{"id":120,"date":"2025-01-30T18:11:28","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T18:11:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.odu.edu\/odupresentationtemplate\/?page_id=2"},"modified":"2026-09-16T13:45:58","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T13:45:58","slug":"sample-page-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/dhill036\/","title":{"rendered":"About Me"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Cybersecurity has been a big part of my life and career for more than a decade. My name is Derek Hillman and I am a returning student majoring in Cybersecurity with 12 years of experience in the field. Coming back to school has given me the chance to take what I have learned through work and connect it with new ideas, concepts, and perspectives in the classroom.<\/p>\n

What interests me most about cybersecurity is how closely it connects with everyday life and modern society. Over the years, I have learned that cybersecurity is not just about systems, tools, and technology. It is also about people, communication, planning, and understanding how everything works cohesively. One idea I have always believed in is that when it comes to cybersecurity, it is better to build security in than bolt it on later. I think cybersecurity works best when it is part of the process from the beginning instead of being treated like something to fix after the fact.<\/p>\n

Along with my work in cybersecurity, I also run my own Cybersecurity consulting\u00a0 business, Zip-Ty Concepts LLC. Owning a business has helped me grow in ways that go beyond technical skills. It has taught me a lot about leadership, creativity, communication, patience, and problem solving. Between my career, school, and business, I have learned that there is always something new to learn, especially in technology.<\/p>\n

When I am not working or studying, I enjoy barbecuing, practicing martial arts, riding my motorcycle, spending time with my niece and nephew, learning about new technology, and volunteering to support homeless residents in my hometown of Washington, D.C. Those parts of my life are important to me because they keep me grounded and connected to the people and community around me.<\/p>\n

This portfolio gives me the opportunity to showcase both what I have learned through my professional experience and what I continue to learn as a student. For me, cybersecurity is a field that keeps evolving, and I enjoy being able to grow right along with it.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Cybersecurity has been a big part of my life and career for more than a decade. My name is Derek Hillman and I am a returning student majoring in Cybersecurity with 12 years of experience in the field. Coming back to school has given me the chance to take what I have learned through work… <\/p>\n

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