Ajith Chandran

Since I can remember, I've been captivated by computers. My fascination began when I had my first interaction with a 15" LG CRT Monitor, 🖥️ a keyboard, and a mouse at my relatives' home. It felt magical 🪄 – I was hooked on computers from the age of 12. When I was 14, my uncle bought the first computer for the purpose of email, and everything changed for me.

School was never particularly appealing to me, except for the IT and mathematics classes. My favorite part of the day was returning home after school, taking a refreshing bath, and then sitting in front of the computer – that's when I truly felt at "home" and at peace 🏠😌. One cherished memory is my role as Team Lead in our IT LAB, a position bestowed upon me by friends due to my familiarity with computers.

Years flew by, school was completed, and life had its ups and downs. However, my passion for IT and computers only grew stronger. I began assembling PCs for friends and relatives, becoming the local "PC Expert" in my area. People knew me as the go-to IT guy 👨‍💻, as I assembled numerous PCs and troubleshooted countless hardware and software issues.

During my Higher Education, I was involved in a project that revamped the IT LAB, providing me with technical exposure to switches, routers, and various networking equipment. This fascination deepened over the coming years.

The next phase of my education led me from hardware to software. As I pursued electronics and telecommunication engineering, I became familiar with Linux 🐧 and ventured into the world of "hacking" 🔒. It was mind-blowing and enthralling. I frequented hacking forums, engaged with fellow enthusiasts, and established valuable connections. One podcast, "Darknet Diaries", truly ignited my cybersecurity passion. Listening to episodes like 'XBox Underground' repeatedly left me astounded by the techniques, escalations, and exploitations described. Another podcast, "Malicious Life," left a lasting impression, especially the 'John McAfee' episode.

As I continued my pursuit of cybersecurity, I decided to take CompTIA NET+ and Sec+ certifications, which I successfully completed in just a few months through self-study. I am currently pursuing "Splunk Core and Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900". My portfolio includes various other courses and certifications such as "Codecademy's Introduction to Linux," "Freecodecamp's Python - Full Course for Beginners," and "Hack the Box's CTFs," among others.

Creating the very portfolio you're reading posed a challenge. While it was built from a template, I invested effort into understanding the code structure. In fact, constructing this portfolio proved to be an educational journey for me. Whether it involved learning HTML, CSS, and Java coding, mastering Adobe Photoshop, utilizing various AI tools, completing projects like 'Active Directory in a Home Lab,' demonstrating live attacks in a SIEM environment, or managing vulnerabilities with
Nessus Essentials"🛡️, I made full use of the limited time I had. While it may not be flawless, the result is a portfolio that's accessible to both novices and techies.

I am currently working as a IT Support Associate on a part-time basis. In this role, I actively engage in real-world networking tasks , contribute to troubleshooting efforts 🛠️, and participate in network maintenance activities ⚙️. This practical experience complements my ongoing learning 📚 and allows me to apply theoretical knowledge to actual networking scenarios.

Throughout this journey, I encountered issues, but I navigated through them. "Amidst the pretense that often surrounds me, I stumbled upon a perfect moment. A fleeting instant where everything feels just right. It's that rare feeling of believing in the work I've done." I'm now aware of the challenges that may lie ahead in my cybersecurity pursuit, yet I'm fully confident in my ability to overcome them through learning, understanding, and a willingness to seek answers to any questions. 🚀🌟🧠