March 15, 2023
Starting My Cybersecurity Journey
Why I decided to transition into cybersecurity and what the first steps looked like.
Every journey starts with a decision. For me, it was the realization that cybersecurity isn’t just a career — it’s a mission. After years in the U.S. Army working on complex mechanical and electrical systems, I saw the same principles apply to the digital world: understand how things work, find where they break, and protect what matters.
The transition wasn’t overnight. I started by consuming everything I could — YouTube videos, blogs, podcasts, online courses. The sheer volume of information was overwhelming at first. There are so many domains within cybersecurity: network security, application security, cloud security, incident response, digital forensics, penetration testing — the list goes on.
My First Steps
I decided to focus on fundamentals first. Networking (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP), operating systems (especially Linux), and basic security concepts. I set up a home lab with VirtualBox, installed Kali Linux, and started experimenting. It was messy, confusing, and absolutely exhilarating.
The military taught me discipline and systematic thinking. Cybersecurity demands both. I’m documenting this journey not because I have all the answers, but because I believe in learning in public. If my notes help even one person avoid a pitfall or find a useful resource, it’s worth it.
This blog is where I’ll share what I learn, what I build, and what I break along the way. Let’s go.