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🚀Pressing Forward Into Cybersecurity | Part 4

  • im4u73
  • Apr 24
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 30


So here I am, watching countless videos about breaking into the Cybersecurity industry. It's a field that feels tough to crack, yet it's bursting with opportunity. In fact, there's an expected 33% growth in Cybersecurity jobs—and it's not slowing down.

The only thing holding me back? My own drive and ambition. I’ve realized that the knowledge, experience, and tools are all at my fingertips. Now it’s about pressing forward.

What makes this even more exciting is having my wife by my side—cheering me on. She’s leveling up in her own career, and we’re both striving to grow and evolve together.


🎯 Getting Certified & Getting Hands-On

Before diving into The Cyber Range by Josh Madakor, I enrolled in the free Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) course by ISC2. After completing the course, I attempted the Pearson VUE certification exam the very next day.


🧠 Did I pass? No. But that’s okay. The exam was tough, and not passing gave me insight into where I needed to improve. Failure isn’t a stop sign—it’s a guidepost.

Now I’m focused on finishing Professor Messer’s Security+ course, and after that, I’m planning to start the Google Cybersecurity Certificate via Coursera.


🧪 Labs, Tools & Real Practice

Inside the Cyber Range, I’ve been getting real-world exposure to:

  • ☁️ Microsoft Azure

  • 🔎 Tenable

  • 🛡️ Microsoft Sentinel (SIEM)

  • 🧰 Microsoft Defender

I'm working with virtual machines, intentionally introducing vulnerabilities, scanning them, and learning how to analyze and remediate issues. The goal? To make this process second nature.

This kind of repetition will help me feel confident in interviews and future roles.


🧰 Building My Own Lab

To take it a step further, I installed Kali Linux on a VM using VMware Workstation Pro. I’m learning the ways of ethical hacking and understanding how Red Teams think so I can better defend as part of a Blue Team.


⚔️ My dream? Competing in Capture the Flag (CTF) events and treating cybersecurity like an arcade battleground.


📝 Why I’m Documenting This

All of this—every challenge, every win—is why I started this blog and my YouTube series, CyberIIon Sentry. This is about documenting my journey to:

  • Inspire others

  • Hold myself accountable

  • Help those who feel stuck in life or career


🎓 Your Turn To Start

If you're looking for a fresh start like I was, here's what I recommend:

  • 🎯 Join The Cyber Range – Get hands-on experience with real tools in a guided environment.

  • 💻 Download VMware Workstation Pro and spin up a Kali Linux VM to explore ethical hacking.

  • 📚 Take the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) course – it's free and a solid intro.

  • 🎓 Explore Google’s Cybersecurity program on Coursera.

  • 🤖 Download ChatGPT – ask it questions, brainstorm, and get clarity in your learning.

  • 🎧 Tune into CyberWire Daily and Darknet Diaries – these podcasts will keep you informed and inspired.


You’ve got everything to gain. Just take that first step. And remember this isn't just my journey, it's one many of us share! Stay Tuned! I'll continue to upload more videos detailing my journey and what I'm learning!


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