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š Offensive Cyber Security: A League of Its Own š (3-min read)
Picking up where I left off in my last postāafter completing my IT Project Management program and gaining hands-on experience during my internship at Oppos Incorporated, I felt inspired to dive deeper into cybersecurity. Thatās when I took on an even greater challenge: the Post-Graduate Degree in Offensive Cyber Security at York University, Toronto, Canada. This program is unlike any other post-graduate certificate out thereāitās intense, hands-on, and absolutely worth it!
This wasnāt your typical classroom experience. From crafting exploits to developing precise and detailed vulnerability reports, every task pushed me out of my comfort zone and closer to mastering real-world offensive security challenges.
What made this program even more remarkable was the effort and dedication of the professors who designed it. Konrad Hasse, Conor McMillan, and the rest of the faculty invested countless hours creating complex lab environments that werenāt just about running tools. These labs were built to challenge our problem-solving skills, encourage creative thinking, and help us grow as cybersecurity professionals.
š„ Capstone Project Spotlight:
The crowning achievement of the program was the capstone project, a true test of all the skills we had learned. It involved:
ā”ļø Navigating a complex Active Directory environment.
ā”ļø Gaining initial access through web and network pentesting techniques.
ā”ļø Escalating privileges, performing lateral movement, and leveraging post-exploitation tools.
ā”ļø Using BloodHound to uncover AD misconfigurations.
ā”ļø Discovering a critical AD misconfigurationāa single oversight that allowed complete control of the domain environment. It was a stark reminder of how much impact a small vulnerability can have.
The capstone report, documenting 28 vulnerabilities, was a staggering 90 pages long. Report writing wasnāt easyāit cost me some marks early onābut with the guidance of my professors, I developed polished, professional writeups that showcased everything Iād learned.
A huge shoutout to Konrad Haase, Connor McMillan, and the entire York University faculty for their support, mentorship, and dedication. You made this journey truly unforgettable! š
š” Whatās Next?
Iām now preparing for the OSCP | Offensive Security Certified Professional exam next month, and I couldnāt be more excited! Over the next few weeks, Iāll share essential tips, tricks, and tools that can make a difference in your preparation. Stay tunedāitās going to be worth it! š»āØ
šÆ Looking Ahead:
Iām actively seeking opportunities in cybersecurity, particularly in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and IT security roles. If you have any references, advice, or connections, Iād love to hear from you. Letās connect and make a difference together!
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