SANS.edu Success Stories

Q. How did you get interested in cybersecurity?

A. Approximately two decades ago in Russia, my career start was focused on system administration and IT consulting. At that time, the field of security jobs was quite limited, particularly in Siberia. Regardless, I consistently approached my work with a strong emphasis on information security.

Q. What is your current position? What does that entail?

A. I am the Lead Purple Team Engineer at Gartner, Inc., a premier global technology research and consulting firm based in Stamford, Connecticut. Originally, I spearheaded the development and advancement of our purple team program from its inception. Today, my role encompasses conducting adversary emulation exercises, continuous security validation, performing proactive penetration testing, and uncovering strategic security risks. Additionally, I provide Incident Management assistance to the SOC. To me this is not just a job. Information security is really more of a passion for me.

Q. What do you like most about cybersecurity?

A. In the dynamic world of security, the pursuit of knowledge is perpetual. There's an ever-evolving array of novel and intriguing concepts to discover. The journey of learning and growth in any facet of information security is unending and continually rewarding. I particularly like working on the strategic and offensive sides of information security.

Q. Prior to attending the SANS Technology Institute, what was your educational background?

A. I began my undergraduate studies in Russia. Later, while serving in the Army, I seized the opportunity to further my education by enrolling in evening classes at Campbell University. It was through this commitment that I achieved my bachelor's degree in IT Security. Alongside my formal education, I was equally devoted to continuous self-education, dedicating considerable time to independent research and study.

Q. How did you hear about SANS Technology Institute?

A. I was familiar with SANS.edu because of their affiliation with the GIAC certification entity - which is an industry gold standard. Everyone knows about GIAC.

Q. Why did you choose to enroll in SANS Technology Institute graduate programs?

A. Initially, I had reservations about pursuing further conventional education. I knew I wanted something more focused and flexible at the same time. Learning about the SANS.edu program structure and all its benefits solidified my decision to continue my academic journey.

Q. From your research how did SANS differ from other programs of its kind?

A. Traditionally, conventional education tends to emphasize theoretical knowledge over practical skills, often leading to a curriculum filled with courses that may not translate directly to professional competencies. I sought to avoid entering an educational system that lacked real-world applicability. And SANS.edu stands out by offering an education steeped in practicality, delivering tangible value through immediately applicable knowledge and top-tier industry certifications. This dual benefit is what sets SANS apart, allowing students to simultaneously gain expertise and credentials, effectively addressing two major career objectives in one comprehensive approach.

Q. What did you find most valuable about the programs?

A. The caliber of SANS.edu's educational content is unmatched. The instructional videos, textbooks, supplementary materials, and software are of exceptional quality. The on-demand course structure offered the essential flexibility I needed. Moreover, the instructors are not just experts in their fields but also accessible and responsive, ready to answer questions, offer deeper understanding, and ensure an authoritative learning experience. This combination of profound knowledge and superior quality consistently exceeded my expectations.

Q. Did you take classes online or at live events? How was that experience?

A. Enrolling in online classes was a fantastic experience for me. The convenience and comfort it provided were unparalleled, especially considering my family commitments and work responsibilities. The flexibility of accessing the coursework on demand was a significant advantage that I greatly appreciated.

Q. How has your SANS.edu certifications and degree impacted your career trajectory?

A. My certifications and degrees from the SANS Technology Institute have had a profound impact on my career trajectory, opening up a wealth of opportunities that would have been challenging to access otherwise. Moreover, I've found that, regardless of one's experience, some companies may require specific certifications. Additionally, SANS.edu education enabled me to expand my expertise into domains that are not part of my regular work routine.

Q. How did you fund your SANS.edu education?

A. The GI Bill generously financed the majority of my educational expenses. During my tenure at Walmart, they sponsored the tuition for one of my courses as well as a certification. Gartner provided similar support, contributing to my academic and professional development.

Q. What advice would you offer someone considering applying to the SANS Technology Institute?

A. If you're presented with the chance to enroll at SANS.edu, I urge you to seize it without a moment's delay. Discover the learning method that resonates with you the most and tailor your educational journey to fit that style. Avoid procrastination at all costs, particularly with on-demand courses. Stay diligent, and you'll find enormous success.

Q. What's next for you?

A. My next goal is to transition into a formal leadership position within the field of information security. I want to bridge the gap between engineering and leadership. I believe that while there is an abundance of talented engineers globally, the industry needs more visionary leaders. We need leaders who not only recognize but can also amplify the significance of the engineers' contributions and innovative solutions. Leaders who can strategically translate security risks into business risks and drive positive change and risk reduction.