netsec-zero-2-paid.md

🛡️ Network Security Learning Path (Zero → High-Paid Expert)

This roadmap combines structured curriculum (week-by-week) and milestone checkpoints so you can track progress whether you study part-time or full-time.

---

📚 Phase 0: Foundations (6–9 months | ~500 hrs)

Goal: Build computer, networking, and programming basics.

Structured Curriculum

• Weeks 1–4: Computer basics + Linux CLI (OverTheWire: Bandit, Linux Journey).
• Weeks 5–10: Networking (CCNA-level subnetting, Packet Tracer labs).
• Weeks 11–18: Python programming (Automate the Boring Stuff, Black Hat Python).
• Weeks 19–26: C/C++ basics + Assembly intro (CS50, PC Assembly Language).

Milestone 1: Tech Foundations ✅

• Can subnet a network.
• Write Python scripts.
• Compile/debug C programs.
• Navigate Linux & Windows command line.

---

🔑 Phase 1: Security Core Knowledge (12–18 months | ~1,000 hrs)

Goal: Understand offensive & defensive fundamentals.

Structured Curriculum

• Weeks 27–40: Windows/Linux internals.
• Weeks 41–52: Networking security tools (Wireshark, Nmap, Metasploit).
• Weeks 53–70: Binary exploitation basics (pwn.college, Exploit-Exercises).
• Weeks 71–85: Web app pentesting (PortSwigger, DVWA, Juice Shop).
• Weeks 86–100: Defensive security (Splunk, ELK, incident response labs).

Milestone 2: Entry Security ✅

• Run scans, interpret results.
• Hack simple web apps (SQLi, XSS).
• Escalate privileges in Windows/Linux VMs.
• Write a basic buffer overflow exploit.

---

⚔️ Phase 2: Professional Skills (2–3 years | ~2,000 hrs)

Goal: Operate as a pentester, SOC analyst, or security engineer.

Structured Curriculum

• Weeks 101–120: Advanced exploitation (ROP Emporium, heap exploitation).
• Weeks 121–140: Active Directory exploitation (HackTheBox, BloodHound).
• Weeks 141–160: Blue team threat hunting (CyberDefenders, malware labs).
• Weeks 161–180: Cloud security (AWS/GCP IAM misconfigs, container escapes).
• Weeks 181–200: CTF competitions (DEFCON quals, picoCTF, HTB Pro Labs).

Milestone 3: Professional-Level ✅

• Lead a pentest with reporting.
• Analyze malware with Ghidra.
• Defend against phishing, malware, insider threats.
• Deploy & tune SIEMs.
• Secure cloud environments.

---

🏆 Phase 3: Senior / Expert (2–4 years | ~3,000 hrs)

Goal: Specialize, lead, and earn top-tier roles.

Structured Curriculum

• Specialize in Binary Exploitation, Cloud Security, Network Architecture, or Red/Blue Team Leadership.
• Study compliance & risk frameworks (ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, SOC 2).
• Earn advanced certs: OSCP → OSEP/OSEE → CISSP → CCNP/CCIE Security.
• Contribute to open-source, publish research, or lead teams.

Milestone 4: Senior/Expert ✅

• Design & audit enterprise networks.
• Lead red team engagements.
• Build APT-level detection rules.
• Write advanced exploits bypassing mitigations.
• Advise executives on compliance & strategy.

---

⏳ Time & Salary Progression

• Junior Analyst (0–2 yrs): $60k–90k
• Mid-Level (2–4 yrs): $90k–150k
• Senior Red/Blue Team (5+ yrs): $150k–300k
• Specialist/Architect (6+ yrs): $250k–500k
• Top 1% Expert (7+ yrs): $500k–1M+

---

🚀 How to Use This Roadmap

• Follow structured weeks if you want accountability.
• Use milestones to measure skill mastery.
• Expect ~6–8 years part-time or ~3–4 years full-time for senior expertise.
• Continuously learn: security evolves fast.

---

✅ With this roadmap, you can pace yourself week by week or milestone by milestone—and still know exactly where you stand on the journey to becoming a high-paid expert in network security.