This plan spans exactly 8 weeks, with each week having 7 structured days of study. Tasks, goals, and study methods are clearly defined to ensure progress aligns with the objectives.

Week 1: Foundations of Cybersecurity (Days 1–7)

Objective: Build a strong foundational understanding of cybersecurity concepts, networking basics, and cryptography.

• Day 1: Overview of the SY0-701 Exam

  • Task: Study the SY0-701 exam objectives and outline key domains.
  • Study Method: Create a mind map of the four major domains, highlighting your strengths and weaknesses.

• Day 2: Cybersecurity Basics

  • Task: Learn the CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) and types of attacks (malware, phishing, social engineering).
  • Study Method: Watch introductory cybersecurity videos and create flashcards for common terms.

• Day 3: Networking Fundamentals

  • Task: Study IP addressing, OSI model layers, ports, and protocols (e.g., DNS, HTTP).
  • Study Method: Use a network simulation tool (Packet Tracer) to visualize data flow.

• Day 4: Cryptography Essentials

  • Task: Understand encryption (symmetric vs. asymmetric), hashing (SHA-256, MD5), and PKI basics.
  • Study Method: Experiment with tools like CyberChef to hash and encrypt sample data.

• Day 5: Flashcard Review and Practice Quiz

  • Task: Reinforce Days 1–4 material using flashcards and take a short quiz.
  • Study Method: Apply the spaced repetition technique to review weak areas.

• Day 6: Hands-On Networking and Cryptography Labs

  • Task: Set up a virtual lab to practice secure data transfer and network configurations.
  • Study Method: Use TryHackMe or a home lab to practice.

• Day 7: Weekly Review

  • Task: Summarize the week’s learning in notes and take a mini-practice test.
  • Study Method: Use the Pomodoro Technique for focused revision sessions.

Week 2: Security Posture Assessment (Days 8–14)

Objective: Understand how to assess, classify, and secure an organization’s assets.

• Day 8: Asset Discovery

  • Task: Study tools for discovering hardware, software, and data assets.
  • Study Method: Write a sample asset inventory with sensitivity classifications.

• Day 9: Asset Classification

  • Task: Learn how to categorize assets by importance and sensitivity (public, internal, confidential).
  • Study Method: Create a mock classification chart for a small business.

• Day 10: Vulnerability Management

  • Task: Study tools like Nessus, Qualys, and CVSS scoring for vulnerability prioritization.
  • Study Method: Perform a mock vulnerability scan in a virtual lab.

• Day 11: Security Baselines

  • Task: Study configuration review processes, such as disabling default accounts and enforcing strong passwords.
  • Study Method: Practice applying baseline settings in a test environment.

• Day 12: Risk Assessment Techniques

  • Task: Learn to build risk matrices and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Study Method: Write a sample risk management plan for a hypothetical organization.

• Day 13: Hands-On Labs

  • Task: Perform vulnerability assessments and apply baseline configurations in a virtual lab.
  • Study Method: Use TryHackMe or Cybersecurity Virtual Labs.

• Day 14: Weekly Review

  • Task: Revise all Week 2 topics and take a practice quiz.
  • Study Method: Use spaced repetition and focus on correcting weak areas.

Week 3: Hybrid Environment Security (Days 15–21)

Objective: Master securing cloud, mobile, IoT, and OT environments.

• Day 15: Cloud Security Basics

  • Task: Study shared responsibility models and cloud threats (misconfigurations, API abuse).
  • Study Method: Watch cloud security tutorials and write a summary.

• Day 16: Mobile Device Security

  • Task: Learn risks (lost devices, unauthorized apps) and solutions (MDM, encryption).
  • Study Method: Use a case study to understand mobile device threats.

• Day 17: IoT Device Security

  • Task: Study IoT-specific threats (default passwords, outdated firmware) and segmentation.
  • Study Method: Write a security strategy for IoT devices in a smart home.

• Day 18: OT Security

  • Task: Study SCADA systems and physical isolation strategies for operational technology.
  • Study Method: Review case studies of OT breaches (e.g., Stuxnet).

• Day 19: Review Hybrid Environment Security

  • Task: Take a quiz on cloud, IoT, and OT security.
  • Study Method: Revise flashcards and lab configurations.

• Day 20–21: Hands-On Labs

  • Task: Practice securing a hybrid environment (cloud, IoT, mobile).
  • Study Method: Use labs like TryHackMe to apply what you’ve learned.

Week 4: Governance, Risk, and Compliance (Days 22–28)

Objective: Understand major regulations (GDPR, HIPAA) and governance frameworks (COBIT, ISO 27001).

• Day 22: GDPR and CCPA

  • Task: Study principles like data privacy and breach notifications.
  • Study Method: Write examples of GDPR and CCPA compliance challenges.

• Day 23: HIPAA and SOX

  • Task: Study healthcare and financial data protection requirements.
  • Study Method: Write compliance strategies for a healthcare organization.

• Day 24: Governance Frameworks

  • Task: Study COBIT and ISO 27001 and their implementation.
  • Study Method: Create a sample ISMS policy for an organization.

• Day 25: Risk Management

  • Task: Practice building risk matrices and mitigation strategies.
  • Study Method: Use real-world scenarios to apply risk management concepts.

• Day 26: Hands-On Labs

  • Task: Apply risk assessments in a simulated environment.
  • Study Method: Use labs to create and implement security policies.

• Day 27–28: Review Governance Topics

  • Task: Revise regulations, frameworks, and risk management techniques.
  • Study Method: Take a focused quiz on governance and compliance.

Week 5: Incident Response and Detection (Days 29–35)

Objective: Develop a deep understanding of the incident handling lifecycle, detection methods, and response strategies.

Day 29: Understanding Incident Detection

• Task: Study how incidents are detected in enterprise environments.
• Detailed Description: Focus on the role of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools in detecting anomalies. Learn how to identify Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) such as unusual traffic, failed login attempts, and unauthorized access.
• Study Method: Watch tutorials on Splunk or QRadar to understand how logs are monitored and alerts are triggered. Practice identifying anomalies in sample log files.

Day 30: Incident Categorization and Documentation

• Task: Learn to categorize security incidents and document findings.
• Detailed Description: Study common incident types (e.g., malware, phishing, DDoS) and how to classify them by severity and impact. Practice creating detailed incident documentation, including timelines and affected systems.
• Study Method: Analyze case studies of major incidents to identify patterns. Write a mock incident report for a simulated breach.

Day 31: Incident Containment Strategies

• Task: Explore containment methods for various incidents.
• Detailed Description: Learn how to isolate infected systems, restrict access, and prevent the spread of malware. Study best practices for handling ransomware and advanced persistent threats (APTs).
• Study Method: Use a virtual lab to simulate isolating a compromised endpoint and restoring it safely.

Day 32: Incident Recovery Techniques

• Task: Focus on restoring normal operations after an incident.
• Detailed Description: Study how to recover data using backups, patch vulnerabilities, and strengthen defenses to prevent recurrence. Learn how to verify system integrity before reintroducing it to the network.
• Study Method: Practice recovering data from backups in a simulated environment. Document lessons learned.

Day 33: Post-Incident Review

• Task: Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for incidents.
• Detailed Description: Study how to identify the root cause of an incident, evaluate gaps in security controls, and recommend improvements. Learn how to communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Study Method: Write a detailed RCA report for a sample incident and outline recommendations for improvement.

Day 34–35: Review and Practice Incident Handling

• Task: Revise the entire incident response lifecycle.
• Detailed Description: Consolidate knowledge of detection, analysis, response, recovery, and post-incident review. Take a practice quiz on incident response concepts.
• Study Method: Use spaced repetition to review flashcards. Practice handling incidents in a lab environment.

Week 6: Incident Response (Advanced) and Governance Review (Days 36–42)

Objective: Deepen understanding of advanced incident response techniques and review governance topics from Week 4.

Day 36: Advanced Incident Detection

• Task: Explore advanced detection methods, including behavioral analysis and threat intelligence.
• Detailed Description: Study how to use tools like UEBA (User and Entity Behavior Analytics) to detect anomalies. Focus on using threat intelligence feeds to anticipate potential attacks.
• Study Method: Use Splunk or a similar tool to analyze user behavior and identify suspicious patterns.

Day 37: Advanced Incident Recovery

• Task: Study advanced recovery scenarios, such as mitigating data breaches and rebuilding compromised systems.
• Detailed Description: Learn how organizations respond to large-scale incidents, including legal and regulatory considerations.
• Study Method: Review real-world case studies of breach recovery (e.g., Equifax breach) and discuss strategies.

Day 38: Governance Review – Frameworks and Policies

• Task: Revisit COBIT, ISO 27001, and related governance frameworks.
• Detailed Description: Focus on how these frameworks guide policy creation, align security with business goals, and manage risk.
• Study Method: Create a sample security policy for an organization using ISO 27001 guidelines.

Day 39: Governance Review – Compliance Regulations

• Task: Review regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX.
• Detailed Description: Study key compliance requirements, including data privacy, breach notifications, and audit trails.
• Study Method: Write compliance checklists for specific regulations (e.g., GDPR checklist for data processors).

Day 40: Governance and Incident Response Quiz

• Task: Take a comprehensive quiz on governance, risk, and incident response.
• Detailed Description: Test your understanding of Week 4 and Week 6 topics.
• Study Method: Use practice questions to identify weak areas and revisit those topics.

Day 41–42: Hands-On Practice

• Task: Apply governance and incident response concepts in labs.
• Detailed Description: Simulate responding to incidents and aligning security policies with compliance requirements.
• Study Method: Use virtual labs (e.g., TryHackMe, CompTIA Labs).

Week 7: Full-Length Practice Tests (Days 43–49)

Objective: Build exam confidence by taking full-length practice tests and reinforcing weak areas.

Day 43: Full-Length Practice Test 1

• Task: Take a full-length (90-question) practice test.
• Detailed Description: Simulate the actual exam environment, including timing (90 minutes). Review incorrect answers and note weak areas.
• Study Method: Use Boson or CompTIA practice platforms.

Day 44: Focused Review of Weak Areas

• Task: Revisit weak topics from Day 43.
• Detailed Description: Study challenging areas like advanced cryptography, incident handling, or compliance. Update flashcards as needed.
• Study Method: Use tutorials and case studies to deepen understanding.

Day 45: Full-Length Practice Test 2

• Task: Take another full-length practice test.
• Detailed Description: Compare your performance with Test 1. Focus on improving speed and accuracy.
• Study Method: Use test analytics to track progress.

Day 46–47: Review and Flashcards

• Task: Consolidate knowledge across all domains.
• Detailed Description: Revise flashcards and notes. Focus on key topics like hybrid environments, governance, and incident response.
• Study Method: Use spaced repetition to reinforce concepts.

Day 48–49: Final Hands-On Labs

• Task: Practice securing systems, identifying vulnerabilities, and responding to incidents.
• Detailed Description: Apply everything you’ve learned in realistic scenarios.
• Study Method: Use lab platforms like TryHackMe to simulate exam-relevant tasks.

Week 8: Final Preparation and Confidence Building (Days 50–56)

Objective: Focus on light review, confidence building, and final readiness for the exam.

Day 50–52: Flashcards and Summaries

• Task: Revisit all flashcards and summarize key concepts.
• Detailed Description: Focus on ensuring you have strong recall for high-priority topics.
• Study Method: Use Pomodoro sessions for structured review.

Day 53–54: Final Practice Test 3

• Task: Take a third practice test to confirm readiness.
• Detailed Description: Simulate exam conditions again and aim for consistent performance above 85%.
• Study Method: Analyze incorrect answers and refine strategies.

Day 55–56: Relaxed Review

• Task: Lightly review notes and confidence-build.
• Detailed Description: Avoid cramming; instead, focus on reinforcing strengths and staying calm.
• Study Method: Review summaries or watch short tutorials.