SANS.edu Success Stories

Q. How did you get interested in cybersecurity?

A. I've always been tech-savvy and fascinated by cybersecurity, particularly ethical hacking. I love understanding how software works, breaking it down, and making it do what you want. This interest is seamlessly connected to my background in law enforcement.

Q. Prior to SANS.edu, what was your educational background?

A. I hold a college diploma in Police Foundations from Centennial College, along with additional police studies. I also graduated from the Ontario Police College. So, I've completed several college-level programs and obtained cybersecurity certifications through the McAfee Institute along with specialized Intelligence focused courses through industry leading vendors and specialists.

Q. What does your current job entail?

A. As a threat intelligence analyst, I monitor existing and potential cybersecurity threats. I gather and analyze information about threats and provide intelligence to mitigate or prevent threats.

Q. What was your career experience before joining SANS.edu?

A. I have a background in law enforcement, having served as a police officer in Ontario for close to 11 years. After leaving law enforcement, I worked with Vayucast Inc and Strategic Outcomes Enterprises assessing client vulnerabilities and conducting incident investigation and open-source intelligence investigations. These roles were entry-level and not overly complex. That is why I enrolled in SANS. I knew I needed to boost my technical proficiency through education to fully launch my new career.

Q. How did you find out about the SANS Technology Institute?

A. I did my research and learned that SANS is the gold standard for cybersecurity study and certification. SANS is for me the Harvard of cybersecurity. I have always wanted to continue my education abroad and learn from the best in the field. It’s simply the best place to go. Everyone I met in the industry recognized the name and the world-class training it provided.

Q. Why did you choose to enroll in the CSF program?

A. I initially applied to SANS.edu for a bachelor's degree, unaware of the stringent educational requirements for transferring from Canada to the U.S. SANS informed me that my grades needed improvement. For the next six to seven months, I continued to search for an alternative cyber education path. Then, SANS offered me a chance to join their CFS pilot program. I accepted, and I walked away with a GFAC certification, valuable skills, and newfound confidence

Q. Can you tell me about your experience in the math course in the CSF program?

A. I excelled in math during high school. Accessing this in-depth math course at a secondary level was both a great opportunity and a challenge. My solid foundation in math helped, but it was still demanding. Ultimately, I was very pleased with my grade.

Q. Tell us about your experience taking Python?

A. I was incredibly nervous about understanding coding languages. I knew it was important and that I would need to use it frequently. The Python course turned out to be fantastic, providing an opportunity to learn and perform data analysis with Python. We covered everything from data presentations to building scanners for port scanning and flow control. It was fascinating to see how a Python program is broken down, and I’m still working on it because it’s intricate. While I don’t do a lot of coding, I want to be able to read and understand it.

The instructors were phenomenal. They encouraged us to ask questions, and I could reach out to professors via Google Meet to go through my scripts. It was challenging, especially mastering flow control, logic, and operators, as well as properly indenting everything and maintaining standards. I still reference some of the materials from the course. Knowing Python allows me to automate tasks, making life much less tedious than it would have been without the course.

Q: What was your experience taking SEC275: Foundations: Computers, Technology, & Security™ and earning the GFACT certification?

A: My experience in SEC275 was fantastic. The course thoroughly covered reverse engineering, security concepts, Windows hardware, and Python modules. It was incredibly in-depth and informative. It was beneficial to go through a lot of foundational concepts and processes, which allowed me to build up to more complex topics. This structured approach helped me gain a comprehensive understanding and solidify my skills. Earning the GFACT certification was a significant milestone and a testament to the valuable knowledge I gained.

Q. What did you like best about the CSF program?

A. Everything about the CFS program was fantastic. I have no complaints at all. The instruction from active professionals in the field was delivered excellently, and there was a wealth of material to keep and reference. The knowledge and skills I gained will undoubtedly pay off in my career. I wouldn't change a thing. Scoring 89% on the final GFACT exam was the cherry on top.

Q. What did you find most valuable about the CSF program?

A: The CFS program was amazing for filling in my knowledge gaps. Unlike many other training courses, SANS explains concepts clearly and thoroughly. The combination of books, self-paced online learning, and videos really helped me understand and retain the material, rather than just cramming for an exam

What I appreciated most was the depth of the information and the support from active professionals in the field. The course facilitated my learning by providing comprehensive resources that I continue to reference. It's not just about passing a final exam; it's about truly grasping the foundations of cybersecurity, which have become ingrained in my mind.

This program equipped me with the knowledge and technical proficiency I needed to stand out in a competitive field. The investment in the CSF program was well worth it, and I know it will pay off in my career.

Q. What's your advice for someone who's considering the Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate program?

A. The CSF program is outstanding, especially for career changers or students interested in cybersecurity. The program is unmatched in terms of time, cost, and the wealth of knowledge gained. If you don't come from a heavy tech background or aren't ready to commit to SANS' bachelor's program, I highly recommend starting with the CSF program. I did my research and discovered there are many subpar, outdated programs out there. SANS is cutting edge.

Investing in the CSF program is investing in yourself. The skills and expertise you gain from this program will open doors to numerous opportunities within the cybersecurity field, providing you with a strong foundation and the confidence to tackle real-world challenges. It’s about making the smart and informed choice followed by the commitment to your personal and professional growth.

Q. How have you given back to the cybersecurity community?

A. I've had the privilege of volunteering as a consultant for IEEE. During this time, I developed an emergency action planning template specifically for IEEE Region 5 in Colorado. IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.

Q. What’s next for Darko Darkov?

A. Right now, I’m settling into my new role as a Threat Intelligence analyst and in the new year I intend to become Cyber Threat Intelligence certified via the GIAC GCTI. I find the challenge of learning OSINT and being on the development edge exciting and very rewarding. The CSF course has started me on a bright, challenging and very rewarding career path.