Road To Cybersecurity
I knew early on that coding wasn’t for me. But after a conversation with my dad, who works in cybersecurity, and my brother, who works in cloud engineering, I realized there might be a place for me in cybersecurity in the cloud. I’ve always been curious about how systems stay protected and how hackers try to break through, but I never imagined that interest could turn into a real career. Once I started learning more about cybersecurity and how important cloud has become, I knew I wanted to combine them. I may not have everything figured out yet, but I’ve found a path that keeps me motivated to learn more every day.
The Beginning
When I first started thinking about my future, I felt stuck. I really didn’t know what exact job I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to work in technology, but I couldn’t picture myself writing code all the time. I had considered computer science at one point, but coding just scared me away and didn’t interest me the way it does for some people. I wanted something different. That’s when I started talking more with my dad, who works in cybersecurity. He told me stories about real attacks, system vulnerabilities, and the importance of keeping data safe. He also told me the different roles of cybersecurity including policy work with the government. So, cybersecurity was more interesting to me than writing code. At the same time, my brother, who works in cloud engineering, would talk about how fast the cloud industry is growing and how much opportunity there is in protecting cloud environments. This made me think about what is new and upcoming and i want to be involved in it. Those conversations pushed me to research the field on my own, and I found that cloud is up and coming as well as cybersecurity, and they both were fairly new. I realized I didn’t have to write code all day to be in tech. I could be part of something that helps prevent real threats and keeps systems secure. That’s when I started seriously considering cybersecurity as a major and long term career path.
Learning process
Once I started my cybersecurity courses, everything began to make more sense. I finally saw how all the IT stuff works, like operating systems, networking, virtual machines, and security tools. We also learn about policies and groundwork of security foundations to build your system. These all came together to protect information and systems. I got to use Kali Linux on virtual machines to practice ethical hacking and penetration testing techniques, and I learned basic Linux commands to learn systems more effectively. In other classes, I worked with Windows virtual machines and explored common attack types and how to defend against them, also learning basic windows commands. One of the most useful skills I practiced was configuring firewall rules to control traffic and simulate security policies. I feel like I will have to actually do this in the job, so I thought that it was useful to learn. These projects showed me how small details like the wrong port being open could create vulnerabilities and how easy it is for hackers to penetrate your network and system. I also had the chance to use Cisco software to simulate network environments and build a stronger foundation in IT. I played around to learn how networking works and how devices interact with each other like switches. Everything I’ve learned so far has helped me build a strong base in cybersecurity and basic IT knowledge. It also showed me that I enjoy the practical side of protecting systems and understanding how attacks happen and not just learning theories but actually applying them. All of these learning experiences make me excited to get into the cybersecurity field. Even though I haven’t had an internship or job in cybersecurity yet, the hands-on labs and tools I’ve used in class have helped me feel more prepared and confident that I will find a job and be ready when the time comes.
The Future
Now that I’ve had a solid introduction to cybersecurity, I’m starting to see where I really want to specialize, which is cloud security. My brother’s experience working with cloud platforms opened my eyes to how important cloud services are becoming in almost every industry. More and more businesses are moving their data and operations to the cloud, and that creates new risks and challenges and especially when it comes to keeping data secure. I’ve already started learning the basics of cloud platforms like AWS, and I plan to go even deeper into that during the next semester when I take my cloud class to get my Cert. My short-term goal is to earn my CompTIA Security+ certification this summer and land an internship whenever I can so I can start gaining real-world experience. I’m hoping to get some opportunities after I get the Security + Cert. After that, I’ll begin studying for a cloud security certification when taking a class next semester, most likely going for AWS Certified Security just because Amazon cloud is pretty good and popular. My long-term goal is to become a Cloud Security Specialist, someone who understands how cloud environments work, how threats can target them, and how to design and implement protections that keep systems safe. I know that cloud security is a growing area, and I want to be on the front lines of it. It combines everything I’m interested in with protecting systems, staying ahead of threats, and working with technology that’s shaping the future. Although I’m open to any other jobs that put me in cybersecurity that will advance my career and knowledge to make me a more well-rounded IT security guy.
Conclusion
Looking back, I realize that choosing cybersecurity wasn’t just about avoiding something I didn’t like but it was about finding something that actually fits, and something that actually interests me so I can learn better. I may not have taken a traditional path, or had it all figured out from the start, but the more I learn, the more I see the possibilities ahead of me. I want to be someone who helps protect people and systems in a digital world that’s constantly under threat. Especially in the world we live in now where everything is becoming digital and more crime is transitioning to computers. Cloud security, in particular, gives me a chance to focus on a critical and fast-growing area where I can really make a difference. I really want to focus on the new and upcoming things in the future so I can find my place before things get too watered down and the job market gets too crowded. My journey is just beginning, but I’ve taken important first steps in learning the basics, using real tools, planning my certifications, and staying motivated to keep growing. Even if I don’t know the exact job title I’ll hold five years from now, I know I’m on the right path and I will find my way through the IT world with whatever life gives me to start with. Cybersecurity gives me purpose, direction, and the chance to build something meaningful, and I’m ready to take the next step towards a new career and life.