Edition #2 Leveling Up & Looking Ahead

Every day, week, and month is a chance to level up and get better, whether it’s in your career or personal life. But it all comes down to the effort you put in and your mindset. This past month has been a steady grind filled with wins, lessons, and progress.

🚀Milestones & Moments: Wins, Lessons, and What's Next

This past month has been a grind, getting back into my routine and planning for what’s ahead.

I recently passed my CompTIA CYSA+ exam, earning my 5th certification in 10 months and 6th overall. It was harder than I expected. More challenging than the Security+, for sure. Even though I passed, I wish I had studied a little more to really lock in the material. But I pushed through, stayed focused, and got the cert. I am looking to get three more in 2025, which will be two Microsoft Azure certifications and an administrator-level Splunk certification.

Anyone who is in cybersecurity and is wanting to take the CompTIA CYSA+ Exam, here is the study material I used to help me pass the exam: Udemy CYSA+ Course.

If you are a student, here is the marketplace where you can get a discount on practice tests and other training: CompTIA Academic Store.

I was also named an ambassador again for the GovTechCon conference, and I am excited to create content and have the opportunity to network once again in Washington, DC. The conference will be held from September 11th to 13th. (Early Bird Tickets on Sale)

On the health side, I am continuing to stay consistent. I am on day 447 of running a mile or more every day, totaling 691.1 miles over the past 14 months, and I am training for my first 5K in April.

Every month is different. Some are busier than others, and some teach me more personally than professionally, but it is all about keeping a steady pace and taking it one day at a time.

Cybersecurity Update: AI’s Growing Role in Cyber Defense

Artificial intelligence is rapidly shaping the future of cybersecurity, both as a tool for defense and a challenge to overcome. With the right investment and education, AI can help close the cybersecurity talent gap while strengthening organizations' systems. One recent initiative is taking a major step in that direction.

The University of South Florida has received a $40 million donation to establish the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing, aiming to develop AI-driven security solutions and train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

For more details, read the full article on Tampa Bay Times.

🔒Breach One, Teach One

Phishing continues to remain a common cyber threat, but with AI and other tools, threat actors are becoming more creative. Whether it is about cryptocurrency or fake parking tickets, they are finding new ways to steal information, money, and much more. These scams rely on urgency and deception to trick people. That is why it is extremely important to stay aware, remain calm, and take the necessary steps to protect yourself, such as not clicking on suspicious links, deleting messages, and blocking the sender.

Here are a few major cyber attacks from this month and the key lessons learned, all explained by me in an approximately 1-minute video breaking down the main points of each breach.

 🔹Polish Space Agency HACKED - Here’s What You Need to Know!
 🔹Fake Parking Ticket Scams are Stealing Your Information
 🔹New Coinbase Phishing Scam Exposed
 🔹Crazy Identity Theft Story - Here’s What We Can Learn From It!

If you want to keep up with my latest videos, Subscribe to my YouTube.

💪Your Health is Your Greatest Asset

What we put into our bodies every day plays a bigger role in our health than we realize. Cooking oils are one of those small details that can have a major impact over time.

A lot of common oils like vegetable, canola, and soybean oil are processed in ways that make them harder for our bodies to digest. They can contribute to inflammation, gut issues, and even long-term health problems, which can affect energy levels, focus, and overall well-being.

For those of us working in tech, whether remote or on-site, it is even more important to be insightful about our food and how we cook it. Work can be stressful as it is, and sitting for long hours takes a toll on our bodies. On top of that, irregular eating habits can make it even harder to stay healthy.

Switching to better options like extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, beef tallow, or ghee can make a real difference. These oils are less processed, provide essential nutrients, and support better digestion and overall health.

It is not just about cooking either. Many processed foods contain these unhealthy oils, so taking the time to read labels when grocery shopping can go a long way. Yes, it may be a little more expensive, but cutting corners on your health will always cost you more than any item you put in your cart.

If you’re looking to make small but impactful changes, here are some healthy cooking alternatives: Beef Tallow, Avocado Oil, and Ghee.

📚What I’m Reading This Month

Last month, I read The Richest Man in Babylon. The book teaches you about financial wisdom through stories set in ancient Babylon. It also highlights principles like saving a portion of your income, making smart investments, and living below your means, showing that wealth is built through discipline, knowledge, and consistent effort.

Now, I am reading The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran, which focuses on improving productivity by setting goals in shorter time frames to achieve more in less time.

If you have any book or article recommendations, reply to this email and send them my way. I am always open to new insights!

🔹Resource Spotlight: MyCyberPath

Cybersecurity has a wide range of career paths, and figuring out the right one can take time. I know it took me a while to find mine. MyCyberPath is a tool that helps map out different roles based on your interests and personality traits. It also provides resources like certification paths, courses, and job search tips for those looking to break into the field or make a career shift.

I wish I had something like this when I started. Make sure your niche or path aligns with what you want to do but also what truly interests you. Research is key.

Here is the link if you want to check it out: MyCyberPath

💭 A Thought to Keep in Mind

“The ability to continue moving when you are feeling scared, fearful or lazy is the sign of true mental strength.” – Matthew Donnelly

📩 Let’s Stay Connected

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