Why I'm Embarking on a Cybersecurity Adventure: From Clicks to Protection
Jennifer Mutanen
I never thought I'd be writing this.
Just a few months ago, “packet sniffing” sounded like something out of a sci-fi novel. Now, I’m knee-deep in terminal commands, trying to understand how systems talk and how they can be broken.
This blog marks the first step of my journey into cybersecurity, and I’m documenting everything the wins, the failures, and all the wtf moments in between.
So, Why Cybersecurity? 🔐🕵️♂️
Like many, I started out just… curious. 🤔
Curious about how websites work. 🌐
Curious why some people seem to “hack” with a few keystrokes. ⌨️💻
Curious how systems we rely on daily can be both brilliant and vulnerable. ⚙️🔓
That curiosity turned into something deeper after I got scammed in a cryptocurrency scheme. 💸😞 It was a tough lesson but it opened my eyes. I started watching YouTubers who expose scammers, and I was fascinated by how they turned the tables. 🔄 What really caught my attention was discovering that many of these creators actually work in cybersecurity. 🛡️ That made me wonder: How do they hack? 🕵️♀️ How do they uncover fraud and outsmart criminals? 🚨
I’ve always loved puzzles and problems. 🧩🧠 Cybersecurity feels like the ultimate puzzle — a mix of logic, strategy, creativity, and a bit of mischief. 🎯🎭
But here’s the thing: I’m not from a tech background. 🧑💻 I didn’t grow up coding. 👨🎓 I don’t have a computer science degree. 🎓 I’m just someone who got tired of being curious and decided to do something about it. 🚀
🛠️ What I'm Learning First (aka "Where I'm Lost but Making Progress")
I’m learning from scratch. Here's what’s currently on my radar:
🐧 Linux & the command line – because clicking won’t save you in the terminal.
🧠 Networking basics – understanding how data actually moves.
🐍 Python scripting – to start building small tools and automations.
🧪 Labs like OverTheWire and TryHackMe – where I break (safe) things to learn.
🕸️ Web vulnerabilities – like SQL injection, XSS, and learning why input validation matters a lot.
I’m not following a single course. I’m mixing videos, blogs, labs, and free resources. I get stuck often and that’s where the real learning begins.
📚 Why I'm Blogging
This blog isn’t just for others — it’s for me.
I want to:
Track my growth — see how far I’ve come when I feel stuck.
Explain things in plain English — because if I can teach it, I understand it.
Build a community — of learners, mentors, or just people who like cyber puzzles.
And maybe, just maybe, someone out there thinking, “I don’t know enough to start,” will find this and realize — you start by starting.
🔮 What to Expect
This blog will be messy, honest, and (hopefully) useful. Coming soon:
My first impressions of TryHackMe and what I learned
Notes on breaking into Bandit (OverTheWire)
Python scripts I’m writing (even if they suck at first)
Book takeaways and free course reviews
Real talk about feeling overwhelmed and pushing through
👋 Let’s Connect
If you're learning too, feel free to follow along. Drop a comment. Suggest tools. Or just say hey. I'm here to learn, share, and maybe even break some stuff (ethically, of course 😅).
Until next time :)
Stay curious. Break things. Fix them. Learn.
— Jennifer Mutanen
Let’s Connect:
GitHub: https://github.com/jenny-me37
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