Part 1 – Cybersecurity journeys: I didn’t plan this

This article explores how three AWS security professionals entered cybersecurity through non-traditional, unplanned paths, challenging the notion that specific degrees or certifications are required.

• Justin Knight went from packing boxes at Amazon to security engineer after watching Mr. Robot, teaching himself via YouTube and hands-on labs.
• Zlata Pavlova started in marketing at a pen testing firm, discovered OSINT, and now conducts investigations for missing persons cases.
• Arman Sadri overcame a troubled past as a teenage hacker to become a security engineer through persistence and a mentorship program.
• Common threads: curiosity, persistence, willingness to start before feeling ready, and learning through platforms like Hack the Box and TryHackMe.
• No single checklist or degree unlocks security careers; diverse backgrounds and unconventional routes are the norm.

The article demonstrates that cybersecurity careers are accessible to anyone with passion and determination, regardless of formal qualifications or background.