My Journey Into Cybersecurity

Hi, I’m Yunis Mohamed, an aspiring offensive security professional passionate about safeguarding the digital world. My journey into cybersecurity is fueled by curiosity, a commitment to protection, and a belief in our collective role in creating a safer online environment. Currently, I am part of the Offensive Track mentorship at the Ongoza Cybersecurity Hub (OCH), where I am sharpening my skills to address the ever-evolving challenges in the cybersecurity field.

Who am I?

I have a BSc in Information Technology, which gave me a solid start in the tech world. Over time, I’ve built on that with certifications like Cloud and Network Security from Cyber Shujaa and Junior Penetration Tester from TryHackMe. Along the way, I’ve picked up skills in data science, machine learning with Python, network and application security, and vulnerability assessments. Currently, I’m also pursuing the Certified Red Team Analyst certification and the Secure+ certification from ACyberSchool.

Why Cybersecurity ?

Growing up, I was thrilled watching hackers in movies, typing furiously on their keyboards and cracking complex systems with ease (it looked so cool!🤣). That excitement never left me. Sure, real-life hacking requires much more patience and skill than Hollywood portrays, but the thrill remains the same.Offensive security, in particular, fascinates me because it allows us to think and act like adversaries, inorder to proactively protect systems before they’re compromised.

Hacking from an ethical standpoint is not just about breaking into systems, it’s about understanding how they work, where they can break, and how to fix those gaps before someone else does.

OCH: A Community of Cybersecurity Leaders

The Ongoza Cybersecurity Hub (OCH) is dedicated to building the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. In Swahili, "Ongoza" means leadership, and true to its name, OCH aims to cultivate future leaders who can give back to the community.

I applied for the OCH mentorship because I saw it as an opportunity to learn from seasoned industry experts who have walked the path I’m on now. I believe their guidance, combined with the technical training provided, will help me upskill and prepare for real-world challenges. I also wanted to develop my leadership skills which are essential to today’s world.

What Keeps Me Going…

One value that resonates deeply with me right now is resilience. As I navigate job hunting while pursuing certifications, resilience has become an essential part of my journey. Cybersecurity is a field full of challenges, whether it's getting stuck on a complex capture the flag 😅 or pushing through a tough learning curve. I’ve learned that setbacks are just stepping stones to growth.

I believe that curiosity is the key to growth. In cybersecurity, there’s always something new to learn, whether it’s exploring a new vulnerability or mastering a new tool. Cybersecurity may not always be a whirlwind of excitement, but it is definitely a journey of continuous learning. The job hunt itself has become a valuable learning experience, teaching me the importance of patience. I've come to appreciate that the best results often take time and dedication 💯, a lesson that extends far beyond the realm of cybersecurity.

Outside hacking…😎

When I’m not knee-deep in cybersecurity puzzles, you’ll probably find me in two places: either yelling at the TV during a football match 😂(because obviously, my team can’t win without my sideline coaching), or actually on the field playing football myself.When I’m not kicking a ball around, I’m in the middle of an intense gaming session, outsmarting digital enemies. Both football and gaming keep my brain sharp, or at least that’s what I tell myself😄.

What next?

I’m excited to continue growing in this field and sharing my insights with others through this blog. Here, I’ll document my learning journey, offer tips for fellow beginners, and showcase the projects and certifications I’ve achieved. Whether you’re new to cybersecurity or just looking for inspiration, I hope to create a space where we can learn and grow together 🤝.