How to Get Started in Cybersecurity: A Beginner’s Guide with Tech Gear Recommendations

Cybersecurity is one of the most exciting and in-demand fields in tech today. With the increasing frequency of cyberattacks, organizations are investing heavily in securing their data and digital infrastructure. Whether you’re a student, career changer, or IT enthusiast, now is a great time to get started in cybersecurity.

But where do you begin? And what kind of technology will you need? This guide will walk you through the essential steps and highlight the tools—especially products from top brands like HP, Logitech, Samsung, Apple, and Microsoft—that can help you succeed.

Step 1: Understand the Cybersecurity Landscape

Before diving into tools and gear, get a solid grasp of what cybersecurity involves. Key areas include:

• Network Security
• Application Security
• Information Security
• Cloud Security
• Penetration Testing
• Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)

Free learning platforms like Cybrary, TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and Coursera offer great beginner courses. But to practice and learn effectively, the right tech setup is key.

Step 2: Get the Right Technology Equipment

Your gear is your lab. Here’s what you need to build a home cybersecurity lab, with brand-specific recommendations:

1. A Powerful Laptop or Desktop

Your main device needs to handle virtual machines (VMs), simulations, coding, and more.

Recommended Devices:

• HP Spectre x360 – A sleek, powerful laptop with 16GB+ RAM and Intel Core i7/i9 processors. Great for portability and performance.
• Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio – Ideal for developers and cybersecurity learners. Powerful hardware with touchscreen and tablet mode.
• Apple MacBook Pro (M2/M3) – Reliable, great battery life, and capable of running UNIX-based tools. You can dual-boot or use virtualization for Windows and Linux environments.
• HP ZBook Fury G10 – A workstation-class laptop for heavier simulations, ethical hacking environments, and VMs.

Tip: Aim for at least 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a modern CPU (Intel i7+ or Apple M2+).

2. Secondary Monitor

Having a second screen boosts productivity—especially when you’re running VMs and researching simultaneously.

Recommended Monitors:

• Samsung Smart Monitor M8 – A versatile 4K monitor with built-in apps and wireless screen mirroring.
• HP E-Series Monitors (like HP E24q G4) – Eye-friendly displays perfect for long hours of coding and analysis.
• Mi 34-inch G34WQ IPS 180Hz Curved Monitor – Excellent for curved display.

3.Peripherals: Mouse, Keyboard, Webcam

These may seem secondary, but quality peripherals enhance your workflow and learning.

Mouse & Keyboard:

• Logitech MX Master 3S – One of the best productivity mice for cybersecurity pros.
• Logitech MX Keys – A high-end, quiet, and responsive keyboard that’s perfect for scripting and long typing sessions.

Webcam:

• Logitech C920 HD Pro – Ideal for online meetings, classes, or virtual cybersecurity meetups. Sharp video and dual mics.
• Microsoft Modern Webcam – A solid 1080p webcam with HDR support, good for Teams and other video platforms.

4. Smartphone or Tablet

These are helpful for 2FA apps, cybersecurity news, and remote labs.

Recommended Devices:

• Samsung Galaxy S24 – Great for using apps like Authy, Google Authenticator, and secure browsing.
• Apple iPad Air (M2) – Useful for reading eBooks, research, and even SSH access via terminal apps.
• Samsung Tab S10 Ultra – Excellent for apps on Google Play Store, with a great storage capacity and processing speed.

5. External Storage & Backup

You’ll want to back up important files and store large VM images.

Top Picks:

• SanDisk Portable SSD (1TB, 2TB, 4TB or above) – Fast, reliable, and compact. Ideal for bootable drives or encrypted backups.
• HP Portable SSD P700 – A fast and affordable alternative for data storage.

Step 3: Install Essential Software

Your setup isn’t complete without the right apps:

• Virtualization: VirtualBox, VMware Workstation, or Hyper-V (on Windows Pro).
• Linux Distros: Kali Linux, Parrot OS, Ubuntu (run in VMs).
• Security Tools: Wireshark, Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, John the Ripper.
• Text Editors: VS Code (by Microsoft), Sublime Text.
• Browser Plugins: HTTPS Everywhere, NoScript, Wappalyzer.

Step 4: Build a Cybersecurity Lab at Home

Using your main system and VMs, simulate attacks, defend networks, and practice skills like:

• Penetration testing
• Malware analysis
• Network sniffing
• Incident response

Tools like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and Metasploitable provide guided labs and real-world scenarios.

Step 5: Learn Continuously and Join the Community

Cybersecurity evolves fast—so should you. Stay updated by:

• Reading blogs (Krebs on Security, ThreatPost)
• Joining Reddit communities (r/netsec, r/cybersecurity)
• Attending virtual conferences (DEF CON, Black Hat, BSides)
• Earning certifications: CompTIA Security+, CEH, OSCP, CISSP (eventually)

Conclusion

Getting into cybersecurity doesn’t require a supercomputer or a six-figure budget. With the right tech setup—from HP workstations, Logitech peripherals, and Samsung monitors, to Apple laptops and Microsoft apps—you can build a robust, effective learning environment.

Final Tip:

Start small, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to break (virtual) things. Cybersecurity is all about learning from failure, exploring vulnerabilities, and thinking like both an attacker and defender.

If you’d like help choosing between a few specific devices, or want a setup tailored to your budget, kindly contact Remi-Chris Computers Ltd.  At Remi-Chris Computers, we help you to actualise your tech dreams.