How to Learn Cybersecurity from Scratch in Nigeria

Cybersecurity is one of the most lucrative and high-demand tech skills in Nigeria today. With the increasing rate of cyber threats, data breaches, and online fraud, businesses and individuals are actively looking for cybersecurity experts to protect their digital assets. If you’re interested in a tech career that offers job security, high salaries, and global opportunities, cybersecurity is a great choice.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about learning cybersecurity from scratch in Nigeria, including essential skills, learning resources, certifications, and career opportunities.

Why Learn Cybersecurity in Nigeria?

1. High Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals

Nigeria is witnessing a rise in cyber threats, making cybersecurity professionals more valuable than ever. Banks, fintech companies, government agencies, and private organizations all need skilled experts to safeguard their data.

2. Lucrative Salary Opportunities

Cybersecurity jobs in Nigeria offer competitive salaries. Entry-level professionals earn between ₦300,000 – ₦700,000 per month, while experienced specialists can earn over ₦1.5 million per month.

Also Read: what laptop is good for cybersecurity

3. Global Career Prospects

Cybersecurity is an international field, meaning you can work remotely for foreign companies or migrate to countries with high cybersecurity demands, such as the US, UK, and Canada.

4. Freelance and Remote Job Opportunities

With skills in cybersecurity, you can work as a freelance ethical hacker, security consultant, or penetration tester on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.

Step-by-Step Guide to Learning Cybersecurity from Scratch

Step 1: Understand the Basics of Cybersecurity

Before diving deep, it’s essential to understand what cybersecurity entails. Here are key areas:

• Network Security – Protecting computer networks from cyber threats.
• Information Security – Securing data from unauthorized access.
• Ethical Hacking – Legally testing systems for vulnerabilities.
• Penetration Testing – Simulating cyberattacks to identify security weaknesses.
• Cryptography – Protecting information using encryption techniques.
• Incident Response – Handling and mitigating cyberattacks.

Recommended Free Resources to Get Started:

• Cybrary (https://www.cybrary.it) – Free cybersecurity courses.
• Cisco Networking Academy (https://www.netacad.com) – Free IT and security training.
• YouTube Channels:
  • NetworkChuck
  • The Cyber Mentor
  • HackerSploit

Step 2: Learn Basic IT & Networking Skills

Also Read: Top 5 Paying Tech Skills In Nigeria in 2025

Cybersecurity professionals need a solid understanding of networking and operating systems. Start by learning:

• Networking Fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, Firewalls, etc.)
• Operating Systems (Linux, Windows, and MacOS security)
• Command Line Basics (Linux terminal and Windows PowerShell)

Recommended Certifications for Beginners:

• CompTIA Network+ (Basics of networking)
• CompTIA Security+ (Fundamentals of cybersecurity)

Best Platforms to Learn Networking:

• Cisco Packet Tracer (Free networking simulator)
• Udemy courses on CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
• Cybrary’s Free Networking Fundamentals Course

Step 3: Learn Cybersecurity Tools & Techniques

Once you understand networking, move on to learning the tools used in cybersecurity, such as:

• Kali Linux – A penetration testing OS with hacking tools.
• Wireshark – A network protocol analyzer.
• Metasploit – A tool for penetration testing.
• Nmap – Used for network scanning.
• Burp Suite – A web vulnerability scanner.

Practice Hands-On Using These Platforms:

• TryHackMe (https://www.tryhackme.com) – Interactive cybersecurity challenges.
• Hack The Box (https://www.hackthebox.com) – Advanced hacking labs.
• OverTheWire (https://overthewire.org) – Cybersecurity wargames for practice.

Step 4: Get Certified

Certifications boost your credibility and make you job-ready. Here are top cybersecurity certifications:

Beginner Certifications:

• CompTIA Security+ – Good for entry-level cybersecurity jobs.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – Focuses on penetration testing.

Advanced Certifications:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – For senior-level roles.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) – For penetration testers.

Where to Take Certification Exams in Nigeria:

• New Horizons Nigeria – Offers cybersecurity training and certification exams.
• NIIT Nigeria – Provides IT security courses.
• Pearson VUE Centers – International testing centers in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

Step 5: Build Hands-on Experience

To land a cybersecurity job, you need practical experience. Here’s how you can gain experience:

• Internships – Apply for internships at IT security firms, banks, and government agencies.
• Freelancing – Offer penetration testing services on Fiverr, Upwork, or LinkedIn.
• Capture The Flag (CTF) Competitions – Participate in hacking competitions.
• Contribute to Open-Source Projects – Join GitHub repositories on cybersecurity.

Job Opportunities in Cybersecurity in Nigeria

1. Cybersecurity Analyst

• Role: Monitor systems for threats and prevent cyberattacks.
• Salary: ₦500K – ₦1M/month.

2. Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)

• Role: Test security systems by simulating cyberattacks.
• Salary: ₦600K – ₦1.5M/month.

3. Security Consultant

• Role: Advise companies on best security practices.
• Salary: ₦700K – ₦2M/month.

4. Incident Responder

• Role: Investigate and respond to cybersecurity breaches.
• Salary: ₦500K – ₦1.2M/month.

5. Cloud Security Engineer

• Role: Protect cloud-based systems.
• Salary: ₦800K – ₦2M/month.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is a rewarding career path that offers job security, high salaries, and global opportunities. To succeed, follow these steps:

1. Learn the Basics – Understand cybersecurity concepts.
2. Master Networking & IT Skills – Get foundational knowledge.
3. Practice with Cybersecurity Tools – Use platforms like TryHackMe.
4. Get Certified – Earn globally recognized credentials.
5. Gain Hands-on Experience – Work on real-world security projects.

If you’re serious about cybersecurity, start today! Invest in a good laptop, enrol in online courses, and practice consistently.

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