Strengthening Foundations and Exploring New Horizons: Anticipating SANS BACS and Delving into Malware Analysis
The clock is ticking down to the commencement of my next educational venture: the SANS Bachelor of Applied Cybersecurity (BACS) program. This much-anticipated journey commences with an orientation on the first day of next month. Following this, I'll be diving headfirst into my initial class, the GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT).
As someone whose educational trajectory hasn't adhered to the traditional Computer Science path, the GFACT course, though ostensibly basic, presents an invaluable opportunity. It promises a deep dive into the bedrock principles that underpin our digital world, filling in the gaps in my knowledge and laying a robust foundation upon which to build my future cybersecurity expertise.
While this course may seem introductory to some, I understand the importance of a solid grounding in foundational concepts. The landscape of cybersecurity is expansive and constantly evolving. It's a realm where a thorough understanding of the basics can significantly enhance one's ability to grasp more complex concepts, adapt to new challenges, and successfully neutralize threats.
Yet, before the whirlwind of the SANS BACS program begins, I find myself with a sliver of time. While the allure of spending these spare moments indulging in a digital adventure on Diablo 4 is tempting, I find myself yearning for something more. As someone who thrives on continuous growth and learning, the idea of idling away this time seems like a wasted opportunity.
Consequently, I have chosen to leverage this interim period to broaden my horizons further by delving into the intricate world of malware analysis. Specifically, I'll be dedicating my time and energy to The Cyber Mentor's (TCM) Practical Malware Analysis & Triage (PMAT) course.
Developed by fellow United States Marine Corps veteran Matt Kiely (better known in the cyber realm as HuskyHacks), the PMAT course promises to offer an in-depth exploration of malware and its myriad manifestations. As it stands, I'm still in the preliminary stages of setting up the lab environment. However, I am already tingling with anticipation to peel back the layers of malware, understanding its mechanisms, and sharpening my skills in identifying, analyzing, and neutralizing such threats.
The insights I have gleaned from others who have traversed this path, coupled with the snippets I've gleaned from preliminary videos, suggest an enlightening and challenging journey ahead. I am confident that this endeavor will be instrumental in augmenting my cybersecurity acumen, furnishing me with a more comprehensive understanding of the broader cybersecurity ecosystem.
The decision to supplement my imminent SANS BACS journey with the PMAT course might raise some eyebrows. Yet, it is this voracious hunger for knowledge, this eagerness to continuously learn and grow, that fuels my passion for cybersecurity. As I embark on these parallel paths of learning, I invite you to join me on this exciting adventure. Stay tuned for more detailed insights into my experiences with the PMAT course, my initial impressions of the GFACT class, and a myriad of stories from my journey through the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity. The journey promises to be both challenging and rewarding, filled with discovery, growth, and a deepening understanding of the digital world in which we live.