@hackthebox_official: Don't get us wrong, a degree is a great path if you have the time and budget! But it is definitely not the only way, and lack of funding shouldn’t stop you from breaking into cybersecurity If you are starting from zero in 2026, here is how to build practical skills with no budget: 1. Build Foundations Skip 10-hour passive lecture videos. Focus on hands-on fundamentals like networking, basic Linux, and how web applications work. You can find free beginner modules for all of these on HTB Academy to start practicing right in your browser from day one. 2. Explore Red vs. Blue Team Don't worry about picking a permanent career path yet. Try out both offensive (attacking) and defensive concepts to see which side actually clicks for you. 3. Practice & graduate at your own pace Start with guided step-by-step paths first. Once you've built real confidence with the basics, then you can move on to unguided targets in HTB Labs. 4. Keep a simple cheat sheet Documenting what you learn is one of the most efficient ways to retain technical concepts and build proof of your skills. Whether it's cheat sheets or digital notes, experiment to see what workflow fits you best! The key is keeping track of your problem-solving process as you go. Tap the link in bio to try your first free module on HTB Academy and hit follow for more beginner tips! #cybersecurity #infosec #hackthebox #cybersecurityforbeginners #techcareers