🛡️Bryan Leon’s Post

🌟 Looking Ahead to Growth in 2025 🌟 2024 didn’t go quite as I’d hoped— I left some goals on the table. But every setback is an opportunity to refocus, and I’m excited to channel that energy into a productive and fulfilling 2025! 🎯 My two big goals for next year: 1️⃣ Release Security+ certification courses to empower aspiring security professionals. 2️⃣ Launch a Cyber Summer Camp, creating a fun, hands-on way to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity talent. Both projects are driven by my passion for helping others learn and grow in the cybersecurity field. I’m excited about the journey ahead and the chance to make a meaningful impact. How are you gearing up for 2025? Let’s inspire each other to make it a year of achievement! 💪

2024 was the year cybersecurity taught me that our greatest firewall isn't technology....it's community. My journey this year took me to digital defense strategies, proving that protection is always about people. As a bootcamp coordinator at Virtually Testing Foundation, I've seen firsthand how knowledge transforms potential into power. This year, I dove deep into SOC analysis and malware analysis, but the real breakthrough wasn't just technical skills—it was building bridges for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, especially in African tech communities. Three moments that defined my year: 1. CyBlack SOC Academy Experience Leading an incredible team at INFINITE TECHNOLOGIES LTD showed me that diverse perspectives are our greatest cybersecurity asset. Our team came from different backgrounds but were united by our commitment to learning. https://lnkd.in/dQB53DCv 2. #AfricaCyberFest: Changing Narratives Speaking about empowering African youth in tech wasn't just a presentation—it was a mission. "Every conversation was enriching and memorable." https://lnkd.in/dFGQvMaD 3. Zero Trust: Beyond Just a Technical Concept Demonstrating that cybersecurity is about continuous learning and adaptation. "Organizations can no longer rely on outdated methods of defense." https://lnkd.in/d45PE5QT Certifications like the #LetsDefend SOC Analyst & Malware Analysis Skill Path and #CyBlack SOC Academy program were milestones, but the real achievement was seeing colleagues transform their potential into expertise. Looking ahead to 2025, my mission remains unchanged: I will expand cybersecurity education, bridge skills gaps, and prove that our cyber defenses are strongest when we lift each other up. To every aspiring cybersecurity professional: Your potential is limitless. Keep learning, stay curious, and remember that in this field, we rise by raising others. Grateful to every mentor, team-mates, and the cybersecurity community who made this journey possible. #CyberTalkWithPatrickEssien #CybersecurityEducation #AfricaTech 

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟱𝟰, 𝟱𝟱, 𝟱𝟲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟱𝟳 𝗼𝗳 #𝟵𝟬𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗢𝗳𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗦𝗲𝗰 🌥️🔒 Just like everyone else, I’ve set some goals to accomplish this year. 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆: While I appreciate aspects of my current job, it’s not what I want to do for the rest of my life. Last year, I aimed to transition into a new role but didn’t achieve that goal. However, I made significant progress by earning certifications and building a network here. This year, I’m fully committed to making the leap into IT—specifically Cybersecurity, though I’m open to any role that lets me use my skills. I want to prove to myself and my kids that hard work and continuous learning can lead to real change. 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝘆 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆: This past year, there were plenty of times when I "learned" something—whether it was from a YouTube video, a TryHackMe room, or an article—but I didn’t take action. This year, I want to change that. I'll take detailed notes to better retain what I learn and create actionable reminders to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 “𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱-𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲-𝘁𝗼-𝗱𝗼” 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀: • Start a Twitch channel focused on Cybersecurity. • Complete at least 5 CTF challenges. • Attend 2 or more Cybersecurity conferences. • Practice 100 putts (Disc Golf) every day. • Build meaningful connections here—if you’ve read this far, I’d love to connect! Feel free to message me or send a connection request, I would like to provide more value to my connections if I can. 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: • Earned my Security+ certification. • Completed the MYDFIR SOC Analyst Challenge and wrote a blog about it. • Attended my first meetups. • Maintained a 300+ day streak on LetsDefend and a 70+ day streak on TryHackMe. 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆: If you find these posts helpful, consider supporting me on Buy Me a Coffee(https://lnkd.in/gjRhzK5a). Every bit helps me attend Wild West Hackin’ Fest! ☕ #CyberSecurity #CloudSecurity #Learnbydoing

Connecting for Growth: Cybersecurity Awareness Month 🔐 ▪️ As we are in #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth, I want to use this opportunity to reach out to my LinkedIn friends! ▪️ I’m open to connecting with new friends, mentors, and thought leaders in the cybersecurity space to aid my learning, growth, and journey in this exciting field. ▪️ Let’s connect and thrive together! 💻✨ #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth #CyberJourney #LearningAndGrowth #CyberConnections #TechMentorship #CyberCommunity #Networking

Overcoming Self-Sabotage in Cybersecurity: Tips for Entry-Level Professionals Have you ever felt like you’re not doing enough in cybersecurity? You dive into learning, but the more you see others succeed, the more you question yourself. It’s a common story among beginners like myself, often worsened by a lack of guidance. This creeping doubt known as "self-sabotage" can make you feel stuck. I've had a fair share of it myself but rediscovered my confidence through these tips below: How to Overcome Self-Sabotage 1. Set Goals: Break learning into small, realistic tasks. 2. Join Communities: Find support through forums and meetups. 3. Celebrate Progress: Track and celebrate even small achievements. 4. Seek Mentorship: Reach out to professionals for advice and resources. To seasoned professionals; this is a call for inclusion... Your guidance can transform careers, a little mentoring goes a long way. Let’s build an inclusive cybersecurity community that uplifts everyone. #CybersecurityEntryLevelChallenges #CyberSecurityTips #SelfCareInCybersecurity #CybersecurityMentorship

Here's my 2024 LinkedIn Rewind, by Coauthor.studio: From hacking competitions to helping students hack their futures - 2024 was about expanding what 'defending' really means in cybersecurity. When I transitioned into a Cybersecurity Instructional Support Specialist role at St. Petersburg College, I realized teaching is its own form of competitive challenge. Just like in CTFs, success depends on strategy, quick thinking, and never stopping learning. Some highlights that defined my year: - Started my new role supporting cybersecurity students, proving that the best defenders don't just protect systems - they cultivate the next generation of talent. "I'm happy to share that I'm starting a new position as Cyber Security Instructional Support Specialist at St. Petersburg College!" https://lnkd.in/exrwF3hx - Passed the GIAC Cloud Security Essentials exam, continuing my commitment to staying technically sharp. "I was waiting until I received the badge to announce that I passed the GIAC Cloud Security Essentials exam!" https://lnkd.in/eWU3K58Z - Competed in my final National Cyber League season, placing 820/7,399 - remarkable considering I did this one week after shoulder and carpal tunnel surgery. Talk about resilience! https://lnkd.in/e3VEqZjE Beyond the metrics, 2024 was about transforming my competitive energy into mentorship. Serving as a Teaching Assistant for the USCC Eastern Cyber Summer Camp, placing in the Level Effect Cyber Defense CTF, and progressing through my Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate weren't just personal achievements - they were opportunities to build community. Looking ahead to 2025, I'm focused on completing my Microsoft certification and continuing to bridge the gap between cutting-edge cybersecurity practice and education. For every student I help, for every skill I can demystify, we're collectively making our digital world a bit more secure. To my fellow cybersecurity professionals: our strongest defense isn't just in our technical skills, but in how we lift each other up. #CybersecurityEducation #LinkedInRewind #2024Wrapped Get your 2024 LinkedIn Rewind! Go to coauthor.studio

#🌟Day 99/100: Building a Career in Cybersecurity 🌟  As my 100-day challenge nears its end, today's focus is on the exciting and ever-evolving field of Building a Career in Cybersecurity.  In an age where cyber threats are ever-present, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has skyrocketed. But how does one carve out a successful path in this dynamic industry?  🔑 Key Steps to Build a Cybersecurity Career   1️⃣ Lay a Strong Foundation:     - Start with an understanding of IT fundamentals—networking, operating systems, and programming.     - Free resources like Cybrary, YouTube tutorials, and introductory courses can be your stepping stones.  2️⃣ Certifications That Matter:     - Entry-Level: CompTIA Security+, SSCP, or Cisco’s CCNA Security.     - Intermediate: Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), GIAC Certifications     - Advanced: CISSP, CISM, or OSCP for those looking to specialize.  3️⃣ Develop Practical Skills:     - Use platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, or CTF competitions to practice ethical hacking and defense techniques.     - Build your lab environment using virtual machines (VMs) to experiment with security tools like Wireshark, Metasploit, and Splunk.  4️⃣ Choose Your Path:     - Ethical Hacking: For those drawn to penetration testing and vulnerability analysis.     - Incident Response: Ideal if you excel under pressure and want to tackle breaches head-on.     - Cloud Security: Perfect for those interested in securing cloud-based infrastructures.     - Policy and Governance: If you're inclined toward compliance and risk management.  5️⃣ Networking and Mentorship:     - Engage with professionals through LinkedIn, Twitter, and forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity.     - Attend meetups, webinars, and industry events like Black Hat, DEF CON, or local BSides.  ✨ My Reflection:   This journey has been an eye-opener into the immense potential and impact of cybersecurity. From learning the basics to understanding advanced concepts, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the role we can play in securing our digital world.  📣 To Aspiring Cybersecurity Enthusiasts:   Remember, cybersecurity is more than just a career,it's a mission to make the digital world safer for everyone. If you're considering this field, take the plunge and commit to the journey of constant learning and growth.  #100DayChallenge #Day99 #CybersecurityCareer #CareerGrowth #LearningJourney #Cybersecurity

🚀 Meet Sable: From Educator to Cybersecurity Professional 🚀 In a decade, Sable has taken an incredible journey — moving from teacher to principal and now pivoting into cybersecurity. Reflecting on her path, she shares the advice she’d give her 2014 self: "Start sooner. Dive into tech and pursue certifications like Security+, Network+, and CISA instead of grad school. The sooner you build those foundations, the sooner you can shape a career in cybersecurity!" . Sable's story is a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot, but there’s always a benefit in trusting your instincts early. Whether you're considering a career shift or starting from scratch, take Sable’s advice: be bold, seek knowledge, and embrace growth. . #CareerJourney #Cybersecurity #WomenInTech #Motivation #CareerChange#CareerChange #CybersecurityJourney #TechCertifications #ProfessionalGrowth #LifeAdvice #CareerTransformation #TechCareers #EducationToTech #EmpowerYourself #FutureOfWork

🎉 Kicking Off 2025: My Cybersecurity Journey 🔐 As I reflect on 2024, I’m proud of the milestones I achieved and excited about what lies ahead. Last year was a pivotal moment in my career. I graduated with a BSc in Computer Science from Unicaf University, which laid a strong foundation for my technical skills. Shortly after, I completed the Google Cybersecurity course, which was a game-changer for me. It was after graduation that I realized how much cybersecurity excites me. Being exposed to online content and diving deep into research opened my eyes to the dynamic and impactful nature of this field. The more I learned, the more passionate I became about the possibilities within cybersecurity. Since then, I’ve been actively working to sharpen my skills. From completing CTF challenges to engaging in hands-on practice, I’m committed to becoming an expert in areas like network defense, SOC analysis, and Ethical Hacking. 🚀 The Journey Ahead As I step into 2025, my focus is on: 1. Developing practical skills through more projects and challenges. 2. Growing my expertise by learning, experimenting, and staying updated on trends. 3. Finding opportunities where I can bring my skills to help organizations stay secure and resilient. I’m excited to share my progress, projects, and lessons here on LinkedIn. My goal is to connect with like-minded professionals, learn from their experiences, and contribute to the cybersecurity community. To my network: What advice or resources have helped you grow in your career? I’d love to hear your thoughts as I continue on this journey. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth and impact! #Cybersecurity #CareerJourney #LearningInPublic

Probably… the most useful and practical introduction to the Microsoft security suite and modern identity management ! Now available to anyone in the USA Be a alert security needs more lerts! Especially female ones.