Welcome to the very first post of Zero Trust Lab, a blog dedicated to exploring the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, programming, and privacy—with a focus on building a deeper understanding through hands-on learning and experimentation. This blog will be a mix of my personal experiences, lessons learned, and insights gained from working through CTF challenges, wargames, and continuous self-study in cybersecurity and programming.

Who Am I?

I'm a computer science enthusiast with a particular passion for breaking down complex systems and understanding how they work (or break!). I believe in learning by doing, which is why my journey has involved a lot of hands-on labs, CTFs, and hacking my way through Hack The Box and other similar platforms. At the core of my philosophy is the belief that minimalism—whether it's in terms of software or systems—leads to better performance, clearer thinking, and a more efficient learning experience. That’s why my primary setup is an extremely minimal Arch Linux installation running i3-wm. This setup aligns with my love for the KISS principle, and allows me to stay focused and organized, without distractions.

What Is Zero Trust Lab About?

The Zero Trust Lab is not just about technical guides or tutorials; it’s about exploring the philosophy of zero trust in a world where cybersecurity is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. Zero Trust is a security model where no device, user, or system is trusted by default. This is a mindset I want to take into my work, my learning, and this blog. In the age of increasing data breaches, privacy violations, and complex attacks, it’s essential to never assume anything is secure, especially in our own systems and workflows. In this blog, I’ll dive into topics like:

CTFs and Wargames: My personal journey through various security challenges, and how these exercises sharpen my skills and deepen my understanding of vulnerabilities and exploits.
Programming: Focusing on languages like Rust (which I’m currently learning), and how it’s become an essential tool for building secure and performant applications.
Linux & Minimalism: Sharing my experiences with Arch Linux and how minimal setups can improve both security and productivity.
Privacy and Security: Taking a zero-trust approach to the modern digital landscape—understanding the tools and techniques for protecting your personal data and maintaining privacy in an increasingly connected world.

Why "Ground Zero"?

Starting with the concept of "Ground Zero" is symbolic. Just as the term refers to the starting point of a monumental event, Zero Trust Lab is about starting at the very beginning—whether it’s learning a new skill, understanding a new concept, or starting a new challenge. It’s about always being grounded in the basics, while continually building and expanding your knowledge from there.

What to Expect in Future Posts?

This blog will be a place where I share both small wins and big challenges. I’ll dive into things like:

Writing about Rust and why it’s a game-changer for both performance and security.
Chronicling my journey through various CTF challenges and breaking down the techniques and tools I use to solve them.
How to approach privacy and security in an increasingly connected world.

Expect a lot of hands-on posts, real-world challenges, and even the occasional deep dive into specific tools or vulnerabilities I’m working with.

Final Thoughts

I’m excited to kickstart this blog and share my journey with you all. Whether you’re a fellow CS enthusiast, someone interested in cybersecurity, or just someone who loves learning and solving problems, there’s something here for you. I hope this space will not only be a place to document my own growth but also a place for others to learn, engage, and be challenged in the exciting world of tech.

So, welcome to Zero Trust Lab—the journey begins now!

Ground Zero: Welcome to Zero Trust Lab