If you’ve ever felt stuck in your 9 to 5, staring at the same screen, the same paycheck, wondering how people online are pulling in six figures from “tech,” you’re not alone.
The internet makes it look like cybersecurity is the golden ticket. Job security, big salaries, remote work… it’s everything the modern worker dreams about.
And if you’ve ever watched one of Josh Madakor’s YouTube videos, you’ve probably felt that spark of hope too. He’s confident, knowledgeable, and relatable. He makes breaking into cybersecurity sound not just possible, but urgent.
Josh’s program, The Cyber Community, taps right into that feeling. It’s built for people tired of feeling behind, frustrated by job rejections, or unsure where to start in tech.
Through his free community and paid Cyber Range course, Josh promises to help you break the “no experience, no job” cycle, the catch-22 that keeps so many newcomers out of cybersecurity.
His message is simple: you don’t need a degree, just the right hands-on experience. It’s an empowering message in a world full of gatekeepers.
But let’s be real… anytime someone says they’ve “solved” one of the hardest career problems in tech, you have to look closer.
Especially when you see titles like “How to Make $500K in Cyber Security in 2 Years.” Those claims grab attention, but they also raise questions. Is it really that simple? Or is there a gap between what’s promised and what’s realistic for someone just starting out?
This is where The Cyber Community becomes more than just another online course. It’s a test of whether modern creator-led education can deliver on career dreams without overselling them.
The program’s free tier provides access to a learning roadmap, resume templates, and community support.
The paid version (The Cyber Range) offers simulated experience with real enterprise tools like Microsoft Sentinel and Tenable, designed to help students build a credible cybersecurity portfolio.
It’s impressive from a training standpoint, and Josh’s background in defense contracting and Microsoft consulting gives it a lot of credibility.
Still, the question remains: does it actually bridge the gap to real jobs? Or is it another strong training route that’s still difficult for beginners who just want more financial freedom and less stress?
In this review, we’ll break down what The Cyber Community actually offers, how it stacks up against the hype, and whether it’s worth your time, money, and energy.
We’ll also explore an alternative that delivers something many people are really looking for: reliable, recurring income that’s simple to manage.
By the end, you’ll know if The Cyber Community is the right move, and what safer alternatives might exist.
TLDR – Revealing the Truth Behind The Cyber Community
| Factor | Rating | Explanation |
| Time Investment | High | Mastering the tools and completing labs in The Cyber Range requires consistent weekly study and practice. Students balancing a full-time job may find it difficult to maintain steady progress. |
| Level of Command Required | High | The training uses enterprise cybersecurity tools like Microsoft Sentinel and Tenable, which demand a strong grasp of IT fundamentals and network security concepts. Beginners often face a steep learning curve. |
| Ease of Implementation | Low | While self-paced, the course’s depth makes it hard to implement for those without prior tech experience. Setting up and managing the simulated SOC (Security Operations Center) can feel overwhelming at first. |
| Profit Potential | Medium | Cybersecurity can be a high-paying field, but jobs take time to land. The program may help skilled learners move forward, but it’s not a quick income path or suitable for those seeking a part-time revenue stream. |
Summary:
The Cyber Community by Josh Madakor teaches cybersecurity fundamentals and hands-on experience using real enterprise tools. The promise is strong (turning “no experience” learners into job-ready professionals), but the journey is demanding. Students need to invest serious time and effort to see results, and the competitive job market means not everyone will land the kind of roles highlighted in the marketing. It’s best suited for those ready to fully commit to a new career, not those looking for supplemental income or a simple online opportunity.
If you’re after a steady recurring income stream that’s easier to manage alongside your job or family life, Digital Leasing offers a calmer alternative. Instead of chasing mastery of complex systems or corporate interviews, you build small online assets that generate monthly income through local partnerships. It’s not passive, but it’s reliable, helping you create financial breathing room without the stress or steep learning curve of a high-stakes career pivot.
Evaluation
| Category | Rating | Explanation |
| Community | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | The Cyber Community hosts an active network of learners on the Skool platform, where members share resources, troubleshoot issues, and support each other’s career progress. It’s especially helpful for beginners who need guidance and accountability. However, because of its rapid growth, personalized engagement can be hit or miss. |
| Mentorship | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Josh Madakor provides direct insights through YouTube, livestreams, and occasional Q&A sessions. While his expertise is evident, the mentorship style leans more group-oriented than one-on-one, meaning students must be proactive in seeking feedback and applying what they learn independently. |
| Curriculum | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | The Cyber Range offers impressive, hands-on training using enterprise tools like Microsoft Sentinel, Defender, and Tenable. The content is self-paced and practical, but the complexity can overwhelm true beginners, requiring substantial commitment and prior IT familiarity. |
Overall, The Cyber Community scores strong across these pillars, revealing its key strength in real-world, hands-on learning and community support, while mentorship and accessibility for novices remain areas for improvement.
Pros
1. Real-World Tool Access
Students get hands-on experience with enterprise-level cybersecurity tools like Microsoft Sentinel and Tenable, something rarely available outside of corporate or university settings. This adds tangible value to resumes and portfolios.
2. Affordable Entry Point (For Now)
The promotional $97 entry fee makes The Cyber Range accessible to many aspiring professionals, especially compared to multi-thousand-dollar bootcamps. However, the price is expected to increase, so it may not stay this low.
3. Active Learning Community
The Cyber Community on Skool provides a helpful peer network. Students often share resources, troubleshoot issues, and motivate one another through their cybersecurity journey.
4. Expert Instructor with Industry Credibility
Josh Madakor’s experience with Microsoft and defense contracting gives the program authenticity. His teaching bridges depth with relatable explanations for motivated learners.
5. Self-Paced Learning
Students can move through lessons at their own speed, which is great for those balancing work or school schedules, though it still requires consistent focus.
Cons
1. Steep Learning Curve
The training involves complex enterprise tools and real-world simulations. Beginners without IT experience may find the content overwhelming, even with community support.
2. Limited Mentorship Access
Josh engages mainly through group calls and livestreams, so one-on-one coaching is minimal. Students must be self-motivated and proactive to get the most out of it.
3. Unclear Refund Policy
Details about refunds or cancellations are not clearly listed, which can make some students hesitant before enrolling.
4. Marketing Hype vs. Reality
High-income claims like “$500K in 2 years” create unrealistic expectations. Real cybersecurity career growth typically takes years of dedicated learning and experience.
5. Not Ideal for Part-Time Learners
While self-paced in theory, the program’s workload and complexity often demand full-time attention, not ideal for those seeking a manageable side path or secondary income stream.
Understanding both sides helps you decide if The Cyber Community matches your goals.
Who Benefits From The Cyber Community & Who Doesn’t?
The Cyber Community works best for people who are serious about building a career in cybersecurity, not just earning side income. It’s ideal for students or professionals who already have some foundational IT or networking knowledge and want to level up with real-world, hands-on experience. If you’ve dabbled in tools like Wireshark or CompTIA Security+ training and are ready to deepen your skills, Josh Madakor’s system can provide the exposure most theory-based programs lack.
It also appeals to driven career changers who can commit time every week to learning complex systems. Many students come from fields like tech support, finance, or even education, people looking for a stable, high-demand industry to transition into. These learners often have a long-term view: they’re willing to invest months mastering new concepts if it leads to future security or six-figure potential. If you’re analytical, patient, and motivated by challenge, this program can give you the structure and confidence to pursue cybersecurity roles with credibility.
Budget-wise, The Cyber Range’s current promotional price of $97 makes it an affordable entry point for those wanting to test the waters. However, learners should still plan for future expenses, like additional certifications or higher-level memberships if the pricing model changes. Those who succeed here tend to treat it as a full-on career move, not a side hustle, and that mindset is key.
Who This Isn’t For
This program isn’t built for someone looking for fast results or low-effort income. Cybersecurity takes time, depth, and continuous study, often months or years before financial rewards appear. If you’re already stretched thin by work or family responsibilities, the workload and complexity can quickly lead to burnout. The Cyber Range’s simulated SOC labs, while valuable, require consistent focus and strong problem-solving skills that beginners may struggle to sustain without prior exposure.
It’s also not ideal for those seeking financial breathing room in the short term. Even though the upfront cost is reasonable, the long game involves added expenses for certifications, ongoing study materials, and potentially unpaid job-hunting periods. The program prepares you for a demanding profession, not an immediate secondary income stream.
If you prefer a simpler system that can generate reliable monthly earnings on the side, a model like Digital Leasing may be a better fit. Instead of long learning curves or job interviews, you’d focus on creating small online assets that serve real local businesses, giving you a manageable, low-stress path to consistent income.
1,000 FT View of The Cyber Community
The Cyber Community by Josh Madakor is built around two core components hosted on the Skool platform: the free community hub and the paid hands-on training known as The Cyber Range. The free tier acts as a warm-up space, giving members access to a Cyber Roadmap, resume templates, and general advice about entering the industry. It helps people get a sense of what cybersecurity careers look like before they decide to go deeper. The main action happens inside The Cyber Range, a self-paced, hands-on training program designed to simulate real-world cybersecurity work.
The course structure emphasizes doing rather than just watching. Students gain access to a simulated Security Operations Center (SOC) environment that mirrors what professionals use on the job. It features licensed enterprise tools such as Microsoft Sentinel for SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), Microsoft Defender for endpoint protection, Tenable for vulnerability management, and Azure for cloud environments. The curriculum walks learners through essential cybersecurity tasks like vulnerability scanning, incident response, and threat detection, all within this controlled virtual lab setup.
Learning is delivered primarily through recorded video tutorials, weekly livestreams, and ongoing community discussions. Students can move through the material at their own pace, but progress depends heavily on their comfort level with systems. There’s no strict timeline, though most students spend their first 30 days setting up their virtual labs and learning the core tools. By 60 to 90 days, they’re expected to start analyzing simulated incidents, building a professional portfolio, and joining live sessions for feedback and Q&A.
The pacing is flexible, but the workload is significant. Unlike surface-level cybersecurity courses that rely on theory or multiple-choice quizzes, The Cyber Range demands active problem-solving. Students are expected to navigate complex dashboards, interpret live data, and document their findings, experiences that mimic real job tasks. This hands-on focus sets it apart from competitors like TryHackMe or HackTheBox, which are more gamified. However, it also raises the bar for effort and confidence.
Community support is another pillar of the experience. Members use the Skool forum to share updates, ask questions, and connect with peers at different stages of their careers. While Josh occasionally appears in livestreams or posts, one-on-one mentorship is limited. Most learning comes from collaboration among students and self-paced trial and error in the labs.
Compared to other cybersecurity training platforms, The Cyber Community stands out for its use of real enterprise software rather than open-source or simulated alternatives. It’s closer to professional training environments used by universities or corporate programs. That said, the complexity makes it less beginner-friendly than some competitors. For those ready to commit, it’s a strong foundation, but for anyone seeking a quick, part-time system for extra income, the time investment and intensity can feel overwhelming.
Who Is the Guru
Josh Madakor is a cybersecurity educator and content creator known for blending real-world expertise with approachable, motivational teaching. His professional background includes roles in defense contracting, finance, and state government, along with a verified history working as a contractor for Microsoft, where he contributed to the Microsoft Cloud Security Benchmark. This hands-on experience gives him solid credibility within the IT and cybersecurity communities, a major reason students trust his programs like The Cyber Community and The Cyber Range.
Before launching his educational platform, Josh built his reputation through YouTube, where his channel (@JoshMadakor) now has over 200,000 subscribers and hundreds of videos focused on IT careers, cybersecurity training, and personal development. His videos mix advice with inspiration, often highlighting his own career growth journey, from humble beginnings to high-level cybersecurity roles. This transparency and energy make him an accessible figure for newcomers intimidated by the tech world.
Madakor’s teaching style is clear, structured, and straightforward. He tends to walk students through concepts step by step, often showing live demonstrations inside real enterprise tools like Microsoft Sentinel and Tenable. His emphasis on hands-on learning aligns with the current cybersecurity industry demand for real, demonstrable skills rather than purely book knowledge. Students frequently praise his ability to make complex topics feel approachable and his active role in building a community where people can support each other.
However, not all aspects of his brand receive universal praise. His marketing sometimes leans heavily into financial aspirations, with titles like “How to Make $500K in Cybersecurity in 2 Years.” While these claims draw attention, they also risk setting unrealistic expectations for beginners unfamiliar with the industry’s steep learning curve. Some viewers and professionals have expressed concern that the focus on high earnings can overshadow the depth, continuous learning, and experience truly required to reach such income levels.
Overall, Josh Madakor represents the modern, self-made educator archetype, a professional who combines credible experience with influencer-style reach. His genuine expertise gives his training substance, while his YouTube-driven marketing adds charisma and energy that resonates with motivated learners. Josh presents himself as a mentor-like and aspirational guide, balancing relatability with authority in a way that makes students feel like they’re learning from a trusted insider rather than a corporate instructor.
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Handle | Link | Followers (approx.) |
| @joshmadakor | https://www.instagram.com/joshmadakor | 6.8K+ | |
| YouTube | @JoshMadakor | https://www.youtube.com/@JoshMadakor | 209K+ |
| Josh Madakor | https://www.facebook.com/joshmadakor | 5K+ | |
| Josh Madakor | https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshmadakor | 42K+ | |
| TikTok | @joshmadakor | https://www.tiktok.com/@joshmadakor | 5.9K+ |
Josh Madakor maintains a strong online presence with consistent content focused on cybersecurity education, IT career growth, and hands-on training.
Training Cost & Refund Policy
Josh Madakor’s Cyber Range, the paid upgrade from The Cyber Community, is advertised at a promotional one-time price of $97. According to the official page, this rate will only remain valid until Q1 2025 or until the community reaches about 490 members, at which point the price will revert to its higher “normal rate.” This time-limited pricing approach is meant to create urgency, a common sales tactic that encourages sign-ups by implying scarcity.
At the $97 level, students receive access to a robust learning environment that includes self-paced video training, a simulated Security Operations Center (SOC) using licensed enterprise tools (like Microsoft Sentinel, Defender, and Tenable), and community access through the Skool platform. The package also includes weekly livestreams and resume-building guidance, making it one of the more affordable hands-on cybersecurity training options available.
There are no direct upsells built into the program, but students should be aware of implied extra costs. To fully transition into a cybersecurity role, many will need to pursue external certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH, which can cost several hundred dollars each. These certifications are not part of The Cyber Range but are often required to qualify for jobs in the field. Additionally, the tools provided through the program are cloud-based and resource-intensive, which may incur optional costs if students choose to replicate labs on their own infrastructure.
The refund policy for The Cyber Range is not clearly stated on any of its public pages or in the Skool community. No terms, duration, or conditions are listed for cancellations or dissatisfaction-based refunds. This lack of transparency stands out, especially when paired with urgency-driven marketing that encourages immediate purchase. It’s unclear whether the $97 payment is refundable under any circumstance.
While the training content appears valuable for motivated learners, the absence of a visible refund policy and the time-limited pricing approach introduce moderate financial risk. Prospective students should confirm refund terms before buying or use payment methods that provide consumer protection. For those seeking a reliable, low-risk income model, programs like Digital Leasing (which focus on building recurring local income without hidden terms) may be a safer and more transparent option.
My Personal Opinion – Is The Cyber Community Legit?
After reviewing Josh Madakor’s Cyber Community and the paid Cyber Range program, I can see why it attracts so much attention. The quality is impressive for the price. Few programs under $100 offer genuine access to enterprise tools like Microsoft Sentinel and Tenable, or a simulated SOC environment that mirrors real-world cybersecurity operations. The learning experience feels credible, especially for students who want hands-on exposure rather than just textbook theory.
That said, I also see where many people might struggle. The marketing promises, like solving the “no experience” problem or suggesting fast six-figure career transitions, sound inspiring but oversimplify what’s really required to succeed in cybersecurity. Even with Madakor’s credibility and the program’s depth, cybersecurity remains a demanding full-time career path that requires constant study, certifications, and persistence. For someone already feeling stretched by work or family, this program might add pressure rather than relief.
Compared to other cybersecurity upskilling programs, The Cyber Range is positioned as an accessible entry point, and I appreciate that it’s self-paced. Still, it shares the same challenge as most bootcamps: it can’t bypass the realities of the job market. Students can gain strong foundational skills here, but job placement depends on broader experience, certifications, and networking, not just one course.
What concerns me most is the lack of a visible refund policy. Even if the $97 entry fee feels low, unclear refund terms are never a good sign. It limits confidence for cautious students who want to know their options before enrolling. Combined with urgency tactics around pricing (“only open until Q1 2025 or capacity reached”), it can feel a bit pushy for what’s otherwise a solid educational resource.
If a friend asked whether I’d recommend it, I’d say yes, but only if they’re genuinely interested in building a long-term cybersecurity career and ready for a steep learning curve. For anyone looking for a simpler, part-time way to earn steady recurring income, though, this isn’t it. Cybersecurity can change your career, but it won’t create quick financial relief.
It might help certain students, but for reliable income and control, I’d look at Digital Leasing, a system that builds real, local assets that pay you every month without the stress or complexity of chasing certifications.
What’s Inside The Cyber Community
Josh Madakor’s Cyber Community functions as the free entry point into his ecosystem, while The Cyber Range is the premium, hands-on component that delivers the main educational experience. Together, they aim to help aspiring cybersecurity professionals gain real-world experience in a controlled, simulated environment.
Core Modules and Learning Structure
The Cyber Range’s curriculum revolves around job-relevant functions that mirror actual cybersecurity roles. Students work through structured modules on Vulnerability Management, Threat Detection, Incident Response, and Security Operations using enterprise tools. These modules include step-by-step training in software such as Microsoft Sentinel (for SIEM), Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (for EDR), and Tenable (for vulnerability scanning). Learners also engage with Microsoft Azure, where they can simulate virtual machines and network setups similar to those found in enterprise settings. Each module builds toward developing the ability to interpret and act on real security alerts, a skill critical for entry-level roles like Security Analyst or SOC Technician.
Hands-On Experience and Tools
The program’s biggest selling point is the hands-on, lab-based format. Unlike many theory-focused cybersecurity courses that focus on certifications or textbook content, The Cyber Range gives users access to licensed enterprise-grade tools, something rarely available at this price point. Students can conduct real vulnerability assessments, analyze simulated attacks, and practice incident response workflows. This setup allows them to create tangible portfolio projects for their resumes, which is valuable when applying for jobs that require proof of experience.
Community and Support Access
Both The Cyber Community and Cyber Range are hosted on the Skool platform, where students gain access to group discussions, peer networking, and weekly livestream sessions led by Madakor. These live calls often cover new cybersecurity trends, lab demonstrations, and Q&A sessions. However, the program does not appear to include direct one-on-one mentorship or formal career coaching, which may limit support for students needing personalized guidance.
Bonus Material and Resources
The Cyber Community offers free access to downloadable tools like the Cyber Roadmap, a resume template, and resource guides for job seekers. In The Cyber Range, additional materials focus on portfolio building and interview preparation, though details about specific downloadable resources or structured career tracks are not extensively documented. The lack of a clear syllabus or transparent list of lessons may reduce perceived value for students who prefer to see exactly what they’re paying for.
Expected Outcomes
Graduates of The Cyber Range can expect to leave with stronger skills and a working familiarity with professional cybersecurity tools, an advantage over self-taught learners. However, the program stops short of offering guaranteed job placement or certification preparation, which limits its impact for complete beginners. The results depend on how much time a student can commit and whether they pursue additional credentials afterward.
While the depth of the training is impressive, the lack of detailed documentation on curriculum structure and career outcomes makes it harder to gauge long-term value. For learners seeking a clear, reliable system that leads to recurring income, a simpler model like Digital Leasing may better align with their goals.
Wrapping Up My The Cyber Community Review of Josh Madakor
Josh Madakor’s Cyber Community and Cyber Range stand out for their authenticity and accuracy in an often overhyped industry. The training gives aspiring cybersecurity professionals real, hands-on exposure to enterprise-level tools like Microsoft Sentinel, Defender, and Tenable, something rarely available in budget-friendly courses. Madakor’s background with Microsoft and defense contracting adds legitimacy to the lessons, making this one of the more credible self-paced cyber training options online.
However, the course’s biggest advantage (its depth) can also be its biggest hurdle. The skills taught are real, but they demand consistent focus, discipline, and long-term dedication. Beginners entering cybersecurity without an IT foundation may find the learning curve steep, particularly since the program doesn’t include personalized mentorship or direct job placement support. It’s not a “side hustle” or quick financial escape. It’s a legitimate career pivot that requires full commitment.
The lack of a transparent refund policy is another limitation. While the $97 promotional entry price feels accessible, the urgency-driven marketing and unclear financial terms leave room for improvement in transparency. Students who prefer risk-free investment or guaranteed returns may find this concerning. Still, for those with the patience and discipline to learn a complex trade, The Cyber Range offers a solid foundation at a fair cost.
In short, this program is best for motivated learners who want to break into cybersecurity, build skill sets, and eventually move into full-time IT roles. It’s not suited for those seeking easy, low-effort income or short-term cash flow. Cybersecurity can be a rewarding path, but it’s demanding, both mentally and in terms of commitment.
If your goal is to develop a high-skill career, The Cyber Range can be a worthwhile step. But if you’re looking for financial breathing room and more control over your time, it’s worth exploring models that don’t require deep mastery of complex systems.
So if you’re serious about building a business that lasts, here’s the alternative I’d choose…
Top Alternative to The Cyber Community/ #1 Way To Make Money
After diving deep into Josh Madakor’s Cyber Community and Cyber Range, it’s clear that the program offers real educational value, but it’s also clear that it’s built for people ready to commit full-time to a demanding career. Cybersecurity isn’t a light lift. It requires long hours, continuous learning, and a willingness to start at the bottom before working your way up. That’s perfectly fine for someone who wants to build a new career from scratch, but not ideal for someone just trying to build extra financial breathing room or part-time income.
However, there’s an alternative that offers a simpler, more reliable way to build recurring income online: Digital Leasing. Instead of investing thousands of hours learning enterprise software or chasing corporate job opportunities, you build small, digital assets, websites that attract real local customers searching for local services. You then lease these digital properties to small business owners who pay you monthly for the leads they generate. It’s the same principle as owning real estate, but online, and at a fraction of the cost or complexity.
Here’s the difference: cybersecurity training prepares you to fight fires in someone else’s company. Digital Leasing helps you build assets you actually own. You’re not relying on recruiters, certifications, or job placement promises. You’re building something that keeps paying you as long as it brings in calls or leads. Once a site ranks locally, maintenance is light and manageable, giving you the flexibility to manage it part-time while still holding your main job or focusing on your family.
This model isn’t “passive,” you’ll still need to learn how to set up local websites, rank them on Google, and build relationships with real business owners. But compared to high-pressure career shifts like cybersecurity or eCommerce, the learning curve is far more manageable. You control your time, your income, and your growth pace without betting everything on one job, one client, or one platform.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed by the grind of risky online programs or unsure how to create consistent income, Digital Leasing offers a grounded, repeatable path. You can start small, scale gradually, and build genuine stability, all while keeping ownership of what you create.
👉 Want to see how it works? Click here to explore Digital Leasing.
