E-Portfolio-Personal Narrative Essay
Posted by santw001 on Dec 1, 2023 in Uncategorized | 0 comments
Personal Narrative
Stephen Antwi
Old Dominion University
Electronic Portfolio Project
Dr. Phan
11/17/2023
Abstract
This personal narrative encapsulates my academic journey in Cybersecurity, tracing my evolution from a curious high student to an adept Cybersecurity professional. Primarily, this journey is based on my educational, work, and internship experiences. The narrative unfolds against the background of intermediate information science, highlighting the critical role played by several academic courses I took at Old Dominion University in shaping my journey in Cybersecurity. It also explores how my internship at the Port of Virginia and work experiences with the United States Navy have helped refine my knowledge and Cybersecurity skills, such as vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and incident response. In unfolding this narrative, emphasis is laid on how practical experience and academic knowledge in my quest to become a highly proficient Cybersecurity expert with profound knowledge of this profession have significantly contributed to enhancing my competency in performing Cybersecurity duties.
Personal Narrative Essay
Introduction
As I reflect on my journey into the field of Cybersecurity, I am reminded of what prompted me to develop a passion for this profession. My journey started with a passion for technology and a relentless interest in technology’s role in driving society towards a global village. This happened when I was in high school. I recall envisaging a scenario where the world’s interconnectedness could pose a significant security challenge to individuals and organizations when it emerged that giant telecommunication companies were experiencing unsuccessful and successful cyber-attacks. Little did I know that I was envisioning my future career path. My journey into becoming a Cybersecurity expert has been significantly shaped by my academic work, and internship experiences.
Academic Experience
My academic journey, especially at Old Dominion University, laid a foundation for my Cybersecurity career. This journey commenced in May 2021 when I enrolled for a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. I embarked on this quest with some intermediate knowledge of information science, and my curiosity to learn more about Cybersecurity motivated me to pursue a degree in Cybersecurity. This academic groundwork served as a launch pad for an exciting adventure in Cybersecurity.
During my undergraduate, my instructors introduced me to specialized courses that equipped me with invaluable knowledge and skills about many Cybersecurity concepts. CYSE 300 (Introduction to Cybersecurity) is one of the courses that introduced me to Cybersecurity. This course allowed me to gain essential information about this field, such as computer system architectures, cyber threats and vulnerabilities, critical infrastructure, network security, risk assessment/management, information assurance, and cryptography. By the end of this course, I had mastered valuable knowledge and technical skills that laid the ground for me to advance my understanding by undertaking more Cybersecurity courses.
The other course I took at Old Dominion University that equipped me with helpful knowledge and skills in Cybersecurity was CYSE 301 (Cybersecurity Techniques and Operations). In a nutshell, this course focuses on techniques and tools employed to assess large computer networks and systems and how to harden their security. While taking this course, I learned C programming, a beneficial concept in performing most Cybersecurity operations like network protocol stack and malware analysis. Also, I learned the map networks in this course utilizing various diagnostic software tools. I also learned about configuring firewalls, advanced packet analysis, writing intrusion detection, penetration testing techniques, and how to perform forensic investigations. Therefore, CYSE 301 offered me practical knowledge of Cybersecurity operations.
The third course I pursued at Old Dominion University that prepared me for the Cybersecurity profession is ECE 416 (Cyber Defense Fundamentals). This course offered an opportunity to learn about Cybersecurity and defense. In particular, it provided me with essential knowledge about Cybersecurity theory, computer systems, network security, and information assurance and protection. Therefore, the course taught me about various security threats to information systems and how to counter them. Most importantly, this course exposed me to the latest applications of Cybersecurity systems. In addition, ECE 416 allowed me to learn about cryptographic applications, contemporary cryptographic systems, and cryptographic algorithms for public key and symmetrical encryption.
The fourth course I took at Old Dominion University that equipped me with priceless knowledge about Cybersecurity is ECE 419 (Cyber-Physical System Security). This course introduced me to networking and Cyber-Physical System Security (CPSS) integrated computing. The knowledge I gained from this course has helped me to monitor the physical environment, utilize the monitored data to monitor the condition of the physical environment, control access to the physical environment, and employ cyber communications to monitor, detect and control operations. Moreover, ECE 419 helped me learn how to secure Internet-of-things (IoT) applications and cloud storage systems. Therefore, my academic journey at Old Dominion University has played a pivotal role in my journey to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to become a Cybersecurity professional.
Internship Experience
Although the theoretical knowledge I gained at Old Dominion University significantly defined my career path, it was not enough to allow me to navigate the ever-changing Cybersecurity world. Accordingly, I sought practical experience to supplement my academic knowledge at the Port of Virginia in Norfolk, Virginia, where I applied theoretical knowledge to actual cases. This internship acquainted me with essential knowledge of incident response. While working at the Port of Virginia, I assumed a forefront position in helping the organization secure its network system. The internship also offered me a panoramic view of Cybersecurity by giving me hands-on experience in penetration testing and vulnerability assessments. I was able to hone my skills in penetration testing. Most importantly, my supervisor at the Port of Virginia assigned me to work on a project about MITRE ATT&CK Framework, a “model for cyber adversary behavior” (Trellix, 2023). The project allowed me to learn more about the security threats facing the organization, assess the organization’s defenses, and harden the organization’s network security. Therefore, my internship at the Port of Virginia was a steppingstone, driving me further to learn about Cybersecurity.
Work Experience
My work experience in the United States Navy also shapes my Cybersecurity journey. I joined the Navy in January 2011 as an information system security analyst at the USS Decatur. The information security analyst role exposed me to many functions in Cybersecurity. While working at the USS Decatur, I assessed the information systems by following NIST RMF, NIST SP 800-53, and NIST SP 800-53A. Also, I collaborated with other information security professionals to create Privacy Threshold Analysis (PTA) and Privacy Impact Analysis (PIA). I worked at USS Decatur until March 2019, after which I joined the United States Navy, USS Normandy, in Norfolk, Virginia, as an information assurance analyst. My work at USS Normandy entails developing security policy documentation that complies with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA). Additionally, I often assist penetration testers (ethical hackers) to test information systems to identify vulnerabilities and develop security controls. Therefore, my work at the United States Navy has significantly contributed to my competencies as a Cybersecurity professional by offering me a hands-on opportunity to exercise and develop my skills.
Conclusion
In sum, my journey into Cybersecurity can be described as a tapestry woven with threads of academic, internship, and work experiences. It is a narrative of professional development and a solid determination to safeguard the digital world. Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the various opportunities that have shaped my career and adequately prepared me to become a digital guardian at the forefront of a fast-paced digital realm.
References
Trellix. (2023). What is the MITRE ATT&CK framework? https://www.trellix.com/en-us/security-awareness/cybersecurity/what-is-mitre-attack-framework.html