I Passed the CISSP Exam

Today, I finally conquered the CISSP exam—a milestone I’ve been working toward recently. It’s been a long journey filled with lots of late-night study, some anxiety near the end, and a whole lot of coffee along the way.

Waking up this morning, I felt “typical” exam day jitters, amplified by the significance of what was at stake. The CISSP certification isn’t just any exam; it’s a test of not only knowledge but also a bit of mental endurance with picking the “best” answer. After months of preparation, the moment was here. I arrived at the testing center thirty minutes earlier than the recommended thirty minutes, went in and went through their security checks, and found myself seated in front of the computer, ready to go.

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The Pentester Blueprint

“The Pentester Blueprint” is a great guide for anyone interested in pursuing a career in penetration testing or cybersecurity. The book, co-authored by Kim Crawley and Phillip L. Wylie, provides a comprehensive overview of the field, from foundational knowledge and skills to the various paths one can take to become a successful pentester.

The book starts by introducing the basics of penetration testing, including the roles and responsibilities of a pentester, the skills required, and the tools commonly used in the field. As the book progresses, it delves into stories of actual penetration testers. They offer insights into their own diverse paths they took to enter the field. The authors have provided us with a collection of real-life professionals who have successfully transitioned into penetration testing from various other backgrounds. These stories are not just inspirational but also practical, offering advice and strategies that readers can apply to their own career journeys.

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Subsequent Data Breaches

The perspective that once personal identifiable information (PII) or personal health information (PHI) has been leaked, subsequent leaks are less significant is a common one. However, there are several reasons why each new data breach remains a significant concern, regardless of past breaches. So why does each individual data breach matter?

Not every breach exposes the same set of information. One breach may leak your email address and password, while another may reveal your social security number, medical records, or financial details. Each new breach potentially adds more pieces to the puzzle of your identity, increasing the risk of identity theft or fraud.

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Why Use Strong Passwords?

During my penetration testing studies I’ve come to realize the need for strong passwords is now more important than ever. I only realized recently just how easy it is to crack a weak password.

Let me show you how easy it is to brute-force (guess) a weak password!

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