These are the resources I point candidates to when they ask how to get job-ready in cybersecurity. I recruit in this market every week, so this list is based on what actually helps people get hired, not what pays the most.
Disclosure: links marked "partner" are affiliate links. If you buy through them I may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what I recommend.
Start with my own resources
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Cybersecurity Job-Ready Blueprint
My recruiter-backed plan for landing your first cyber role: 9 modules, 19 tools and templates, SOC, GRC and IAM project plans and a 90-day plan. If you only buy one thing on this page, make it this.
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Career Path Explorer
Not sure which cyber role suits you? Find the path that fits your background in a few minutes.
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1:1 with Luke
Want a recruiter to look at your situation personally? A Career Strategy Session or a Resume + LinkedIn Video Review.
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Discounts and tools I recommend to candidates. These are affiliate links.
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CyberDefenders CCDL1
Blue-team investigation labs and the Certified CyberDefender Level 1 certification. Great hands-on proof for SOC roles.
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Coursera certificates
Structured, self-paced courses from CompTIA, Google, Microsoft, IBM and ISC2. My link currently gives 40% off your first 3 months (Coursera sets the offer, so check the terms on their site).
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Pocket Prep
Practice exam questions for Security+ and other IT and cybersecurity certifications on your phone. Ideal for studying in short bursts.
Try Pocket PrepThe certification to get: CompTIA Security+
If you're breaking into cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+ is the gold standard. It's the certification I tell candidates to prioritise, and the one employers recognise straight away. Get Security+ first, then specialise.
- CompTIA Security+ Preparation on Coursera (partner): a structured course to prepare for the exam.
- Pocket Prep (partner): practice questions to test yourself before exam day.
- CompTIA exam vouchers: coming soon to my store.
- How it fits your plan: the Job-Ready Blueprint covers when to sit Security+ and which certs to leave until later.
More certificate courses on Coursera
All partner links. Useful foundations or next steps depending on your background:
- Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate: a guided introduction if you're coming from outside IT. A foundation, not a replacement for Security+.
- CompTIA Network+: if networking is your weak spot.
- Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate
- IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate
- ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity: a low-cost introduction, but not a substitute for Security+.
- Browse all Coursera courses
Build hands-on skills
- TryHackMe: the best place to start practising. Do the Pre Security and SOC Level 1 paths alongside your Security+ study.
- Hack The Box Academy: the next step once TryHackMe feels easy. Completed modules and write-ups make great talking points in interviews.
- CyberDefenders (partner, code LUKE for 10% off): realistic blue-team investigations for SOC candidates.
Practise good security yourself
- Proton Pass or 1Password: use a password manager. If you're going to work in security, start with your own accounts.
- YubiKey: a hardware security key for your email and important accounts. It's the easiest way to understand why employers care so much about MFA.
Prices and offers change. I review this list regularly and remove anything I stop recommending.