# Roadmap: Becoming a Cyber Specialist

#### **Strategic Roadmap to Becoming a Cybersecurity Specialist in Microsoft Cloud Security, Digital Forensics & Incident Response, and Information Security more broadly**

This roadmap is narrowly focused and assumes you are already at a professional level in cybersecurity. It aims to elevate your expertise primarily in Microsoft Cloud Security, Digital Forensics & Incident Response, and broader Information Security. The plan follows a structured approach, covering **learning, certifications, hands-on experience, projects, and professional development**.

Note: The plan is not for everyone; as you will see shortly, it's designed primarily for someone looking to grow in a predominantly Microsoft environment. Otherwise, adjust to meet your desired outcome.

***

### **Phase 1: Strengthen Core Knowledge & Skills (3-6 Months)**

Before diving deep, ensure you have a strong grasp of foundational security concepts, particularly those relevant to **cloud security, digital forensics, and incident response**.

#### **A. Microsoft Cloud Security**

* Deepen your understanding of **Microsoft Defender XDR (formerly M365 Defender)**, Sentinel, Defender for Cloud, and Entra ID (Azure AD).
* Study **Zero Trust Security** models and how they could or should be implemented.
* Learn about **Azure security architecture**, **Azure RBAC**, **conditional access, and** **KQL (Kusto Query Language)** for log analysis.
* **Action Items:**
  * Complete **Microsoft Learn** modules for Defender XDR, Sentinel, and Azure security.
  * Set up a **Microsoft 365 Developer Tenant** to practice with Defender XDR and Sentinel.
  * Review **Microsoft Security Best Practices** documentation.

#### **B. Cybersecurity Incident Response**

* Strengthen knowledge of **incident response frameworks** (NIST, SANS, MITRE ATT\&CK).
* Understand **threat intelligence**, **SOC processes**, and **SIEM use cases**.
* Learn **Microsoft Incident Response Playbooks** and **Security Operations Playbook**.
* **Action Items:**
  * Review **NIST 800-61 (Incident Response Guide)** and Microsoft’s **Security Operations Guide**.
  * Study **Microsoft Defender XDR incident response processes**.
  * Use **KQL** to write hunting queries in Microsoft Sentinel.

#### **C. Digital Forensics**

* Learn **memory forensics**, **disk forensics**, **network forensics**, and **cloud forensics**.
* Understand **Windows Event Logs**, **Sysmon**, **KQL-based log analysis**, and **Live Response in Defender XDR**.
* Gain expertise in **Velociraptor for endpoint forensics**.
* **Action Items:**
  * Study **Windows Forensics Artifacts** (registry, logs, ShimCache, Prefetch, AmCache, ShellBags, Jumplists, LNK Files, etc.).
  * Learn **Microsoft Defender for Endpoint’s forensic capabilities**.
  * Set up a **Velociraptor lab** and analyse forensic artifacts.

#### **D. Broader Information Security**

* Keep up with **security governance**, **risk management (GRC)**, and **compliance standards** (ISO 27001, NIST, CIS Controls).
* Study **secure architecture** and **cloud security frameworks** (CIS Benchmarks, Microsoft CAF).
* **Action Items:**
  * Read **Microsoft’s Security Development Lifecycle (SDL)** documentation.
  * Review **ISO 27001** and **NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)**.
  * Follow **CISA & Microsoft Security Blogs**.

***

### **Phase 2: Obtain Specialized Certifications (6-9 Months)**

Certifications validate your expertise and enhance your credibility.

#### **A. Microsoft Cloud Security Certifications**

✅ **Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)**\
✅ **Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)**\
✅ **Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100)**\
✅ **Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200)**\
✅ **Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300)**

**Action Items:**

* Use **Microsoft Learn** and **practice labs** for each exam.
* Take **Microsoft Exam Sandboxes** for hands-on experience.

#### **B. Incident Response & Digital Forensics Certifications**

✅ **GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)** – For Incident Response\
✅ **GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) / GCFE—**&#x46;or Digital Forensics\
✅ **Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect (SC-100)** – For Security Architecture

**Action Items:**

* Enrol in **SANS Microsoft or other industry-recognised training courses**.
* Use **hands-on labs (CyberDefenders, Blue Team Labs Online, Velociraptor)**.

#### **C. Broader Cybersecurity Certifications**

✅ **CISSP—**&#x46;or information security leadership\
✅ **Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)** – For cloud security expertise

**Action Items:**

* Study using **ISC2 materials & practice tests**.
* Gain practical exposure through **cloud security projects**.

***

### **Phase 3: Hands-On Experience & Lab Work (9-12 Months)**

To solidify knowledge, actively engage in **real-world scenarios**.

#### **A. Microsoft Cloud Security Labs**

* **Set up a Microsoft Sentinel Lab** and **Defender XDR environment**.
* Create **custom KQL queries** for threat hunting.
* Simulate **incident response workflows** (Defender XDR -> Sentinel -> Incident Handling).

#### **B. Digital Forensics Labs**

* Use **Velociraptor** to collect forensic artifacts.
* Analyse **Windows Event Logs, Sysmon, and PowerShell logs** for attack traces.
* Investigate **Azure AD logs for identity-based attacks**.

#### **C. Incident Response Scenarios**

* Simulate **business email compromise (BEC) investigations**.
* Conduct **lateral movement detection** using Defender XDR & Sentinel.
* Create **incident response playbooks** in Sentinel.

***

### **Phase 4: Advanced Projects & Research (12-18 Months)**

* Build an **Azure Threat Hunting Guide** using **Defender XDR & Sentinel**.
* Automate **incident response** using **Logic Apps & Sentinel Playbooks**.
* Research **Microsoft Cloud App Security (MCAS) for SaaS security**.
* Perform **threat modelling using STRIDE methodology**.

**Action Items:**

* Publish **blog posts or research papers** on **Microsoft Cloud Security**.
* Contribute to **GitHub SOC projects or Blue Team tools**.

***

### **Phase 5: Career Growth & Community Engagement (18+ Months)**

* Seek **Senior SOC, Incident Response, or Cloud Security Architect roles**.
* Speak at **cybersecurity conferences (BSides, Defcon, etc.).**
* Engage in s**ecurity tech communities & professional groups**.

**Action Items:**

* Mentor **junior cybersecurity professionals**.
* Continuously upskill with **new training and security developments**.

### **Final Summary**

| Phase | Focus Area          | Key Actions                                           | Timeframe        |
| ----- | ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ---------------- |
| **1** | Core Knowledge      | Learn Microsoft Cloud Security, IR, Digital Forensics | **3-6 months**   |
| **2** | Certifications      | Earn Microsoft & GIAC certifications                  | **6-9 months**   |
| **3** | Hands-on Experience | Set up labs, practice IR and forensics                | **9-12 months**  |
| **4** | Advanced Projects   | Build security tools, research                        | **12-18 months** |
| **5** | Career Growth       | Apply for senior roles, community involvement         | **18+ months**   |

### **Next Steps**

1. **Start with Microsoft Learn**—Complete SC-900 and AZ-500 training.
2. **Set Up a Lab—**&#x44;eploy **Microsoft Sentinel** and **Defender XDR** for hands-on practice.
3. **Join Cybersecurity Communities—**&#x45;ngage with the **Security Tech Community, LinkedIn, and cybersecurity forums**.
4. **Develop Practical Skills—**&#x49;nvestigate **real-world attacks**, **threat hunt with KQL**, and **analyse digital forensics artifacts**.
5. **Certify & Apply Knowledge—**&#x57;ork towards s**ecurity certifications** and contribute to **open-source projects**.

Following the roadmap, you will be well on your way to becoming a **specialist in Microsoft Cloud Security, Cybersecurity Incident Response, Digital Forensics, and broader Information Security.**
