I am interested in building a career in cybersecurity, especially as a cybersecurity analyst, but I am not sure where to start.

I come from a beginner background and would like to understand what foundational skills are actually required to enter this field. There is a lot of information available online, and it’s a bit confusing to decide what is important and what is not.

Specifically, I would like to know:

  • What technical skills are essential (networking, Linux, programming, etc.)?

  • Is coding mandatory for becoming a cybersecurity analyst?

  • Which tools should beginners start learning first?

  • How much time does it usually take to become job-ready?

  • Are certifications necessary for freshers?

I’m also curious to know if practical training or guided learning is better compared to self-learning.

Any clear roadmap or real-world advice from experienced professionals would be really helpful.