Reflective Essay

Sage Hensley
IDS 493 Electronic Portfolio Project
Professor Carin Andrews,
March 9, 2026

Studying Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University has provided me with the opportunity to develop a diverse set of skills necessary for a career in the cybersecurity field. Because cybersecurity is inherently interdisciplinary, my coursework has drawn from multiple disciplines including computer science, networking, policy studies, ethics, and data analysis. These different perspectives helped me understand cybersecurity not only as a technical challenge but also as a social, political, and ethical issue.
I developed three key skills that are essential for success in cybersecurity, analytical thinking, ethical hacking and penetration testing, and network security. Each of these skills was developed through specific coursework, projects, and hands-on exercises that allowed me to apply concepts to real world challenges. By studying cybersecurity policies, practicing offensive security techniques, and learning to detect vulnerabilities in network environments, I gained experience that directly aligns with my career goals.
Analytical Thinking
One of the most important skills I developed during my degree program is analytical thinking. Cybersecurity professionals must constantly analyze problems, evaluate risks, and determine effective strategies. Several writing assignments throughout my program helped me develop this skill by requiring me to critically evaluate technologies, policies, and ethical dilemmas in cybersecurity.
One example of this skill development was a research paper I wrote in my Basic Cybersecurity Programming and Networking course analyzing the effectiveness and risks of AI powered cybersecurity systems. In this assignment, I evaluated how artificial intelligence can improve threat detection and response while also considering the risks associated with relying on automated systems. I examined both the technical advantages of AI driven security tools and the potential vulnerabilities they introduce, such as adversarial machine learning attacks and overreliance on automation. Completing this paper required lots of research, analysis of different viewpoints, and the ability to combine information from multiple sources.
Another artifact demonstrating my analytical thinking is my evaluation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan written for my Cyber Policy course. This assignment required me to analyze government policy and assess how effectively it addresses national cybersecurity challenges. I examined the plan’s goals, the responsibilities assigned to government agencies, and the potential impact on private sector organizations. This project showed me how cybersecurity is influenced not only by technology but also by public policy, regulation, and international cooperation.
A third example of analytical thinking is my paper examining the concept of “vibe coding” through a Kantian ethical perspective. In this assignment, I explored whether certain programming practices align with Kantian principles such as duty, honesty, and universal moral laws. This project combined ethical philosophy with cybersecurity and programming practices, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of the field. It required me to apply philosophy to a technological issue and evaluate the ethical responsibilities of developers and security professionals.
These assignments strengthened my ability to approach cybersecurity problems from multiple perspectives. Job descriptions for cybercrime analysts frequently emphasize the importance of critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to evaluate security threats. Through these assignments, I developed the analytical skills needed to succeed.
Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
Another skill I developed during my cybersecurity program is ethical hacking and penetration testing. These skills involve thinking like an attacker in order to identify vulnerabilities before bad actors can exploit them. Hands on labs allowed me to practice offensive security techniques and better understand how cyber attacks occur.
One important exercise involved creating passwords with varying levels of complexity using Linux tools and then attempting to crack them. This assignment demonstrated how password strength directly affects the security of systems. By testing different password combinations, I was able to see how quickly weak passwords could be broken using automated cracking tools. This experience reinforced the importance of strong password policies and multi factor authentication in cybersecurity.
Another project involved using reconnaissance tools to identify active hosts and open ports on a network. By scanning a system and analyzing which services were running, I learned how attackers gather information before launching an attack. Understanding this reconnaissance phase is crucial because it allows security professionals to anticipate potential attack vectors and secure vulnerable services before they are exploited.
I also completed an exercise involving steganography, where I hid text inside an image file and then attempted to locate the hidden data. This activity demonstrated how information can be concealed within seemingly harmless files, which is a technique sometimes used by attackers to hide malicious code or transmit data secretly. Learning how to both hide and detect hidden information shows how attackers attempt to evade detection.
These exercises taught me how attackers operate and how vulnerabilities can be exploited. At the same time, they emphasized the ethical responsibility of cybersecurity professionals to use these skills to strengthen security rather than cause harm. Network Security
The third major skill I developed during my program is network security. Protecting networks is one of the core responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals, and my coursework provided lots of experience in this area.
One of the most significant accomplishments demonstrating this skill was earning my CompTIA Security+ certification. In addition to completing coursework, I dedicated time to independent study to prepare for the certification exam. Security+ covers essential cybersecurity topics such as threat detection, risk management, cryptography, and network security protocols. Achieving this certification demonstrated my understanding of industry standard security practices and validated my technical knowledge.
Another important experience involved using Wireshark to analyze network traffic. During this assignment, I captured and examined packets traveling across a network in order to identify potential vulnerabilities and security risks. By analyzing packet data, I was able to detect unencrypted information being transmitted over the network. This exercise helped me understand how attackers might intercept sensitive information and why encryption is essential for protecting data.
I also participated in an exercise where I acted both as an attacker and as a defender within a local area network. In the attacker role, I identified vulnerabilities within the network that could potentially be exploited. In the defender role, I applied countermeasures such as securing configurations and implementing monitoring tools to prevent unauthorized access. This activity was valuable because it demonstrated the constant interaction between offensive and defensive cybersecurity strategies.
Network analysis skills are critical for cybercrime analysts who must detect suspicious activity, investigate security incidents, and identify how breaches occur.
My experience in the Cybersecurity program at Old Dominion University has helped me develop the technical knowledge, analytical skills, and ethical awareness necessary for a career in cybersecurity. Through an interdisciplinary approach that combined computer science, networking, public policy, and ethical philosophy, I learned how cybersecurity challenges extend beyond purely technical issues.
Courses such as Interdisciplinary Theory and Concepts were particularly valuable because they taught me how to examine problems using multiple perspectives. By using different disciplinary approaches, I learned to analyze cybersecurity issues more effectively and develop well rounded solutions. This interdisciplinary mindset is essential in cybersecurity because security challenges often involve technology, human behavior, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations.
Throughout my coursework, I learned how to engage with complex problems, conduct research, apply technical tools, and evaluate ethics. These experiences helped me build my three core skills. Each of these skills was developed through hands-on assignments, research papers, and practical exercises that simulated real world cybersecurity challenges.
As I pursue my goal of becoming a cybersecurity analyst, the knowledge and skills I gained from my program will play an important role in my professional success. Cybersecurity professionals must constantly adapt to new threats, analyze evolving technologies, and develop strategies to protect critical systems. My education has prepared me to approach these challenges thoughtfully, ethically, and analytically, making me well prepared to contribute to the cybersecurity field.