the basics of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). You will practice configuring a site-to-site IPsec VPN implementation using two pfSense firewall appliances.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Network Troubleshooting Basics
1
H
10
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of network troubleshooting. You will practice using common network troubleshooting tools and techniques to diagnose and resolve various network connectivity issues.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Active Directory Basics
1
H
15
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of the Domain Controller and Active Directory features of the Windows Server operating system. You will practice configuring a Domain Controller and using Active Directory to manage users and groups.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Group Policy Basics
1
H
30
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of Group Policy. You will explore Group Policy at the local and domain level, and use the Group Policy Management Console to create Organizational Units and link Group Policy Objects.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Firewall Basics
1
H
0
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of firewalls, including core functionality and practical applications. You will practice writing, setting, and validating rules using the host-based iptables firewall on a Linux system.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
IDS Basics
1
H
10
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), including basic functionality and practical applications. You will practice creating Snort rules to detect specific types of network traffic and validate those rules.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Vulnerability Scanner Basics
1
H
5
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of vulnerability scanners, including basic functionality and practical applications. You will practice configuring and analyzing scans using the OpenVAS vulnerability scanner.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Patching Basics
1
H
5
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of vulnerability scanners, including basic functionality and practical applications. You will practice configuring and analyzing scans using the OpenVAS vulnerability scanner

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
PowerShell Basics
1
H
10
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of PowerShell. You will practice using common cmdlets to navigate files and folders and gather system information. You will also use PowerShell to create scripts for automating simple tasks.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
BASH Scripting Basics
1
H
15
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of BASH Scripting. You will practice using BASH to run simple one-liners, create arrays, and build re-usable scripts.

VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
VIRTUAL LAB
Python Basics
1
H
30
M

In this hands-on lab, you will learn the basics of Python. You will practice using several key Python concepts using the REPL interactive shell, as well as develop a simple script using VS Code.

2

Practice

Exercise your problem-solving and creative thinking skills with security-centric puzzles

CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
Rank and File
0
H
30
M

In this hands-on challenge, you will practice navigating Windows and Linux file systems.

CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
Public Service Announcement
0
H
30
M

In this hands-on challenge, you will practice compromising a vulnerable Windows service

CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
Jumping the Wireshark
0
H
30
M

In this hands-on challenge, you will have the opportunity to put your Wireshark skills to the test.

CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
Troubleshooting in Paradise
0
H
30
M

In this hands-on challenge, you will practice troubleshooting issues in a simulated network using GNS3.

CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
Out of Access Control
0
H
30
M

In this hands-on challenge, you will practice configuring access control lists for a series of folders.

CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
Earth, Wind, and Firewall
0
H
30
M

In this hands-on challenge, you practice configuring rules for an iptables firewall.

CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
Cryptography Keeper
0
H
30
M

In this hands-on challenge, you will practice decrypting encryption keys using SSL. For this challenge, you are encouraged to apply your knowledge of BASH to expedite the process with a script.

CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
The PowerShell and the Glory
0
H
30
M

In this hands-on challenge, you will practice your PowerShell scripting skills by creating a simple script.

CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
Et tu Python?
0
H
30
M

In this hands-on challenge, you will practice your Python scripting skills by finishing a partially-complete script.

3

Prove

Assess your knowledge and skills to identify areas for improvement and measure your growth

ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
Network Fundamentals
1
H
0
M

Test your Network Fundamentals knowledge and skills to identify strengths, gaps, and weaknesses in areas like IP addressing, network reference models, Nmap, Wireshark, and more. Measure your mastery of Network Fundamentals and advance your career with targeted course and virtual lab recommendations.

ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
Operating System Fundamentals
1
H
0
M

Test your Operating System Fundamentals knowledge and skills to identify strengths, gaps, and weaknesses in areas like command line interfaces, file systems, active directory, and more. Measure your mastery of Operating System Fundamentals and advance your career with targeted course and virtual lab recommendations.

ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
1
H
0
M

Test your Cybersecurity Fundamentals knowledge and skills to identify strengths, gaps, and weaknesses in areas like cryptography, access control, firewalls, vulnerability scanning, and more. Measure your mastery of Cybersecurity Fundamentals and advance your career with targeted course and virtual lab recommendations.

ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
Scripting and Programming Fundamentals
1
H
0
M

Test your Scripting and Programming Fundamentals knowledge and skills to identify strengths, gaps, and weakness in areas like PowerShell, BASH, and Python. Measure your mastery of Scripting and Programming Fundamentals and advance your career with targeted course and virtual lab recommendations.

4

Train Your Team

Cybrary’s expert-led cybersecurity courses help your team remediate skill gaps and get up-to-date on certifications. Utilize Cybrary to stay ahead of emerging threats and provide team members with clarity on how to learn, grow, and advance their careers within your organization.

Instructors

Joseph White
Lab Architect
Read Full Bio
Garret Donaldson
Lab Architect
Read Full Bio
Matthew Mullins
Security Researcher - Adversary Emulation
Read Full Bio
Owen Dubiel
Security Engineer
Read Full Bio
Seema Rahman
Principal Architect
Read Full Bio
Chris Daywalt
Security Freelancer
Read Full Bio
Marc Balingit
Security Research
Read Full Bio
Danielle Pompa
Infrastructure Vulnerability Remediation Engineer
Read Full Bio
Jennifer Barnabee
Course Manager at Cybrary
Read Full Bio

Get Hands-on Learning

Put your skills to the test in virtual labs, challenges, and simulated environments.

Measure Your Progress

Track your skills development from lesson to lesson using the Cybrary Skills Tracker.

Connect with the Community

Connect with peers and mentors through our supportive community of cybersecurity professionals.

Success from Our Learners

"Cybrary really helped me get up to speed and acquire a baseline level of technical knowledge. It offers a far more comprehensive approach than just learning from a book. It actually shows you how to apply cybersecurity processes in a hands-on way"

Don Gates

Principal Systems Engineer/SAIC

"Cybrary’s SOC Analyst career path was the difference maker, and was instrumental in me landing my new job. I was able to show the employer that I had the right knowledge and the hands-on skills to execute the role."

Cory

Cybersecurity analyst/

"I was able to earn my CISSP certification within 60 days of signing up for Cybrary Insider Pro and got hired as a Security Analyst conducting security assessments and penetration testing within 120 days. This certainly wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Cybrary mentor community."

Mike

Security Engineer and Pentester/

"Cybrary really helped me get up to speed and acquire a baseline level of technical knowledge. It offers a far more comprehensive approach than just learning from a book. It actually shows you how to apply cybersecurity processes in a hands-on way"

Don Gates

Principal Systems Engineer/SAIC

"Cybrary’s SOC Analyst career path was the difference maker, and was instrumental in me landing my new job. I was able to show the employer that I had the right knowledge and the hands-on skills to execute the role."

Cory

Cybersecurity analyst/

"I was able to earn my CISSP certification within 60 days of signing up for Cybrary Insider Pro and got hired as a Security Analyst conducting security assessments and penetration testing within 120 days. This certainly wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Cybrary mentor community."

Mike

Security Engineer and Pentester/

"Becoming a Cybrary Insider Pro was a total game changer. Cybrary was instrumental in helping me break into cybersecurity, despite having no prior IT experience or security-related degree. Their career paths gave me clear direction, the instructors had real-world experience, and the virtual labs let me gain hands-on skills I could confidently put on my resume and speak to in interviews."

Cassandra

Information Security Analyst/Cisco Systems

"I was able to earn both my Security+ and CySA+ in two months. I give all the credit to Cybrary. I’m also proud to announce I recently accepted a job as a Cyber Systems Engineer at BDO... I always try to debunk the idea that you can't get a job without experience or a degree."

Casey

Cyber Systems Engineer/BDO

"Cybrary has helped me improve my hands-on skills and pass my toughest certification exams, enabling me to achieve 13 advanced certifications and successfully launch my own business. I love the practice tests for certification exams, especially, and appreciate the wide-ranging training options that let me find the best fit for my goals"

Angel

Founder,/ IntellChromatics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this for?

This career path is designed for learners who have no prior experience in IT or Cybersecurity, but are interested in pursuing a career in this exciting field. Learners should have a working knowledge of modern technology, basic analytical skills, and a strong desire to learn. Previous on-the-job experience in IT or cybersecurity is not required.

What are some responsibilities and job requirements for IT and cybersecurity roles?

Responsibilities and job requirements vary greatly across IT and cybersecurity functions, but here are some tasks you may be responsible for in an entry-level IT or cybersecurity role:

  • Monitoring and managing networks and systems
  • Troubleshooting hardware and software issues
  • Maintaining IT infrastructure
  • Identifying security vulnerabilities
  • Implementing security measures
  • Ensuring systems meet compliance guidelines
  • Using programming languages to automate security tasks

What roles will this path prepare me for

Test your Scripting and Programming Fundamentals knowledge and skills with this brief assessment. Identify your strengths, gaps, and weaknesses, and get targeted course and virtual lab recommendations to improve your scores and measure your skills development growth.

You will answer questions and complete tasks on PowerShell, BASH, and Python.

Prove your capability as an effective cybersecurity professional to yourself, your boss, or prospective employer