I have over 20 years working in a variety of Linux and UNIX environments, starting with Solaris and BSD-type operating systems and moving on the RedHat and Ubuntu Linux. I have worked in systems and database administration and Software development roles over the years gaining a wide range of skills and experience over this time. I am experienced in shell scripting, as well as PHP and Python. I have gained a number of qualifications over this time, including Solaris System and Network Administration, and Sybase Database Administration, although these are less relevant to what I do now. My main qualifications and skills are:

Qualifications

  • MSc Software Engineering (2002)
  • MSc Information Security (2020)
  • Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Certified Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI)

Skills:

  • UNIX/Linux Systems Administration
  • Database Administration – MySQL, PostgreSQL
  • PHP, PERL, Python, Shell Scripting
  • Ethical Hacking / Penetration Testing
  • Digital Forensics
  • Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning and Execution
  • Kali, Acunetix and OpenVAS
  • VMWare Virtualisation / AWS

I am currently working towards getting the Offensive Security Certified Professional, Penetration Testing with Kali (OSCP PWK) qualification, which culminates in a 24 hour practical exam. It is well respected in the community and involves having to compromise a number of machines on a test network, whilst being watched by an invigilator. Hopefully updating this page soon after completing this!

I have talked about how I have used these skills and experience over the past 20+ years and also how my work life has developed. I think it is important to keep learning throughout your career and whilst you can learn a great deal by just doing the job, I also think it helps to obtain qualifications to focus your efforts and provide proof that you know what you’re talking about. I spent 4 years working on the Masters in Information Security which I finished this past summer. It was well worth it.