Why am I interested in cybersecurity technology? There are several factors that led me to cybersecurity as a major. Cybersecurity is such a broad field that provides a variety of work. Someone once described it to me like the field of medicine; there are many paths to take within medicine such as pediatrician, dermatology, cardiology, and so on. Cybersecurity is similar, in that there are several paths to choose from. 

I have always had an interest in cybersecurity before I could even define what cybersecurity technology was. When I was younger, about middle school age, my father put a passcode on our computer. I was determined to crack it. Not because I wanted to use the computer, but because I wanted to solve the puzzle. I’m drawn to cybersecurity technology because it is fun, rewarding, and challenging. I find capture the flag (CTF) events to be fun. I can easily lose track of time and spend hours engaged, working out the problems. I can also say CTF events are both challenging and valuable for a newbie like me. I believe it will be a fulfilling career to one day protect peoples’ privacy and businesses from data breaches. I want to make a positive impact and contribute to society in a meaningful way. I love the challenge aspect found in cybersecurity. I like problem solving and the constant need to keep learning in this field.

Another key component of cybersecurity technology I find interesting is that we are faced with cybersecurity risks every day. Many people are heavily reliant on technology and I think oftentimes they forget the risks associated with it. It is important to be vigilant and educated on the technology one utilizes in their household. Increasingly more people have smart home devices which are susceptible to hacking by malicious actors. Technology is continuously and rapidly developing, and with that comes the ever-growing volume of threats. Cybersecurity technology is not only interesting, but vital in today’s society.