8 Easy Steps to Building a Career in Cybersecurity Without a Degree!

August 1, 2025 TekNeed Cybersecurity 0

In this guide, you will learn 8 easy steps to building a career in cybersecurity without a degree.

You don’t need a college degree; building a career in cybersecurity can be done from the comfort of your home.

As the world of technology continues to grow, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is skyrocketing. Problems like data breaches, phishing attacks, and identity theft have created a pressing demand for skilled cybersecurity experts. If cybersecurity is a career you’re considering, then you are in the right place.

And the best part? You don’t need a traditional college degree to get started in this field.

Even if you’re switching careers or starting from scratch, this article will provide you with an actionable road map for building a career in cybersecurity without a degree.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Why Cybersecurity Is a Great Career Option

Step 1: Understanding the Basics of Cybersecurity

Step 2: Choosing your Learning Path

Step 3: Build Foundational IT Skills

Step 4: Get Certified

Step 5: Gain Hands-On Experience

Step 6: Build a Portfolio and Online Presence

Step 7: Apply for Internships, Freelance Work, and Entry-Level Jobs

Step 8: Keep Learning and Growing

Bonus: Soft Skills That Make You Stand Out

8 easy steps to building a career in cybersecurity

1: Understand the Basics of Cybersecurity
While a degree is a great way to gain formal knowledge and skills on the basics of this subject, there are so many other ways to educate yourself. Start by familiarizing yourself with these basic concepts:


– What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the process of safeguarding systems, networks, and programs against digital attacks. These cyberattacks typically aim to access, modify, or destroy sensitive information; extort money from users through ransomware; or disrupt normal business operations.

Some major cyber threats include

  • Malware (malicious software):
    Malicious software, such as viruses, worms, and ransomware, that infiltrates systems to steal data, damage files, or disrupt operations.
  • Phishing
    A deceptive tactic using fake emails or websites to trick users into revealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card details.
  • DDoS Attacks
    Overwhelming a network or website with excessive traffic from multiple systems, causing service outages and potential financial or reputational damage.

Basic security principles of cybersecurity

The fundamental principles of information security are confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Each component of the information security program must be designed to incorporate one or more of these principles. They are collectively known as the CIA Triad. (confidentiality, integrity, availability)

  • Confidentiality—Only authorized users can access sensitive information.
  • Integrity—Data remains accurate and unaltered.
  • Availability—Systems and data are accessible when needed.
  • Authentication—Verifying identities before access.
  • Authorization—Giving users the right level of access based on their roles.

Here are some amazing free resources you can check out to learn more about cybersecurity basics

2: Choose a Learning Path That Matches Your Interests


Cybersecurity is a broad field. Choosing a niche early will help you stay focused in your learning journey and avoid burnout. Here are some of the popular paths for you to select from:


1. Ethical Hacking/Penetration Testing

Building a career in cybersecurity

Ethical hackers simulate cyberattacks on systems, networks, or apps—legally—to uncover vulnerabilities before real hackers do.
Essentially, they are “hackers for good.”
Tools commonly used include Kali Linux, Metasploit, and Burp Suite.

2. Network Security

This role focuses on securing an organization’s network infrastructure. It includes managing firewalls, VPNs, and routers and ensuring there is no unauthorized access.
Best suited for those interested in systems, connectivity, and network architecture.
Tools commonly used: Wireshark, Cisco tools, Snort.

3. Cybersecurity Analyst

A cybersecurity analyst monitors systems for threats, investigates suspicious activities, and ensures that security tools are functioning correctly.
This role is ideal for beginners .If you  enjoy monitoring, pattern recognition, and response then this role is for you.
The tools they use include SIEM platforms (like Splunk or QRadar), antivirus software, log analyzers.

4. Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

SOC analysts work in teams to detect, respond to, and report cyber threats in real time.
It’s a fast-paced role and perfect for people who enjoy troubleshooting, coordination, and real-time problem-solving.
Tools commonly used: SIEMs, endpoint detection,, and response tools

5. Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)

This position ensures that an organization’s cybersecurity policies and practices are consistent with legal requirements and industry standards.

It is ideal for people who are organized, detail-oriented, and enjoy working.with policy, documentation, and regulations.
Typically, no coding is required.

Risk assessments, policy writing, audits, and compliance reporting are among the tasks assigned.

6. Incident Response and Forensics

They handle cyberattacks when they happen. They investigate what went wrong, how it happened, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Those who enjoy working as digital detectives and solving complicated problems would be a good fit for this position.

Suggested read: How to change the SSH default port on a Linux server

3: Build Foundational IT Skills
To get started in tech, you need to understand the basics of how computers and networks work. Learn how the internet functions; things like DNS, HTTP, and TCP/IP — and get comfortable with operating systems, especially Linux. 

Being able to use the command line is a step that cannot be skipped, as it’s a core tool in cybersecurity roles. You should also know how to manage systems and servers, along with the basics of cloud computing and virtualization. 

While these terms might sound scary at first, they’re not as hard as they seem. Start learning with hands-on resources like tryhackme.com, codecademy.com, learn.microsoft.com, and tutorialspoint.com.

Resources to Use:

Here are your resources with clickable links:

Let me know if you want summaries or study tips for any of these.
Network+ by CompTIA (self-study or course)

Practice Labs (Google Cloud, AWS, VirtualBox)

TryHackMe and Hack The Box for hands-on labs

 4: Get Certified.
Certifications will help you stand out and give you an edge over those who have none. The next step, especially if you do not have a degree, is to demonstrate your knowledge through professional certificates. We have specially curated a list of low-cost certification courses. You can start with any of the following:

CompTIA Security+: Entry-level and highly respected

Most of these include self-study options and practice tests available online.

5: Gain Hands-On Experience
Experience is king in cybersecurity. Here’s how to build it without a job:
Set up a home lab using VirtualBox and Kali Linux

Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions

Join platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and Blue Team Labs

Volunteer for small businesses or NGOs

Contribute to open-source security projects on GitHub

Document everything you learn and work on. It helps build your portfolio.

6: Build a Portfolio and Online Presence
You can increase your credibility by having a digital footprint. Here’s how to do it:

Create a blog or LinkedIn series to chronicle your educational path.

Post descriptions of CTF challenges.

Upload your tools or scripts to GitHub.

Participate in and join Reddit, Discord, or Twitter communities focused on cybersecurity.

Make sure you’re not just showing what you know; you’re showing how you think.

7: Apply for Internships, Freelance Work, and Entry-Level Jobs
Look out for these job titles:
IT Support Technician

Junior SOC Analyst

Cybersecurity Apprentice

Security Analyst Intern

Technical Support Specialist

Where to Apply:
LinkedIn

Indeed

Remote OK

Upwork (for freelance gigs)

AngelList (startups)

Apply even if you don’t meet all the requirements. Your skills, certifications, and initiative can set you apart.

Step 8: Keep Learning and Growing
Cybersecurity is never static. Stay updated by:
Subscribing to newsletters (The Hacker News, CyberWire)

Following industry leaders on LinkedIn and X (Twitter)

Attending webinars, local meetups, and conferences (many are free!)

Working toward intermediate certifications like CISSP, OSCP, or CISM over time

Bonus: Soft Skills That Make You Stand Out
In addition to technical know-how, develop these:
Critical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication skills (writing reports, explaining risks to non-tech people)

Curiosity and a growth mindset

These are what make a good cybersecurity pro, great.

Final Thoughts
A career in cybersecurity is 100% possible without a college degree. What matters more is your ability to learn, apply, and stay consistent. Start small, build momentum, and surround yourself with communities that push you forward.
The internet is your classroom, and your determination is your biggest asset.
So take the first step today. Your future in cybersecurity is waiting.

Why Cybersecurity Is a Great Career Option
Let’s take a moment to understand what the hype around cybersecurity is and why it is worth your attention:
All organizations across all sectors need protection against cyber threats. Not to mention the good salary bracket; even entry-level roles often offer competitive pay.

Room for Growth: With experience and certifications, you can quickly move up the ladder.

Diverse Opportunities: Roles range from penetration testing and incident response to compliance and risk analysis.

Remote Flexibility: Many cybersecurity jobs allow you to work from anywhere.

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