Our student Tom talks about his key takeaways…
“Cyber Security is a dynamic and multifaceted industry, and my experience at The Cyber Scheme vividly showcased this. Whether it was the broad array of skills I learnt varying from network testing to hardware manipulation, or multitude of routes in to the industry I was presented with, undoubtedly the cyber space lives up to its formidable reputation.
On my first day at The Cyber Scheme, I joined a development session where staff were busy enhancing assessments and upgrading their skills to stay ahead in the cybersecurity field. It was reassuring to see their commitment, knowing I was in capable hands. Looking ahead, it became clear that with the ever-evolving world of cyber threats, skilled ethical hackers will always be in demand. The complexity of the skills required is constantly growing, offering a secure career path that requires creativity and adaptability.
My goal for the day was to learn basic network testing skills using Kali Linux and take notes along the way. I was guided through setting up a virtual machine and customizing it for optimal performance. Then, I learned how to identify machines on the network, find vulnerabilities, and exploit them. Throughout the day, the challenges became more complex, introducing new software like Nessus. Unlike my previous experiences with online platforms, I found this hands-on approach far more engaging and practical. From websites to desktops, I gained experience in exploiting various systems.
As I’m currently working on a Cyber EPQ, the skills I learned were incredibly valuable. At the beginning of the week, I was considering three potential cyber projects for my EPQ. However, after just one day at The Cyber Scheme, I was convinced to focus on creating a starter course for Kali Linux network testing.
On the second day, I accompanied a member of The Cyber Scheme to a Cyber Skills conference in Birmingham. The event kicked off with networking sessions, where I had the chance to meet individuals from diverse cyber backgrounds. Notable among them was Kevin Streater, one of the creators and head moderators of the Cyber EPQ, who shared valuable tips for maximising marks and provided feedback on my project proposal. It was eye-opening to see government representatives from institutions like the Home Office, challenging my previous perception of cyber as a solely industry-dominated market.
The start of the conference was a panel discussion featuring various companies, each outlining their approaches to entering the cyber field. Cyber First, a familiar name to me, stood out among the presentations. However, the multitude of pathways offered by different companies made it daunting to choose a clear direction. Unlike peers who had their career paths mapped out, navigating the cyber field felt less straightforward, requiring guidance from older friends or mentors.
Later sessions provided practical advice on improving CVs and insights from young, successful cyber professionals, reaffirming the complexity of entering the cyber space while also reassuring me that various paths can lead to success. Yet, the unconventional and potentially risky nature of a cyber career might deter typical high-achieving individuals from considering it.
The conference concluded with a presentation from an American representative of ISC2, offering valuable insights into the global cyber landscape. Key takeaways included the importance of companies investing in talent development despite the skill shortage and the variety of options available beyond traditional cyber degrees, such as degree apprenticeships.
On the third day, I had the opportunity to observe a new course, which had just been developed by The Cyber Scheme. Seated alongside a helpful member of the team, I received assistance whenever I encountered challenges, especially since the course proved to be far more intricate than basic network testing. While I shan’t disclose specific details, the course involved a combination of hardware manipulation, intercepting electrical impulses, deciphering various impulse meanings, reverse engineering exploitation methods, and eventually applying these skills to scenarios involving vehicles.
Utilizing equipment familiar from my A-Level physics studies, such as multi-meters, was a peculiar yet enlightening experience. It was fascinating to witness tools that I had used in the classroom being used for real-world situations. The expertise of The Cyber Scheme’s staff was evident as they adeptly conveyed complex concepts to someone like me, a newcomer to the cyber scene.
The day provided me with a deeper understanding of the breadth of knowledge and techniques required for ethical hacking. This realization was exciting, as it underscored the dynamic nature of the industry, where continuous learning is essential.
To conclude the week, I learned more about hacking and cyber aided by The Cyber Scheme in a week, than I had over the past few months of self-research and teaching. The hands-on approach suited me very well and I am extremely grateful for the time The Cyber Scheme”.