This week, I made solid progress in my Security+ studies and applied my learning to my job search. I watched How to Pass Your SY0-701 Security+ Exam – Video 25, focusing on misinformation campaigns, cryptography, and encryption fundamentals. One key takeaway was how influence campaigns manipulate social media using fake news and bot accounts, ultimately leading people to believe false narratives. I also explored cryptographic algorithms, including symmetric and asymmetric encryption, and learned how public-private key pairs ensure secure communication.
In my San Diego Continuing Education cybersecurity class, I deepened my understanding of cryptographic protocols like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman), and Diffie-Hellman key exchange. AES, for instance, is widely used due to its strong encryption and efficiency. Additionally, I studied block vs. stream ciphers and how digital signatures authenticate messages through hashing. This hands-on learning is preparing me for real-world cybersecurity challenges.
After my studies, I applied for three jobs, including the Information Technology Analyst position with the City of National City. I tailored my resume and cover letter to highlight my network security expertise, vulnerability assessment skills, and hands-on experience with cloud technologies and firewalls. My background in incident response and cybersecurity policy implementation makes me a strong candidate for the role.
To wrap up the day, I hiked Cowles Mountain, taking time to reflect on my progress while enjoying the outdoors. Balancing learning, job applications, and fitness keeps me motivated in my cybersecurity career journey.
Think Positive Cyber 