The first two weeks of your journey lay the groundwork for your cybersecurity career. You'll start by diving into the core principles of cybersecurity, including the CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability) and basic risk assessment. As you progress, you'll explore networking fundamentals, gaining a deep understanding of the OSI Model, TCP/IP, DNS, and DHCP – crucial knowledge for any cybersecurity professional.

A significant portion of this period will be dedicated to mastering key cybersecurity tools like Wireshark and Nmap. You'll learn to capture and analyze network packets, identifying patterns and potential security threats. By the end of week 2, you'll be comfortable setting up basic firewalls and understanding the fundamentals of Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS).

In weeks 3-4, you'll transition from foundational knowledge to more advanced topics, focusing on vulnerability assessment and incident response. You'll start by exploring the basics of vulnerability assessment, learning about different types of vulnerabilities, assessment techniques, and the vulnerability lifecycle. This knowledge will be put into practice as you dive into using OpenVAS, a powerful open-source vulnerability scanner.

The second half of this period will be dedicated to incident response and threat modeling. You'll study the NIST Incident Response Framework, understanding its four critical phases: Preparation, Detection, Containment, and Recovery. Additionally, you'll get hands-on experience with log analysis and intrusion detection using tools like Splunk, learning to identify Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) and suspicious patterns in system logs.

Weeks 5-6 shift your focus to the critical realm of cloud security and compliance. You'll begin by exploring the fundamentals of cloud security, including the shared responsibility model and Identity and Access Management (IAM) in cloud environments. Diving deeper, you'll gain hands-on experience with AWS security features, learning to set up IAM users, configure secure S3 buckets, and implement effective security group rules.

The latter part of this period is dedicated to understanding key compliance frameworks such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR. You'll learn how these regulatory requirements impact organizational security practices and data protection strategies. By the end of week 6, you'll be proficient in implementing IAM best practices, including role-based access control and the principle of least privilege in cloud environments.

Weeks 7-8 delve into the exciting world of threat hunting and malware analysis. You'll start by learning the fundamentals of threat hunting, including understanding Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) used by adversaries. A significant portion of this period will be dedicated to mastering the MITRE ATT&CK framework, an essential tool for mapping and understanding cyber threats.

The second half focuses on malware analysis basics. You'll set up safe analysis environments using tools like REMnux or FLARE VM, and practice both static and dynamic analysis techniques on benign malware samples. Additionally, you'll develop skills in basic anomaly detection using Python, writing scripts to analyze datasets and flag unusual patterns or activities.

Weeks 9-10 focus on advanced network security concepts and final interview preparation. You'll explore sophisticated topics like network segmentation, advanced firewall configurations, and Zero Trust models. Practical exercises include setting up and configuring Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) using tools like Snort, and gaining hands-on experience with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools such as Splunk.

The latter part of this period is dedicated to comprehensive review and interview preparation. You'll compile summaries of all key concepts and tools studied over the past eight weeks, creating study guides and flashcards. This review will encompass network security, IDS, SIEM, and incident response, ensuring you're well-prepared for technical interviews. Additionally, you'll practice answering both technical and behavioral interview questions, honing your ability to clearly communicate your knowledge and experiences.

The final two weeks of your journey focus on refining your skills, conducting intensive mock interviews, and finalizing your professional portfolio. You'll start by reviewing and deepening your knowledge in key areas such as threat hunting, malware analysis, network security, SIEM, and compliance. This period includes targeted practice exercises and troubleshooting scenarios to sharpen your problem-solving skills and logical thinking.

A significant portion of this time will be dedicated to interview preparation. You'll practice answering both technical and behavioral questions using the STAR method, ensuring you can effectively communicate your expertise and experiences. You'll also polish your portfolio, refining your projects with advanced configurations or additional data analysis, and creating detailed documentation that showcases your skills to potential employers.

As you complete this intensive 90-day journey, you're now equipped with a robust set of skills, practical experience, and industry knowledge to launch your career as a Cyber Security Analyst. You've mastered fundamental concepts, gained hands-on experience with essential tools, and developed expertise in critical areas such as threat hunting, incident response, and cloud security. Your portfolio showcases your ability to handle real-world cybersecurity challenges, setting you apart in the job market.

Remember, the cybersecurity field is ever-evolving, and continuous learning is key to long-term success. Stay curious, keep refining your skills, and stay updated with the latest trends and threats. Leverage the network you've built during this journey, engage with the cybersecurity community, and don't hesitate to seek mentorship as you grow in your career. With your dedication and the comprehensive skills you've acquired, you're well-positioned to make a significant impact in the world of cybersecurity. Good luck on your exciting new career path!