Start Here: Decoded Security Roadmap

Confused about cybersecurity careers or certifications? This guide helps you start, choose the right path, and move faster toward your first or next role in cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity is one of the best career opportunities today.

But starting is confusing.

Too many roles.
Too many certifications.
Too many opinions online.

Decoded Security exists to make cybersecurity understandable and help you move forward faster.

Here you’ll find practical guidance, career insights, and learning resources that help you:

• Break into cybersecurity

• Choose the right career path

• Prepare for interviews and certifications

• Understand complex topics in plain English

• Connect with others entering the field

Who Is Decoded Security For?

Decoded Security helps:

✅ People trying to break into cybersecurity
✅ Professionals preparing for their first cybersecurity job
✅ Software developers switching to cybersecurity
✅ Certification candidates (CC, Security+, CISSP and others)
✅ Anyone wanting practical cybersecurity knowledge without academic fluff

Where should I start?

Your starting point depends on your goal. Here are recommended entry points.

If you’re new to cybersecurity

Start with Foundation:

1. Threat ≠ Risk ≠ Vulnerability: Why CISSP Basics Matter More Than You Think

2. My First Week of CISSP Prep – What I’ve Learned So Far

3. Security Policies, Standards, and Procedures: The Boring Stuff That Actually Saves You

4. Cybersecurity Controls from Zero to Hero

If you're a software developer switching careers

Avoid starting from zero:

1. 5 Specific Steps For Software Developers To Get a Job in Cybersecurity In 6 Months Without Starting Over

2. How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Role Before You Waste Time and Money on the Wrong Certifications

3. Why good engineers fail the CISSP exam - and managers don’t

If you want your first cybersecurity job

Prepare smarter:

1. 3 Things You Need To Know For Your First Cybersecurity Interview

2. 6 Myths That Are Killing Corporate Cybersecurity

3. How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Role Before You Waste Time and Money on the Wrong Certifications

If you're preparing for certifications

Useful for CC, Security+, CISSP and similar exams:

1. The 8 Security Principles Every CISSP Candidate Thinks They Understand (Until They Don’t)

2. 15+ Laws Every CISSP Candidate Must Know: The Only Legal Guide You Need

3. GDPR Explained: The Privacy Law That Follows Your Data Everywhere

4. The Final Goodbye: How to Dispose Data So It Never Comes Back

These are just starting points. Explore and follow topics that match your goals!

Who am I?

I’m Erich, a CISSP-certified Cybersecurity Manager.

One of my biggest accomplishments is becoming a Cybersecurity Manager at 26 for an international company.

However, like most people, I didn’t start my career in cybersecurity with a perfect roadmap.

I used to be a Software Developer, having no idea how to break into such a complex field.

But over time, I started noticing patterns, and now that I know both sides of the hiring process, I am sharing my insights on how to speed up your career.

And now, I have decided to write about this journey and share things I wish I had known at the beginning.

And no, you don’t need a master’s degree for that.

Learn more here.

Decoded Security Story

It’s been almost a year since I started this newsletter. Over time, I have published 60+ articles on cybersecurity topics, from the basics to advanced concepts.

But I didn’t stop there, I started sharing the insights that helped me become a cybersecurity manager at 26 years old - interview tips, frequent interview topics, and specific advice I wish I knew a couple of years back.

Once people started asking questions, I decided to help even more. I started creating quizzes, templates, and actionable checklists to help you solve the challenges people in cybersecurity face.

What happens if I subscribe to Decoded Security?

Decoded Security is primarily a free newsletter.

Free Subscription

• 1 - 2 articles a week directly to your inbox about the following topics:

  • Cybersecurity concepts that you need to know to get your first job in cybersecurity

  • Complex cybersecurity topics in plain English

  • Certification and interview tips

  • Real-world insights from the world of cybersecurity

• Various discounts on Decoded Security products

• Cybersecurity quizzes where you can test your knowledge

• Access to the Subscriber’s chat where I answer all your questions.

Paid Subscription

• Access to an exclusive Discord Community

• 50% discount on all Decoded Security products

• Free and early access to selected resources

Decoded Security Materials

I’ve created ebooks, templates, quizzes, and roadmaps to help people move faster in cybersecurity careers.

You can find all materials here:

• Gumroad

• Quiz hub

Let’s connect

If you want to collaborate, discuss, or just geek out over virtualization and cloud security, reach out to me:

• Email: erich.winkler@decodedsecurity.com

• LinkedIn: Erich Winkler

• Gumroad community: Decoded Security

Enjoyed this article? Like it or drop a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions!

Let’s learn and grow together!