The Journey: From Physical Security to Cyber Defense
Current Status: Cybersecurity Learner & Enthusiast
Combining physical security experience, software development skills, and freelance web development to build expertise in digital defense.
My Background
Security Experience:
Working as a Tactical Security Guard and Screening Officer at Impact Security since April 2023, handling access control, incident reporting, and loss prevention. I understand security from a physical perspective - controlling access points, monitoring threats, and responding to incidents.
Development Foundation:
Graduated from NAIT's Digital Media & IT program (Software Development). Freelance web developer since August 2022, building websites and software solutions for small businesses.
The Connection:
Physical security taught me threat assessment and risk management. Software development gave me technical skills. Now I'm merging both into cybersecurity.
Why Cybersecurity?
While working in physical security, I realized the digital world faces the same challenges - unauthorized access, threat detection, incident response - but at a much larger scale. My web development work exposed me to vulnerabilities firsthand: insecure authentication, injection attacks, weak encryption. I became fascinated with not just building systems, but securing them.
I'm not claiming to be an expert. I'm a learner, actively building my skills and pursuing this career transition with dedication.
Current Learning Path (2025-2026)
📚 Active Training:
- TryHackMe - Hands-on cybersecurity training and CTF challenges
- Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate (Coursera) - Foundational security concepts and practices
- Self-Study - OWASP Top 10, Linux command line, networking fundamentals, Python scripting
🔧 Home Lab Setup:
- Kali Linux - Primary penetration testing environment
- Ubuntu - Secondary system for development and practice
- Running vulnerable VMs and CTF challenges locally
- Documenting everything in my GitHub organization
🎯 Target Certifications:
- CompTIA Security+ (Currently preparing - planned exam Q2 2026)
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) (Future goal)
- CompTIA CySA+ (Future goal)
Career Goal: SOC Analyst Level 1
My immediate goal is to break into cybersecurity as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst Level 1. This role aligns perfectly with my background:
- Security monitoring (similar to physical surveillance)
- Incident detection and response (like incident reporting in security work)
- Threat analysis (risk assessment skills transfer)
- Technical implementation (leveraging development background)
What I Bring to the Table
- ✓Real security experience (access control, threat assessment, incident response)
- ✓Strong technical foundation (web development, software engineering)
- ✓Self-directed learner (proven by freelance career and current training)
- ✓Practical understanding of how systems work (because I've built them)
- ✓Unique perspective bridging physical and digital security
- ✓Active community builder (founded Edmonton cybersecurity Discord)
Current Status
Key Achievements
Measurable results and professional milestones
Delivered 15+ production websites for local Edmonton businesses
Built full-stack applications serving 1000+ users
Reduced client website load times by up to 40%
Implemented secure authentication systems with JWT & OAuth
Graduated from NAIT Software Engineering program (2024)
Proficient in React, Node.js, Next.js, Flutter, MongoDB
Experienced with Agile development and Git workflows
Strong focus on mobile-first, responsive design
Currently Available for Hire
Open to freelance projects and full-time opportunities in Edmonton and remote
Let's Work TogetherFun Facts
A few things that make me, well... me!
Coffee Enthusiast
Fueled by coffee and curiosity. My best code is written between 9 PM and 2 AM with a fresh cup nearby.
50K+ Lines of Code
Written across 15+ production projects. Every line is a lesson learned and a problem solved.
Problem Solver
I love tackling complex challenges. The harder the problem, the more satisfying the solution.
Music While Coding
Lo-fi beats and instrumental music keep me in the zone during long coding sessions.
Photography Hobbyist
When I'm not coding, I'm capturing moments through my lens. Check out my photography page!
Continuous Learner
Always exploring new technologies. Currently diving deeper into AI/ML and cloud architecture.
My Journey
From learning to code to building impactful applications - here's my path in software development.
NAIT Graduation
Graduated with a degree in Software Development, specializing in full-stack development and modern web technologies.
ImmigrateX - Capstone Project
Developed a comprehensive immigration platform using Flutter and Firebase, helping newcomers navigate the immigration process.
Freelance Development
Worked on various client projects, building web applications and mobile apps using React, Node.js, and Flutter.
Chattr - Chat Application
Built a real-time chat application with Flutter and Firebase, featuring modern UI and seamless messaging.
3D Chess Game
Created an interactive 3D chess game using Next.js and Three.js, demonstrating 3D web development skills.
Boston Pizza - Software Developer
Improved POS systems and led digital menu projects, gaining experience in business software development.
Bat-APP Development
Built a comprehensive application using React, MongoDB, and Node.js for data management and user interaction.
RaghavTube - YouTube Clone
Developed a YouTube clone using React, showcasing video streaming and content management capabilities.
Freelance Projects
Started taking on freelance projects, building websites and applications for various clients.
Started Programming Journey
Began learning programming fundamentals and web development, setting the foundation for a career in software development.
Tech Stack
A comprehensive toolkit of technologies and frameworks I use to bring ideas to life.
Languages
JavaScript
TypeScript
Python
Dart
Frontend
React
Next.js
Angular
HTML5
CSS3
Tailwind CSS
Backend & Databases
Node.js
Express.js
MongoDB
MySQL
PostgreSQL
Firebase
Mobile & Tools
Flutter
Docker
Git
Figma
Postman
Soft Skills
Beyond technical expertise, these skills help me deliver exceptional results and work effectively in any team environment.
Team Collaboration
Experienced in working with cross-functional teams, mentoring junior developers, and contributing to collaborative development environments.
Problem Solving
Strong analytical skills to break down complex problems into manageable solutions and implement effective strategies.
Innovation & Creativity
Constantly exploring new technologies and approaches to create innovative solutions that exceed expectations.
Communication
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Time Management
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining high quality standards.
Continuous Learning
Passionate about staying updated with the latest technologies and industry trends to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
Why These Skills Matter
In today's fast-paced development environment, technical skills alone aren't enough. My combination of technical expertise and soft skills enables me to not only build great products but also work effectively with teams, communicate with stakeholders, and continuously improve both myself and the projects I work on.