SANS.edu Success Stories

Q. How did you get interested in cybersecurity?

A. Funny story. I was really into online games during my teen years and while in nursing school. One day, I got hacked. Someone sent me a link and unwittingly I installed what I later found out to be a keylogger. Once I realized what was happening, I began to think about the importance of protecting computer systems from malware. I started to see the other side of hacking. I became more cautious and started avoiding sites or people asking for personal info. Little did I know that this was an important aspect of cybersecurity!

Fast forward, I became a nurse, moved to Canada, and eventually enrolled in the York University’s CyberSecurity Intensive to get my Certificate in Cyber Security Fundamentals. One of my professors showed us a tool called Hydra, which cracked passwords. I was skeptical, but within seconds he obtained a password. That's when I knew—this is what I want to do for the rest of my life!

Q. What is your educational background before enrolling in the SANS.edu bachelor’s program?

A. I went to school for nursing in the Philippines, at the Far Eastern University. I practiced nursing for about eight or nine years in the Philippines before moving to Canada in 2016. I reluctantly continued nursing until I was ready to make a career change. I attended a private college in Canada, where I studied networking engineering and was able to get a taste of cybersecurity. Later, I discovered a CISSP class at York University. I enrolled in the class, took the CISSP test, and passed it. Little did I know, passing that test was a significant accomplishment in this field. It was an important milestone. After passing, I got my first job in cybersecurity job and then was introduced to SANS.edu.

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

A.  I am a threat hunter for Scotiabank. I proactively search for and detect potential threats and malicious activities on the bank’s network and escalate findings as needed.

Q. What do you like most about cybersecurity?

A. Honestly, I just have a lot of fun in general. It's hard to pinpoint one specific thing because I love everything about it. I enjoy solving problems, meeting new people, and learning from others. The community is fantastic, and there's always something new to discover. I just love it all!

Q. Do you think your nursing skills have translated well into this new career?

A. Absolutely. In nursing, we use the APIE approach for decision-making, where you Assess, Plan, Intervene, and Evaluate. It's called differently in cybersecurity, but it's essentially the same process. You assess the situation, gather the necessary information, plan your actions, intervene, and always evaluate the results.

Time management is another crucial skill that carried over. As a young nurse, I was all over the place, which led to complaints about my attentiveness. I quickly learned the importance of focusing on one task at a time, managing it efficiently, and prioritizing accordingly. This skill is just as vital in cybersecurity, where prioritization is key.

Q. How did you hear about SANS Technology Institute?

A. My previous job was as a SOC analyst at a manufacturing company. My employer sent their analysts to annual training, which included a SOC course offered by SANS. I attended the live training online, and I instantly fell in love with SANS. I was working toward my GSOC certification. The instructors and TAs were incredibly helpful and responsive.

Q. Why did you choose to enroll in SANS.edu’s bachelor’s program?

A. The experience of securing my GSOC certification made me realize that I needed more comprehensive training. When a promotion came up, my qualifications were on par, but the pay didn't reflect it. My wife was doing well at her job and suggested I go back to school and take care of the kids while she supported us financially. After extensive research, with my wife helping me out by sending me links and info sessions, I decided to enroll in the SANS.edu Bachelor's Degree in Applied Cybersecurity program.

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

A. What sets SANS apart is its practical, hands-on approach. SANS provides a plethora of tools and skills, unlike other programs that are more theoretical. The program is a huge confidence booster and has equipped me with new skills.

Q. How did you fund the program?

A. I funded the program through a government loan called OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) in my province, with SANS promptly assisting with the required documentation.

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

A. The program has been an incredible confidence booster for me. It’s exciting because I don’t always realize how much I’m learning until I see the results. I’ve gained a variety of new skills, and it's amazing to see my progress. The hands-on, practical approach of the program has made all the difference in my professional development.

Q.  To date, have you taken classes online or at live events? How was that experience?

A. I have mostly taken my classes online. Although I wished I could attend live events, balancing work and family commitments made it challenging. Despite my initial concerns about missing out, the online experience turned out to be quite good. With life happening around me, including children and work, I managed to set aside two hours in the morning for studying. If I had more time during the day, I’d continue my studies. The live online sessions typically ran from 8 AM to 5 PM for six days, which was intensive but manageable.

Q. Can you tell me about how the student advising experience at SANS.edu worked for you?

A. My student adviser, Britney, was incredibly helpful. During our first meeting, she provided clear guidance and was always available to assist. I hadn't realized the importance of time management, but she helped me structure my study plan. For example, she suggested a schedule like finishing book one and quiz one by the end of the first week. Each time I progressed to a new course, she provided additional resources and advice. For example, before starting a challenging Python class, she shared links to helpful materials about a week or two in advance. Her support was invaluable throughout my studies.

Q: How long do you think it will take for you to complete your bachelor’s degree program?

A: I'm still in the process of finishing my bachelor's program, just completing my elective courses. I started around this time last year, so it will be about a little over a year to complete it.

Q: How has the SANS.edu Career Center helped you in your search for jobs?

A: Erin from the Career Center was incredibly helpful. I gave her my resume, which I thought was okay, but she suggested some revisions. After implementing her advice, I started getting callbacks. I even had an interview where I felt I didn't do well, but Erin debriefed me and explained that this was typical for financial companies. Her insights helped me understand that it wasn't personal. When I got a job at a bank and felt overwhelmed, she kept encouraging me, reminding me that it's all part of the learning process. Her support made a huge difference.

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

A. Oh my goodness, my SANS certifications have taken me to places I never knew I could reach. They have significantly boosted my career and opened doors to opportunities I didn't think were possible.

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

A. What are you waiting for? Go for it. Talk to a SANS.edu adviser. Book that info session. Have fun. Enjoy and take everything in.

Q. What’s next for Fritz Villaneuva?

A. I'm focused on getting my bachelor's degree. As for the future, if you had asked me three months ago, I would have had a clear direction in mind. However, life happened, and I decided to take a quick breather and reevaluate. My wife and I are discussing our future plans, and once we've had a chance to regroup, I'll be ready to take on the next challenge.