skill-based roadmap · Security
Web Security Roadmap
A structured path from zero to job-ready in web security, covering foundational networking, common vulnerabilities, secure coding, penetration testing techniques, and professional tooling used in the industry.
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1. Stage 1: Foundations
How the Web Works
Understanding HTTP/HTTPS is essential before attacking or defending it.
Networking Basics
TCP/IP and DNS underpin every web security concept.
Linux Command Line Basics
Most security tools run on Linux; CLI fluency is mandatory.
Basic Web Technologies (HTML, JS, HTTP)
You must understand what you protect before securing it.
2. Stage 2: Core Security Concepts
OWASP Top 10
The industry-standard list of the most critical web vulnerabilities.
Authentication & Authorization
Broken auth is a top cause of real-world breaches.
Cryptography Fundamentals
TLS, hashing, and encryption are core to secure web apps.
Security Headers & CORS
Misconfigured headers expose apps to XSS and data theft.
3. Stage 3: Common Vulnerabilities In Depth
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
XSS is one of the most pervasive web vulnerabilities to learn.
SQL Injection
SQLi can expose entire databases; fundamental to web security.
CSRF, SSRF & Clickjacking
Client-side and server-side request forgeries are widely exploited.
Insecure Deserialization & File Upload Flaws
These enable remote code execution in many real-world apps.
4. Stage 4: Tools & Practical Testing
Burp Suite
The de-facto tool for manual web application penetration testing.
OWASP ZAP
Free, open-source web app scanner used by security professionals.
Nmap & Recon Tools
Reconnaissance is the first step in every security assessment.
CTF Practice Platforms
Hands-on labs build real skill faster than theory alone.
5. Stage 5: Secure Development & DevSecOps
Secure Coding Practices
Preventing vulnerabilities at code level is cheaper than patching.
Dependency & Supply Chain Security
Vulnerable third-party packages are a major modern attack vector.
SAST & DAST in CI/CD
Automating security scans catches issues before production deployment.
Container & Cloud Security Basics
Most apps run on containers and cloud; misconfigs are common breaches.
6. Stage 6: Advanced Attack Techniques
Advanced XSS & DOM-Based Attacks
Bypassing filters and CSP is a key skill for senior testers.
OAuth 2.0 & JWT Vulnerabilities
Flaws in modern auth flows are widespread and highly impactful.
API Security Testing
APIs are the new attack surface; REST and GraphQL both have unique flaws.
Business Logic Vulnerabilities
Logic flaws bypass security controls and are hard to auto-detect.
7. Stage 7: Career Preparation
Bug Bounty Hunting
Real-world bug finding builds portfolio evidence for employers.
Security Certifications
Certs like CEH and OSCP are recognized hiring signals in the field.
Writing Security Reports
Clear, professional reports are essential for pen-testers and bug bounty.
Building a Security Portfolio
Documented projects and CVEs prove skill better than a resume alone.