Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world, and more people than ever are looking to break into it. But with growth comes confusion—and if you’re just starting out, you’ve probably heard some common “truths” that don’t quite hold up.
In this post, we’ll bust some of the biggest cybersecurity myths in 2025 and show you how to start your journey the right way: with practical skills, confidence, and a clear path forward.
Myth 1: “You need to be a genius coder to work in cybersecurity.”
This is one of the most persistent myths. While programming can be useful in certain roles (like exploit development or automation), many cybersecurity careers don’t require deep coding knowledge.
- SOC analysts spend most of their time investigating alerts and writing reports.
- Penetration testers often use existing tools rather than writing exploits from scratch.
- Digital forensics specialists focus on gathering and analyzing evidence.
The truth: You don’t need to be a master coder to start. What you do need is problem-solving, curiosity, and hands-on practice.
👉 Not sure where to begin? Try the Pre Security Path, designed for absolute beginners with no prior technical knowledge.
Myth 2: “Cybersecurity is only about hacking into systems.”
Hollywood has taught us to picture hoodies, dark rooms, and fast typing. In reality, cybersecurity is a wide field.
- Red Team: Offensive roles like penetration testing.
- Blue Team: Defensive roles, monitoring and protecting systems.
- Incident Response and Forensics: Investigating breaches after they occur.
The truth: Cybersecurity isn’t just about breaking in—it’s also about defending, analyzing, and preventing. And every role matters.
👉 Explore the variety of cybersecurity career paths in 2025 to see which path fits your skills and goals.
Myth 3: “You need a degree or expensive bootcamp to get started.”
It’s true that degrees and bootcamps can open doors—but they’re not the only way. In fact, many employers are shifting toward skills-based hiring. If you can demonstrate that you can solve problems and apply your knowledge in practical environments, you’ll stand out.
The truth: Affordable, hands-on platforms like TryHackMe let you build real experience for a fraction of the cost of bootcamps (which often run into the thousands of dollars—see Cybersecurity Guide for examples).
👉 Check out our pricing page to see how you can start learning today for less than the price of a streaming subscription.
Myth 4: “Cybersecurity is too advanced for beginners.”
Many people believe cybersecurity is an elite field reserved for experts. The reality? Everyone starts somewhere. Thousands of learners come to TryHackMe every month with zero background in IT—and many go on to land jobs in security.
- You can begin with fundamentals like Windows and Linux.
- You can progress into structured learning paths like SOC Level 1 or Jr Penetration Tester.
The truth: Cybersecurity is learnable, step by step. With structured paths and supportive communities, you don’t need to feel overwhelmed.
How to Start Right in 2025
If you want to break into cybersecurity this year, skip the myths and focus on what actually works:
- Start small – build a foundation in networking and operating systems.
- Learn by doing – hands-on labs are more effective than endless theory.
- Pick a path – red team, blue team, or forensics—choose an area and go deep.
- Keep practicing – cybersecurity changes quickly; staying curious is your biggest asset.
Kickstart Your Cybersecurity Journey Today
Cybersecurity isn’t just for elite hackers or computer science graduates. It’s for anyone with curiosity, problem-solving skills, and the determination to learn. By avoiding the myths and starting with the right approach, you can build real skills—and a real career—in 2025.
