#1 - Introduction

My Cybersecurity Journey

Hello and welcome! I'm excited to share with you not just the nuances of navigating the cybersecurity landscape but also a piece of my journey that led me here. Growing up in Brazil, I was the go-to tech person in my family, a curiosity that blossomed alongside a parallel career as a competitive athlete. This dual passion for technology and sports carved a path that was anything but linear.

From Athlete to Tech Enthusiast

My athletic endeavors brought me to the United States, where I had the opportunity to attend college on a scholarship. Faced with the pivotal decision between computer science and business, I chose the latter. For nearly a decade, I immersed myself in the business world, integrating my athletic background with my burgeoning interest in technology. Throughout this time, I dabbled in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python—skills that kept the tech flame alive.

Embracing a Career Pivot

As I navigated through different industries, the allure of technology grew stronger, leading me to consider a drastic career change. Software engineering caught my eye, but it was the burgeoning field of cybersecurity that truly captivated me. This was a turning point; I decided to pivot entirely, dedicating myself to becoming a cybersecurity professional.

The Path I Chose

Today, I wear many hats: System Administrator, Web Security Analyst, and bug bounty hunter in my spare time. My days are filled with challenges and rewards, from troubleshooting software issues to enhancing our organization's web application security and developing training to fortify our defenses against phishing attempts. Recently, I've delved into improving our Infrastructure as Code (IaC) projects, aiming to automate deployments across new global locations.

Why This Blog?

This blog is for anyone standing where I once did—on the precipice of change, looking into the vast world of cybersecurity. Whether you're considering college, a bootcamp, or self-study, I'm here to share insights from my journey and guide you through the maze of options available. My goal is to help demystify the process and empower you to make informed decisions about your cybersecurity education and career path.

Let's Begin This Journey Together

I invite you to join me as we explore the avenues of learning and development in cybersecurity. Your background, interests, and aspirations are unique, and I believe there's a path for everyone in this dynamic field. Together, we'll uncover the resources, strategies, and experiences that can light the way to a fulfilling career in cybersecurity.