Hasty Update: Winter Edition

Hey, everybody!

I know, I know; I promised more frequent updates on here, and yet I've disappointed you again, much like an absent father who went to get cigarettes from the corner store. This time, it'll be different! So, here's a quick rundown of what's been going on with me and where I'm heading next.

It's the final countdown!

I officially began my Skillbridge program in October with the US VALOR Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program. This program will see me through well into the next few months. The focus of the first phase is gaining a new certification (more on that next), followed by a full-time apprenticeship in January. I'll work in cybersecurity roles with four companies over the next year, and US VALOR sponsors training material and examination fees for additional certifications during that time. Arguably, this is the most comprehensive cybersecurity program for veterans as it fills a critical gap for those like myself: experience. The military has provided me with plenty of transferrable soft and hard skills; however, my hands-on technical experience has been limited to self-study, home labs, and internship projects.

Next Certification: CySA+

In about two weeks, I'll take a crack at the CompTIA CySA+ exam. Thanks to my Skillbridge program, all of my training materials were free and included a free voucher to cover the exam fee. I'm using TestOut CyberDefensePro (now CompTIA Certmaster) as I did for my previous CompTIA certifications. I'm supplementing the training material with Wiley's CySA+ Study Guide and Practice Tests. I'm also practicing various skills with labs on Hack The Box and Try Hack Me to keep me on my toes. Wish me luck!

Here Comes a New Challenger!

As my time on active duty ends, I've already begun putting out feelers for a full-time civilian job. Admittedly, the odds are stacked against me like a meerkat getting into a fistfight with a water buffalo. As I mentioned before, I bring plenty to the table, but it's difficult to get past an initial look by HR when your resume lacks years of system administrator work. The good news is that because of the US VALOR program, I'm in a position where I don't have to look for work yet. I can hold off on the job search until my resume is filled with more direct IT/cybersecurity experience. However, I'm not one to pass up on an opportunity. So, if a job posting seems promising or someone refers me, I'll take my shot because you never know who will give you a chance.

The Future of The Broken Castle

We're not going away – not anytime soon. You can't hold me down, Kyle. I've got more articles in the hopper, including a write-up on my recent talk at VetSecCon (big shout to VetSec for allowing me to speak!). I'm also working on the Blue Team Level 1 certification simultaneously with CySA+, and I'll also do a quick write-up on that cert. The bottom line is stay tuned! Or don't. You do you, fam.