# 90-Day Cybersecurity Study Plan
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## 📚 Table of Contents

- [Introduction](#-introduction)
- [Goals and Audience](#-goals-and-audience)
- [Start Here](#-start-here)
- Daily Breakdown
  - [Day 1-7: Network+](#day-1-7-network)
  - [Day 8-14: Security+](#day-8-14-security)
  - [Day 15-28: Linux](#day-15-28-linux)
  - [Day 29-42: Python](#day-29-42-python)
  - [Day 43-56: Traffic Analysis](#day-43-56-traffic-analysis)
  - [Day 57-63: Git](#day-57-63-git)
  - [Day 64-70: ELK](#day-64-70-elk)
  - [Day 71-77: Cloud Platforms (GCP, AWS or Azure)](#day-71-77-cloud-platforms)
  - [Day 78-84: Review and Practice](#day-78-84-review-and-practice)
  - [Day 85-90: Hacking](#day-85-90-hacking)
- Bonus: Landing the Job
  - [Day 91-92: One Page Resume](#day-91-92-one-page-resume)
  - [Day 93-95: Where and How to Apply](#day-93-95-where-and-how-to-apply)
- [Translations](#translations)
- [Contributors](#-contributors)

## 📘 Introduction

Welcome to the **90 Days of Cybersecurity** challenge!  
This repository provides a structured, 90-day self-paced study plan designed to help learners build a strong foundation in cybersecurity. Whether you're a beginner looking to break into the field or a professional aiming to sharpen your skills, this roadmap offers a wide range of curated resources, hands-on tasks, and learning materials.

The daily modules cover essential and advanced topics, including:

- Networking fundamentals (Network+)
- Security principles (Security+)
- Linux basics and shell scripting
- Python programming for security tasks
- Traffic analysis and packet inspection
- Version control with Git
- SIEM tools and log analysis using the ELK stack
- Cloud security with GCP, AWS and Azure
- Penetration testing and ethical hacking
- Landing the job: a one-page resume and an AI-assisted job-search pipeline with career-ops

Each day is designed with actionable tasks, tutorials, and reading materials to help you stay on track. For a full list of resources, refer to [`learn.md`](./learn.md).

## 🎯 Goals and Audience

### 📌 Goals

The primary goal of this 90-day plan is to help learners:

- Build a solid foundation in core cybersecurity concepts and practices.
- Gain hands-on experience through daily exercises and real-world tools.
- Develop the technical skills necessary for certifications such as CompTIA Network+ and Security+.
- Explore key domains including network security, system hardening, cloud security, scripting, and ethical hacking.
- Cultivate a consistent learning habit over 90 days to support long-term retention and growth.

By the end of this journey, you should feel confident navigating a variety of cybersecurity tools, concepts, and techniques.

### 👥 Intended Audience

This repository is ideal for:

- **Aspiring cybersecurity professionals** preparing for entry-level roles or certifications.
- **IT professionals** transitioning into a security-focused career.
- **Students** studying computer science, information systems, or network engineering.
- **Self-learners** seeking a structured and comprehensive study plan.
- **Developers and DevOps engineers** looking to better understand secure infrastructure and threat detection.
- **Anyone curious** about how cybersecurity works in real-world environments.

No prior experience is required, though basic familiarity with computers, networks, or programming will be helpful.

## 🚀 Start Here

New to the plan? Read this first, then jump to [Day 1](#day-1-7-network).

- **Time budget:** aim for 1-2 focused hours a day. The day numbers are a guide, not a deadline; it is fine to spend longer on a topic.
- **Follow the order:** Days 1-28 (networking, security basics, Linux) are the foundation everything else builds on. Do not skip ahead to hacking.
- **Certifications are optional:** the Network+ and Security+ playlists teach the concepts you need. You do not have to sit the exams to follow this plan or to get a first job.
- **Track your progress:** fork this repo (or copy the plan into a notes file) and tick off each day as you finish it.
- **Everything is free:** if a site puts content behind a paywall, use the alternatives listed in the same section or in [`learn.md`](./learn.md).
- **Questions or study buddies:** use [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/farhanashrafdev/90DaysOfCyberSecurity/discussions). Issues are for broken links and content fixes.
- **Prefer another language?** See [Translations](#translations).

## Day 1-7: Network+
- Watch videos from Professor Messer's [N10-009 Playlist](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG49S3nxzAnl_tQe3kvnmeMid0mjF8Le8&si=3rUsqmrdsNK3izh6)
- Complete any related practice questions or exercises.

## Day 8-14: Security+  

### Strongly Recommend Professor Messer's:  
- Watch the videos from Professor Messer's [SY0-701 Playlist](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiEptGbnEBc&list=PLG49S3nxzAnl4QDVqK-hOnoqcSKEIDDuv)  

### Another Alternative You Can Use:  
- Watch Pete Zerger's [SY0-701 Playlist](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E7pI7PB4KI&list=PL7XJSuT7Dq_UDJgYoQGIW9viwM5hc4C7n)  

### Additional Practice:  
- Complete any related practice questions or exercises. 

## Day 15-28: Linux
- Browse through the Linux Journey tutorials: https://linuxjourney.com/
- Complete Linux Unhatched on Cisco NetAcad: https://www.netacad.com/courses/linux-unhatched
- Complete all Linux Hands-on Labs on LabEx: https://labex.io/free-labs/linux


## Day 29-42: Python
- Watch freeCodeCamp's [Learn Python - Full Course for Beginners](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfscVS0vtbw) (free, ~4.5 hours)
- Complete Codecademy's Learn Python Track (the free tier covers the basics; later lessons need a subscription): https://codecademy.com/learn/learn-python
- Python.org: https://www.python.org/
- Real Python: https://realpython.com/
- Talk Python to Me: https://talkpython.fm/
- Read "Learn Python the Hard Way": https://learnpythonthehardway.org
- HackerRank Python: https://www.hackerrank.com/domains/python
- LabEx Learn Python by Labs: https://labex.io/free-labs/python

### Youtube Course:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egg-GoT5iVk&ab_channel=TheCyberMentor


## Day 43-56: Traffic Analysis
- Take the Wireshark University course: https://www.wireshark.org/#educationalContent
- Follow the Wireshark Tutorial on guru99: https://guru99.com/wireshark-tutorial.html
- Read through the TCPdump Tutorial on DanielMiessler: https://danielmiessler.com/study/tcpdump/
- Read through the Suricata Quickstart guide: https://docs.suricata.io/en/latest/quickstart.html

### Youtube:
- Wireshark Tutorial for Beginners series https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjvR4LmwcMU&list=PLBf0hzazHTGPgyxeEj_9LBHiqjtNEjsgt&pp=iAQB
- Suricata Network IDS/IPS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0-vsjhPDN0&pp=ygUhIFN1cmljYXRhIElEUy9JUFMgU3lzdGVtIFR1dG9yaWFs

## Day 57-63: Git
- Complete Codecademy's Git for Beginners course: https://codecademy.com/learn/learn-git
- Follow the Git Immersion tutorial: http://gitimmersion.com
- Try Git: https://try.github.io
- Use [Learn Git Branching](https://learngitbranching.js.org/) for an interactive Git CLI simulator.

## Day 64-70: ELK
- Follow the Complete Guide to the ELK Stack on Logz.io: https://logz.io/learn/complete-guide-elk-stack/
- Get started with the Elastic Stack using the official docs: https://www.elastic.co/docs/get-started

## Day 71-77: Cloud Platforms

## Any one of them works fine.

### GCP:
-  Explore the GCP Getting Started Resource : https://cloud.google.com/getting-started/
-  Google Cloud Platform Documentation: https://cloud.google.com/docs/
-  Google Cloud Platform Blog: https://cloud.google.com/blog/
-  Google Cloud Platform Community: https://cloud.google.com/community/
-   Try hands-on challenges with [Google Cloud Skills Boost](https://www.cloudskillsboost.google)

### AWS
- Explore the AWS Getting Started Resource Center: https://aws.amazon.com/getting-started/
- Browse through the AWS Tutorials: https://aws.amazon.com/tutorials/
- Learn through gamified labs on [AWS Cloud Quest](https://aws.amazon.com/training/digital/aws-cloud-quest/)


###  Azure
- Go through Azure Fundamentals: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/azure/
- Complete the [Microsoft Learn Azure labs](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/azure-fundamentals/) with sandbox environments

## Day 78-84: Review and Practice
- Go back through Days 1-77 and review any weak areas.
- Complete hands-on challenges on TryHackMe: https://tryhackme.com
- Set up a home lab using VirtualBox or VMware to practice what you have learned.
- Try building a small project that combines networking, Linux, Python, and security concepts.

## Day 85-90: Hacking

- Try to hack the challenges on Hack the Box: https://hackthebox.com
- Practice on vulnerable machines on Vulnhub: https://vulnhub.com
### Youtube:
- Ethical Hacking Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FNYvj2U0HM&ab_channel=TheCyberMentor
- Ethical Hacking Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH4JCwjybGs&ab_channel=TheCyberMentor

## Day 91-92: One Page Resume
- Use the provided resume template: https://bowtiedcyber.substack.com/p/killer-cyber-resume-part-ii
- Cybersecurity Resume Template: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/cybersecurity-resume
- Cybersecurity Resume from Resume-Now: [https://www.resume-now.com/templates/cyber-security-resume](https://www.resume-now.com/cv/templates/data-systems-administration/cyber-security-specialist)
  This template also has sections for skills, certifications, and experience, along with a summary, and a section for education. It also includes a section for technical skills.
- Save a copy of your finished resume as Markdown (`cv.md`) as well; you will reuse it with career-ops on Day 93. List the labs, CTF rooms and projects from Days 15-90 as hands-on experience.

## Day 93-95: Where and How to Apply
- Search for jobs on Indeed: https://indeed.com
- Look for opportunities on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com
- Explore entry-level cybersecurity roles and career pathways on CyberSeek: https://www.cyberseek.org/pathway.html

### Run your job search with career-ops
[career-ops](https://github.com/career-ops-hq/career-ops) is a free, open-source job-search system that runs inside an AI coding CLI such as Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, GitHub Copilot CLI or Antigravity CLI ([free tier](https://github.com/career-ops-hq/career-ops/blob/main/docs/FREE_TIER.md), no API key needed). Paste a job URL and it scores the posting against your `cv.md` (1-5), generates an ATS-friendly tailored PDF and tracks every application in one place. It never applies for you; you always review and submit.

Before using any AI CLI, redact sensitive personal data in `cv.md` (for example address/phone) and review the tool/provider’s privacy and data-retention settings before pasting your resume content.

1. **Set up (Day 93):** install [Node.js](https://nodejs.org), skim the [setup guide](https://github.com/career-ops-hq/career-ops/blob/main/docs/SETUP.md), then run `npx @santifer/career-ops init`. Good security habit: `npx` downloads and runs the latest release, so check the [release notes](https://github.com/career-ops-hq/career-ops/releases) before running it (pin a version with `@santifer/career-ops@<version>` if you want a reproducible install). Open your AI CLI in the new `career-ops` folder and follow the onboarding chat. Tell it your target roles (for example *SOC analyst, security analyst, junior penetration tester*) so the evaluations fit entry-level security jobs.
2. **Evaluate (Day 94):** paste 10-20 postings you found on Indeed or LinkedIn. Only apply to roles that score 4.0/5 or higher; treat it as a filter, not a spray-and-pray tool.
3. **Apply and prepare (Day 95):** generate tailored CVs for your shortlist, apply, and use the interview-prep mode to build your STAR stories before the first call.



## Translations

- [Arabic / العربية](translations/arabic/README.md)
- [Chinese / 中文](translations/chinese/README.md)
- [French / Francais](translations/french/README.md)
- [Hindi / हिंदी](translations/hindi/README.md)
- [Portuguese / Portugues](translations/portuguese/README.md)
- [Russian / Русский](translations/russian/README.md)
- [Spanish / Espanol](translations/spanish/README.md)

## 🎉 Contributors

Thank you for being a part of the 90DaysOfCyberSecurity community! We appreciate everyone who helps improve our content.

### Contribution Categories:
- **Documentation**: Improve or add to the study material and guides.
- **Tutorials & Guides**: Create or enhance tutorials explaining complex concepts.
- **Suggested Resources**: Recommend useful tools, articles, books, or other resources.
- **Ideas / Topics**: Suggest new topics to be added to the learning materials.
- **Review & Feedback**: Provide feedback on existing materials and suggest improvements.
- **Community Support**: Answer questions and help others in discussions or issues.
- **Tests & Quizzes**: Add quizzes, challenges, or tests to check learning progress.
- **Real-World Applications**: Share real-life examples or case studies of cybersecurity practices.
- **Mentoring**: Help others with study advice, tips, or hosting study sessions.

Thank you to all contributors for your amazing work! 🎉



## Contributors ✨

Thanks goes to these wonderful people ([emoji key](https://allcontributors.org/docs/en/emoji-key)):

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      <td align="center" valign="top" width="14.28%"><a href="https://github.com/farhanashrafdev"><img src="https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/53370109?v=4?s=100" width="100px;" alt="Farhan Ashraf"/><br /><sub><b>Farhan Ashraf</b></sub></a><br /><a href="https://github.com/farhanashrafdev/90DaysOfCyberSecurity/commits?author=farhanashrafdev" title="Documentation">📖</a></td>
      <td align="center" valign="top" width="14.28%"><a href="https://github.com/Wanderer479"><img src="https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/189002484?v=4?s=100" width="100px;" alt="Wanderer479"/><br /><sub><b>Wanderer479</b></sub></a><br /><a href="https://github.com/farhanashrafdev/90DaysOfCyberSecurity/commits?author=Wanderer479" title="Documentation">📖</a></td>
      <td align="center" valign="top" width="14.28%"><a href="https://github.com/MahadMuhammad"><img src="https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/95980383?v=4?s=100" width="100px;" alt="Muhammad Mahad"/><br /><sub><b>Muhammad Mahad</b></sub></a><br /><a href="https://github.com/farhanashrafdev/90DaysOfCyberSecurity/commits?author=MahadMuhammad" title="Documentation">📖</a></td>
      <td align="center" valign="top" width="14.28%"><a href="https://github.com/andreluis-oliveira"><img src="https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/53203742?v=4?s=100" width="100px;" alt="André Oliveira"/><br /><sub><b>André Oliveira</b></sub></a><br /><a href="https://github.com/farhanashrafdev/90DaysOfCyberSecurity/commits?author=andreluis-oliveira" title="Documentation">📖</a></td>
      <td align="center" valign="top" width="14.28%"><a href="https://github.com/ArbenP"><img src="https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/62248907?v=4?s=100" width="100px;" alt="arbenp"/><br /><sub><b>arbenp</b></sub></a><br /><a href="https://github.com/farhanashrafdev/90DaysOfCyberSecurity/commits?author=ArbenP" title="Documentation">📖</a> <a href="https://github.com/farhanashrafdev/90DaysOfCyberSecurity/issues?q=author%3AArbenP" title="Bug reports">🐛</a></td>
      <td align="center" valign="top" width="14.28%"><a href="https://github.com/paduh"><img src="https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/20698595?v=4?s=100" width="100px;" alt="paduh"/><br /><sub><b>paduh</b></sub></a><br /><a href="https://github.com/farhanashrafdev/90DaysOfCyberSecurity/commits?author=paduh" title="Documentation">📖</a></td>
      <td align="center" valign="top" width="14.28%"><a href="https://github.com/emmanuel-ferdman"><img src="https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/35470921?v=4?s=100" width="100px;" alt="Emmanuel Ferdman"/><br /><sub><b>Emmanuel Ferdman</b></sub></a><br /><a href="https://github.com/farhanashrafdev/90DaysOfCyberSecurity/issues?q=author%3Aemmanuel-ferdman" title="Bug reports">🐛</a> <a href="https://github.com/farhanashrafdev/90DaysOfCyberSecurity/commits?author=emmanuel-ferdman" title="Documentation">📖</a></td>
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      <td align="center" valign="top" width="14.28%"><a href="https://github.com/king-tri-ton"><img src="https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/53092931?v=4?s=100" width="100px;" alt="King Triton"/><br /><sub><b>King Triton</b></sub></a><br /><a href="https://github.com/farhanashrafdev/90DaysOfCyberSecurity/commits?author=king-tri-ton" title="Documentation">📖</a> <a href="#translation-king-tri-ton" title="Translation">🌍</a></td>
      <td align="center" valign="top" width="14.28%"><a href="https://github.com/mradil04"><img src="https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/199904212?v=4?s=100" width="100px;" alt="Mr"/><br /><sub><b>Mr</b></sub></a><br /><a href="#design-mradil04" title="Design">🎨</a> <a href="#example-mradil04" title="Examples">💡</a></td>
      <td align="center" valign="top" width="14.28%"><a href="http://parthmane.com"><img src="https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/254688267?v=4?s=100" width="100px;" alt="Parth Dinesh Mane"/><br /><sub><b>Parth Dinesh Mane</b></sub></a><br /><a href="#question-cicada4O4" title="Answering Questions">💬</a></td>
      <td align="center" valign="top" width="14.28%"><a href="https://github.com/LUser-12"><img src="https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/183823828?v=4?s=100" width="100px;" alt="LUser-12"/><br /><sub><b>LUser-12</b></sub></a><br /><a href="#ideas-LUser-12" title="Ideas, Planning, & Feedback">🤔</a></td>
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