This ePortfolio represents the scope of my academic experience, professional goals, and personal development as a cybersecurity professional. Each tab represents an aspect of my growth in skills, perspective, and mastery that is critical to succeed in such a dynamic, ever-evolving field.

Through IDS 493, I developed irreplaceable interdisciplinary learning that connected the dots among technical knowledge, ethical considerations, and strategy. The course challenged me to articulate my narrative identity concept derived from McAdams’ theory while reflecting on experiences such as those learned in Introduction to Ethical Hacking and Pen Testing. My journey helped crystalize how the technical and human factors interrelate in cybersecurity. Assignments such as policy analysis papers and penetration test reports built my technical competencies and honed my ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Beyond IDS 493, this portfolio analyses significant cybersecurity policies and strategies. I’ve tackled key global frameworks shaping the industry, from exploring the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the policy papers I wrote in September-November 2024. Additionally, I’ve assessed real-world organizational challenges and solutions, emphasizing the importance of governance, risk management, and compliance in securing systems.

Complementary to these analytical works is my job posting work, where I delved into details regarding the qualifications, responsibilities, and expectations of roles such as Cybersecurity Engineer and Analyst. These studies raised my awareness of industry demands and honed my understanding of aligning my skills with market needs.

Finally, I also took up a creative and innovative project with the Cyberstone board game. The program allowed me to infuse cybersecurity themes in a future combat game set by combining storytelling with hands-on design. From creating detailed character classes to developing gameplay mechanics, this project underlined the importance of adaptability and imagination during problem-solving.

In summary, this ePortfolio represents my commitment to learning, my passion for cybersecurity, and my preparedness to contribute as a skilled, ethical, and driven professional.

Reflection Essay

This is an essay that reflects upon all the work I have done within my IDS 493 course and provides a great overview of what I have gained from the course while also alluding to various other courses I have taken and the skills I have gained.

Cybersecurity Related Articles

The next four papers are of my policy analysis papers that I wrote while in my Cyber Strategy & Policy Course.

Policy Paper 1: Background Information of GDPR

This first paper shows my overall knowledge on the policy I chose to focus on for the course, GDPR, while also providing solid background information on the policy that was chosen.

The most notable feedback for this paper was that I forgot to put the references into APA format, however this issue was fixed in the next three papers that I wrote for this course.

Policy Paper 2: The Political Implications of GDPR

Once again the next paper is about the same policy I had chosen to focus on for the course and semester, however, this time the paper talks about the political implications of GDPR.

The most notable piece of feedback for this paper was “I was looking for you to more fully address the rubric “how three policy makers or politicians have addressed the policy”.   Who from the EU  specifically pushed or addressed this policy?  Which policymakers from the U.S. expressed ‘political tensions’ or felt GDPR was ‘overly restrictive’ and ‘too expensive’?” Which looking back at the paper now I believe it would have been far better for my paper, if I included answers to all the questions my instructor posed in their feedback.

Policy Paper 3: Ethical Implications of GDPR

For this next paper, it highlights the more ethical side of the cyber policy, while also making mention of the cost and benefits of the GDPR, such as the rights that are protected and limited by GDPR.

There were no notable pieces of feedback for this paper, I seemed to hit the mark on this one, however, I do believe that if I had provided more sources or references for my information and may have done more research on this part of GDPR and cyber policies, my paper would have been stronger.

Policy Paper 4: Social Implications of GDPR

This next paper I have wrote for my Cyber Strategy & Policy course highlights the social implications of GDPR and currently my most recent piece of work, written November 17th, 2024, and has not gotten any notable feedback quite yet. This is also not the last paper that I will have to write, because I was assigned another paper on GDPR that is due next week, December 1st, 2024.