How I Got Into Cybersecurity (And What I'd Tell Beginners)

Where It All Began

My journey into cybersecurity didn’t start with hacking or Hollywood-style drama. It started with curiosity—about how networks work, how websites stay secure, and how systems can be broken and fixed.

From Developer to Defender

During my time as a software developer intern, I started noticing security was often an afterthought. That’s when it clicked for me—what if I could be the person thinking about security first?

That thought led me to pursue a Master's in Cybersecurity, where I got hands-on experience with tools like Burp Suite, Splunk, and Nessus, and worked on real-world security assessments.

The First Steps I’d Recommend

If you’re just starting out, here are three things I’d suggest:

1. Start with the basics: Understand how networks and web applications work.
2. Try out hands-on labs: Sites like TryHackMe and Hack The Box make learning fun and interactive.
3. Don’t wait for permission: Build a home lab, break your own stuff, learn by doing.

Final Thoughts

Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to master everything at once. Stay curious, be persistent, and remember—we all started somewhere.

Feel free to reach out if you're starting your journey. I’m happy to share more!