Journey into Cybersecurity and OSCP Certification with Rana Khalil
This episode features Rana Khalil, a Senior Cybersecurity Assessment Analyst with a rich background in pen-testing, especially in the financial sector. Rana shares her non-traditional entry into technology, starting with a dislike for her first laptop and phone, transitioning from biochemistry to a math degree, and eventually finding a passion in computer science, leading her to cryptography and cybersecurity. Her academic journey includes significant work in cryptography, under the tutelage of Carlisle Adams, and a master’s project on web application vulnerability scanners. Rana discusses her motivation and relentless pursuit of the OSCP certification, highlighting the importance of hands-on experience, teaching, and documenting the learning process through write-ups. She also conveys the value of previous experience in related fields, the significance of specializing and pacing in learning, and shares insights into her career progression, including valuable advice for people aspiring to enter the cybersecurity field.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
01:47 Rana's Journey into Cybersecurity
02:45 Rana's Early Interest in Mathematics and Cryptography
05:47 Transition into Computer Science and Web Security
10:52 Master's Research on Web Application Vulnerability Scanners
13:02 First Security Job and the Impact of Public Speaking
15:11 Journey to the OSCP Certification
17:36 The Value of Self-Study and Accountability
18:53 Reflections on the OSCP Experience
20:59 Understanding the OCP Exam
21:13 The Importance of Lab Time
22:18 The Value of Documenting Your Journey
22:49 Introduction to the OSWE Certification
25:07 The Role of Experience in Security
25:16 The Life of a Security Professional
25:25 The Importance of Specialization in Security
26:24 The Value of Previous Experience in Security
29:55 The Challenges and Rewards of Pen Testing
30:43 The Balance of Work and Personal Time in Security
34:58 The Importance of Focusing on One Area in Security
37:07 The Importance of Understanding Source Code
38:11 Final Thoughts and Advice
Thank you for listening!
Mentioned in this episode:
Popular Podcasts
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!