Edition #4: Staying the Course, Stacking the Wins

This month has been about staying steady and locked in. No big wins, just a focus on doing the small things right and finding ways to keep getting sharper each day.

🚀 Milestones & Moments: 6 Months In - Consistency is Key

Today marks 6 months of being a SOC Analyst with my current company. Day by day, I feel my skills getting sharper. I have access to more tools, a better understanding of how they work, and I have been handling more complex tickets. Out of everything I have worked with, Azure, Microsoft’s cloud platform, has been my favorite.

Another thing I have appreciated lately is the number of people reaching out to me for advice. I do my best to respond and help where I can. The fact that people trust me with their questions, even as I continue growing myself, means a lot.

Right now, I am studying for the Azure SC-200 certification and plan to take the exam at the end of the week.

After that, I’m aiming for the Azure AI-900 to start learning more in the space of artificial intelligence, specifically how it ties into and impacts cybersecurity. Artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving and is already playing a growing role in cyber, from threat detection to automation.

I want to make sure I stay ahead of the curve by understanding how these tools work and how they’re being applied in real-world security environments.

For those who don’t know, I’m blessed to be a student ambassador for the BEYA (Becoming Everything You Are) STEM Conference. As part of that role, I get to co-host a monthly segment called BEYA STEM Club. This past month, our guest was Kendrick Tilghman, also known as DJ 5 Starr.

Having him on the show and me being a bit of an old soul inspired me to create a tribute video to DJs. It was one of my favorite videos to make. DJs play such an essential role in music culture and often don’t get the appreciation they deserve. I wanted to give them their flowers and spotlight just how impactful they really are.

Here’s the full video if you want to check it out: DJ Tribute Video

Lastly, I just wrapped up my spring semester of college. If all goes as planned, I should only have one more semester left before earning my associate's degree in cybersecurity this fall.

This last month has been a lot of fine-tuning and figuring things out, and Im all for it. 

🛡️ Cybersecurity Update: Ransomware Attacks Are Evolving

Ransomware attacks continue to evolve and get worse over time. Recent attacks from groups like Scattered Spider on MGM Resorts show how social engineering is still one of the most effective ways hackers get in. These younger hackers from the US, UK, and Canada are teaming up with experienced Russian ransomware groups, making the attacks even more damaging.

For more details, read the full article on 60 Minutes (CBS).

🔒Breach One, Teach One

This month, I broke down a few major breaches and scams from malware spreading on TikTok, to a major Coinbase breach that exposed tens of thousands of users, and a cyberattack that disrupted Co-op stores. Here are those stories, each explained in a 1-minute video to keep you informed.

🔹TikTok Malware Scam EXPOSED | Don’t Fall for This Trick!
🔹Coinbase Breach Update: Over 69,000 Users Exposed!
🔹Coinbase Hacked?! What You Need to Know About the Latest Breach
🔹Massive Cyberattack on Co-op: Data Breach Leads to System Outage & Empty Shelves!

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

💪Your Health is Your Greatest Asset

With everything being digital nowadays, we’re glued to devices more than we think. Whether it’s working from the computer or scrolling on our phones, our bodies take a hit from all that time sitting and looking down.

If you work long hours like I do, comfort and posture should be a priority. Over time, small things like poor screen height or bad chair support can lead to back pain, tight hips, or even long-term discomfort that affects your focus and overall energy.

Investing in a better desk setup can help you stay aligned and feel better throughout the day. A good place to start is elevating your screen to eye level and using a chair that actually supports your posture.

If you’re looking to make small but impactful changes, here are 2 options:

• Affordable Option – Laptop Stand

• More Expensive Option – Ergonomic Chair

❓ Question of the Month

Starting this month, I’m adding a new section to hear directly from you. You can reply directly to this email.

I’m someone who is always looking to grow and learn from others, whether it’s in the field I’m in or outside of it. I truly value the insight, feedback, and advice I get from my community.

How do you think AI will affect the tech space, especially in sectors like computer engineering and cybersecurity, in the next few years? And what skill sets should someone be learning to stay prepared, outside of just basic prompting?

📚What I’m Reading This Month

I have been catching up on some of my books. Last month, school got a bit hectic and caused me to fall behind on my reading.

After resetting and taking some time to refocus, I am getting back on track and will have a new book to share next month.

However, I do read my bible every day for about 20 minutes, along with cybersecurity articles, so Im getting some reading in.

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

🗓️ Upcoming Events

Being in tech, it’s important to stay current with industry events and build real connections through networking.

One upcoming event to check out is GovTechCon, a conference focused on breaking into the government tech space.

The conference runs from September 11 to 13 in Washington, DC, at the Gaylord National Convention Center.

Use my discount code “DOMINIC15” to secure your ticket at a discounted rate: GovTechCon.

🔹Resource Spotlight: Quso.AI 

If you are a creator like me, you know making content is a job in itself, whether it is short form or long form. Editing takes time, and sometimes that is the one thing we do not have enough of.

I have been using Quso, an AI platform that helps with video editing and optimization. It has been a helpful tool for keeping things efficient when time is limited.

What I like most is how it helps cut down longer videos into short-form content and also assists in the content creation process overall. Whether it's editing and recording or even scheduling and managing posts for social media, it helps keep things organized and flowing.

And remember, do not look at AI as something that replaces your creativity; see it as a tool that helps you better manage your time, so you can focus on what truly matters: creating the content itself.

💭 A Thought to Keep in Mind

“Patience is not the ability to wait, but how you act while you’re waiting.”

– Joyce Meyer

📩 Let’s Stay Connected

I appreciate you being part of my journey and taking the time to read this update.

If you ever no longer wish to receive my emails, please reply "remove", and I’ll take you off my list.

Thank you kindly.