I can think of no better way to start this journey from an origin of gratitude. I am privileged to have been selected for the Upskill in Cyber 2022 UK program which allowed me to acquire the highly sought after GIAC certifications (GFACT and GSEC) in the cybersecurity industry, free of cost.

However, it wasn’t just about the certifications. My horizon had been broadened to a vast ocean of knowledge and rich history. I had been introduced into the community and now find myself venturing further and further into a brave new world.

I am therefore super grateful for the Upskill in Cyber program’s coordinators, as well as the ultra helpful mentors and student peers, whom have provided timely and extreme generosity of domain expertise during my studies. They truly are the determining factors that brings inclusiveness and human touch to the course experience. As such I’d highly recommend any UK youths with a curiosity for cybersecurity and coding like myself to give it a go and get on the Upskill in Cyber scheme!

Alongside them, I’d also like to give my thanks to Rothamsted Research Institute’s Computational and Analytical Sciences Department for my first foray into the world of technology in a bioinformatics Year in Industry during my university studies, for showing me a whole realm different to my previous background in biological sciences.

Next Steps

The RSA conference, “How the Best Hackers Learn their Craft” hosted in 2018, had emphasized the usefulness in solving patterns of larger problems when it comes to enhancing problem-solving skills. For cybersecurity professionals, this would be Capture The Flag competitions.

Hence, I believe the next stage to undertake would be the PicoCTFs of 2023. I will update this blog after the competition is over and permission for write-ups are granted.