Getting into tech isn’t always easy, especially in cybersecurity. A lot of people ask: Where do I start? What steps should I take?
So, instead of guessing, we asked a few cybersecurity professionals to share how they got started and what advice they would give to anyone trying to break in. Their answers are practical and super encouraging.
Here’s what they said:
ABEL ARDO DAWHA, founder and CEO of CFE Consultancy Services
Well, it all started with the desire to learn a tech skill because the way the world is rapidly evolving, a skill, especially in tech, will help you effectively adapt to the evolving landscape. After many trials and errors in different fields, I finally stumbled upon Cybersecurity, and since that day, it has been a journey from one fun adventure to another.
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My advice to anyone starting in cybersecurity is that it will be overwhelming and you will be confused because it’s a vast field, but remember why you got into Cybersecurity. Align with what suits your strengths, and last but not least do not be afraid to seek advice from people who have gone ahead of you in the field. Also, upskill and adapt. Your adaptability will be key. Wishing you much success on this journey.
FELIX EGBUCHIEM, Cybersecurity Analyst at House of Heroes
My journey began with curiosity, but it became personal when my Facebook account and that of my friends were hacked. Refusing to give up, I taught myself how to recover them, and that success lit a fire in me. It turned frustration into passion, and passion into purpose, pushing me to pursue structured learning, certifications, and a career in cybersecurity.
My advice for those looking to get into tech or cybersecurity is to stay curious, start small, and never stop learning. Master the basics, practice hands-on skills, and connect with communities and mentors. Every challenge you face will sharpen you because, in cybersecurity, consistency and resilience are the real keys to success.
MARVELOUS CHINWENDU, CFA Research National Finalist at CFA Institute
Deciding to start learning with the few resources I had was my turning point. Even with limited mentorship and challenges in Nigeria, I stayed consistent with coding, exploring cybersecurity, and building small projects. That decision set me firmly on this path.
This is my advice to anyone starting a career in cybersecurity today: Start small, stay consistent, and be curious. Learn the basics, practice through projects, join online communities, and don’t be afraid of mistakes. With persistence, opportunities will come.
ISRAEL GREAT MIND JOSHUA, Cybersecurity Educator at Sochol Tech
The turning point for me was realising how central security is to every aspect of technology. I initially started in general IT, but a strong curiosity about how systems could be protected (and sometimes exploited) pushed me to specialise. The decision to commit to continuous learning through hands-on labs, certifications, and community engagement was the key step that shaped my path.
This is my advice for someone starting a career in cybersecurity today. Cybersecurity is broad, so start by building strong foundations in networking, operating systems, and security basics. Once you have that, pick a niche (Blue Team, Red Team, Governance/Risk/Compliance, etc.) that excites you. Most importantly, learn by doing set up labs, participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges, and contribute to open communities. Stay curious, be consistent, and never stop practising.
ABDULRAHMAN AKANBI, CEO, PHD Researcher, Cybersecurity Visionary at Sycom Solutions
The one key step or decision that led me into cybersecurity/tech, I didn’t start out in cybersecurity; I began as an IT support technician, moved into database administration, then into audit, before navigating my way into security risk management. The turning point was realising that every role I’d taken touched on one truth: without security, all the tech in the world can collapse. That’s when I made the decision to fully dedicate myself to cybersecurity, and it’s been the most rewarding path.
My advice for someone starting a career in cybersecurity today is you don’t need a computer science degree or even an IT-related background to start. What matters is curiosity, persistence, and the willingness to learn continuously. Begin with the basics, get hands-on quickly, and focus on solving real problems rather than just chasing certifications. Build your network, stay adaptable, and remember: the industry values people who can think critically and act responsibly. If you do that, opportunities will find you.
MUHAMMAD NABEEL USMAN, Msc, MPhil, PHD in view, Cybersecurity Specialist
As for cybersecurity and tech, what actually motivates my journey often involves a combination of curiosity, passion, and strategic decisions. Here are a few key steps or decisions that led me into a career in cybersecurity: Early Interest in Technology, Hands-on Experience, Mentorship and Guidance, Continuous Learning, Education and Training.
Here are some pieces of advice for tech enthusiasts: Stay curious, build a strong foundation, practice hands-on, network and collaborate, stay updated, focus on problem-solving, be adaptable, prioritise security, contribute to the community, balance technical skills with soft skills, pursue certifications and continuous learning, experiment and innovate, understand the impact of tech, build a personal brand, and seek mentorship.
CHISOM OBINNA, Cybersecurity Analyst at Cyblack, Cycafe
A family friend referral got me into an introductory Cisco course, which opened the door to a hands-on internship. That practical exposure, real labs, mentorship, and the chance to solve actual problems changed my interest in cybersecurity from curiosity into a career path for me.
My advice for someone starting today is to begin with the fundamentals: networking, Linux/Windows internals, and basic scripting. Pair study with hands-on practice. TryHackMe is a good platform to practice. Build a public portfolio to document learnings (GitHub writeups, Medium blog). Also, network with like-minded individuals in the industry, because there’s this saying that one’s network is their networth. Certifications (CompTIA Security+, SC-200, CySA+) can help open doors, but consistent practical experience and clear, documented projects will get you noticed.
MICHAEL ORID, Cybersecurity GRC at ZAHTECH LIMITED
I’ve always been drawn to technology because of its potential to shape the future. My journey into cybersecurity started from my experience as an auditor. Working in audit allowed me to understand organisational processes and risk management, which naturally led me to explore IT audit and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). That transition made it easier to bridge my auditing skills with the technical and security-focused aspects of cybersecurity.
My advice to young tech enthusiasts is this: your journey doesn’t have to start with coding or complex tools. Build on the skills you already have, and let them guide you into tech. Every experience can become your stepping stone.
IFEOLUWA OLUJOBI, Cybersecurity Engineer at eProcess Consulting Limited
One key step/decision that got me into cybersecurity/tech. I stopped procrastinating and just started doing. I paid for my Security+ exam but delayed writing it for almost a year, partly out of fear of failure. Eventually, I realised you have to keep pushing for your best self. The key is to become a better version of who you were yesterday.
Advice for someone starting a cybersecurity career today. Start small but be consistent. Build hands-on skills (using free resources, labs, and open-source tools), earn at least one entry-level certification to validate your knowledge, and connect with communities. Networking can open doors faster than you imagine. Don’t wait to know it all before applying for opportunities; start now and grow along the way.
Curated by Amina Tahir