From Fixer to Sentinel: My Journey into Cybersecurity

Welcome to my blog, From Fixer to Sentinel. This space is dedicated to sharing my journey as I break into the field of cybersecurity, aspiring to become a SOC Analyst. I hope my in-depth posts about various projects will inspire you to embark on your own cybersecurity adventure.

Background: My IT Beginnings

I began my career in IT over eight years ago as an electronics repair technician. My initial focus was on fixing iPhones, iPads, and Macs. As my skills evolved, I expanded my expertise to include a broader range of devices, such as Android phones, tablets, and Windows PCs. From repairing Toshiba Satellites to custom-built gaming PCs, I developed strong software skills and diagnostic abilities. This journey sparked my interest in working with the command line, leading me to discover Linux.

Diving into Software Development

Exploring Linux and open-source software piqued my interest in software development. I enrolled in a Python bootcamp and found it incredibly rewarding. However, I realized many of my project ideas required web development skills. This realization led me to learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, allowing me to create a few impressive static websites.

A Turning Point: Embracing Cybersecurity

Life threw me a curveball when I lost my home to a fire. Amid this challenging time, a good friend reached out, knowing I was eager to advance my career. He introduced me to the growing field of cybersecurity and offered to mentor me. Grateful for the guidance, I accepted his offer and followed the roadmap he laid out for me.

First Steps: CompTIA Security+ Certification

My journey began with studying for the CompTIA Security+ certification, which I achieved in just one month. Obtaining this certification was a significant milestone for me, as I had always considered it beyond my reach. This accomplishment boosted my confidence and confirmed that my skills were indeed up to par.

Hands-On Experience and Continuous Learning

To gain hands-on experience, I planned various projects with my mentor and enrolled in the CDSA certification course from HackTheBox. Since diving into cybersecurity, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the learning process. Although I have much more to learn, I’m incredibly excited about the future.

Join Me on This Journey

I am eager to share my projects and home lab work with you, showcasing the steps I take and the knowledge I gain along the way. Stay tuned for more updates as I navigate the path from fixer to sentinel, and hopefully, inspire you to start your own cybersecurity journey.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure. Let’s learn and grow together!

Upcoming Projects!

1. Setting up Wazuh SIEM Project
2. Learning Active Directory
3. Learning nmap
4. Learning WireSHark
5. Windows Event Logs + Atomic Red Team Project
6. Security Onion + PCAP Investigation Project
7. Microsoft 365 + Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Project

Author: Joshua Gaither