Roadmap to Becoming a Cybersecurity 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.

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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.

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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—For 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—For 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.

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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.

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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.

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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 security 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—Deploy Microsoft Sentinel and Defender XDR for hands-on practice.

3. Join Cybersecurity Communities—Engage with the Security Tech Community, LinkedIn, and cybersecurity forums.

4. Develop Practical Skills—Investigate real-world attacks, threat hunt with KQL, and analyse digital forensics artifacts.

5. Certify & Apply Knowledge—Work towards security 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.