This is what I would study to become a Cyber security engineer in 2026 (courses + free projects)

Trying to get into cybersecurity with no degree and no experience? In this video, I break down a practical roadmap for getting started in cybersecurity from scratch -without getting lost in overcomplicated roadmaps, random certifications, or tool overload. We’ll cover: what beginners should learn first why networking, Linux, and databases matter why CompTIA Network+ makes more sense than CCNA for most beginners how to build hands-on experience with labs which certifications are actually worth looking at early on how to document your progress so you stand out without prior experience I also walk through some beginner-friendly home lab ideas from the channel, including: Build you AIRIA AI SOC agent - https://youtu.be/K0k9WouiBwE Build your WAZUH SIEM Lab - https://youtu.be/QT81wcuoRFY Build your web application firewall - https://youtu.be/N0dEC1nuWCQ Build your PFSENSE firewall - https://youtu.be/-yRvfbElT7M If you’re feeling overwhelmed by cybersecurity roadmaps, this video is designed to simplify the path and help you focus on what actually matters. Cyber security Roadmap 2026 - https://drive.google.com/file/d/18Gk0efMBtC63HgyWIvEAvdxIoWs9m2Qn/view?usp=sharing Lab challenge + giveaway Complete one of the labs from the channel and tag me on LinkedIn before March 22 to enter the $100 AUD giveaway. Sponsor If you need infrastructure for labs and projects, check out PrivateAlps — a Swiss privacy-first hosting provider operating since 2019. With the referral link: https://privatealps.net/en?affiliate=T8B7C2OWBW 10% off all services 15% off bare metal If this video helped, drop a comment with where you’re starting from: networking, Linux, SOC, cloud, or completely from zero. #cybersecurity #cybersecuritycareer #securityplus #tryhackme #linux #networking #homelab #socanalyst Timestamps 00:00 Why most cybersecurity beginners start in the wrong place 00:55 Start with foundations, not tools 01:18 Why networking matters first 01:35 Network+ vs CCNA for beginners 02:08 Why Linux is essential in cybersecurity 02:27 Why databases matter more than people think 02:52 Why hands-on labs matter 03:42 Sponsor: PrivateAlps for lab infrastructure and projects (Host Kali in the cloud) 04:46 4 home labs to build real experience 05:03 $100 AUD LinkedIn lab giveaway 05:12 TryHackMe free beginner labs and free tier options 05:28 Certifications that actually help early on 05:34 Why Security+ still matters 05:53 Zero To Mastery and Professor Messer 06:20 ISC2 CC, TryHackMe SEC101, and CCDL1 06:55 Why documenting your progress publicly matters 07:39 Don’t specialize too early Connect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roydensprofile/