Edition #3: Building, Learning, and Giving Back

Not every month comes with big wins, but progress is still happening.

Author

Dominic Alegrete
May 02, 2025

Lately, it's been about staying consistent, learning through the process, and letting things build quietly in the background.

🚀 Milestones & Moments: Progress in the Details

I’m continuing to study for the Azure SC-200, and while the studying is going well, it’s definitely been a challenge with the limited resources available. I actually find it funny how the higher you go in certifications, the fewer resources there seem to be, but I’m figuring it out and staying focused.

Today marks 5 months as a SOC Analyst at the company I’m currently with, and I can honestly say I’m loving it. Lately, I’ve been getting more access to different tools for the various clients we support, which has opened the door for even more learning. I’ve been diving deeper into different security tools such as Azure, Elastic, and OpenSearch, and I really enjoy the process of growing in these areas. Whether it’s building better queries, identifying events, or just exploring what each tool can do, it’s all been fascinating to me.

This is what it takes to be successful: you have to fall in love with the process or the so-called boring things if you want to get better and make progress. 

I also had the opportunity to teach a class on how to become a SOC Analyst and what hiring managers are looking for. I want to thank CyberGuard GRC Solutions and Cristian Castaneda for allowing me to share with their students. While I have given cybersecurity-related presentations in the past, this was my first time teaching specifically about a role I currently work in. It was a valuable experience and gave me a new perspective on how important it is to share real-world knowledge with those just starting out.

There’s a lot that goes into a career in cybersecurity, and the right plan is needed to be successful. I'm grateful I had the chance to give back and help others just starting their journey.

If you want to check out the full session, here is the video link: Watch Here

🛡️ Cybersecurity Update: Chinese Hackers Targeting Critical Infrastructure

Hacking groups targeting critical infrastructure is nothing new, but it is still extremely dangerous. If systems like power grids or water supplies go down, the real-world impact could be huge. According to a recent report, Chinese state-backed groups have been quietly planting hidden malware inside key infrastructure across the US and other countries. The goal is not to cause immediate damage, but to wait and strike during a crisis or conflict. It is a reminder of how serious these threats are and why protecting the systems we all rely on needs to stay a priority.

For more details, read the full article on Cyber Security News.

🔒Breach One, Teach One

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.

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

💪Your Health is Your Greatest Asset

These days, everything is digital. Whether you work in tech or not, smartphones, computers, and other screens are part of everyday life. But with all this screen time comes increased exposure to blue light, and that can have real effects on your health.

Blue light from screens can disrupt your body’s natural production of melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep. This often leads to poor sleep quality and difficulty winding down at night.

Over time, too much exposure can also lead to eye strain, headaches, and even long-term vision issues.

One simple fix to it is using blue light-blocking glasses, which help filter out harmful light, reduce eye strain, and support better sleep and focus throughout the day.

If you’re interested in buying a pair, here are some different options based on affordability.

If you are not ready to invest in glasses just yet, you can reduce blue light through your phone settings. Here’s how to turn your phone screen red:

📚What I’m Reading This Month

This month, I finished reading The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran. It breaks down how to shift your mindset and focus in shorter time frames so you can get more done without waiting on motivation or long deadlines.

Next up, I’m diving into The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey, a book that explores the mental side of performance and how mastering your internal mindset can help in more than just sports.

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

🔹Resource Spotlight: JumpStart2Tech 

Planning out your career is one of the smartest things you can do early on, especially when it comes to breaking into tech. Without direction, it is easy to waste time or money on paths that don’t align with your goals. Doing the research and having a plan can make all the difference.

Jumpstart 2 Tech is a program focused on helping people map out their path into the tech industry. It is designed for college students, recent graduates, and those transitioning into tech, offering structure around what steps to take next.

Benjamin Franklin said it best: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Having a resource that helps you build a clear path can be the difference between confusion and confidence when starting your journey.

💭 A Thought to Keep in Mind

“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”

– Maya Angelou

📩 Let’s Stay Connected

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