Hacking My Path: The Next Step In My Cybersecurity Journey

Hey there, it’s bdubzz! I’ve got something a bit different for you this week. I wanted to take this opportunity to share my mission, and let you in on some exciting new changes.

Why Do I Do This?

My goal has always been to help others, especially those new to cybersecurity or feeling a bit lost—because I’ve been there, and others helped me find my way. I’m learning right alongside you, and enjoying every step I've taken out of the shadow!

I started my blog because I saw gaps in the resources available, and I wanted to fill those gaps without charging a penny. The study group? Well, that kicked off because the community asked for it for months—I wasn’t planning to lead, but I stepped up because no one else could.

Sure, I have a paid newsletter option, but that’s only because someone pushed me to offer it. The important thing is that this is only a donation to support my work and does not unlock anything extra—no paywalls. Ever.

I’m here to give back, not monetize or gatekeep. I invest in the community because it matters towards building a more secure future—like patching a vulnerability before it’s exploited.

The Big Decision: Leaving My Job

Big news alert! After a lot of soul-searching, I’ve decided to leave my job at the end of April. It was a tough decision because I enjoy working with my team and the work that I do, but the 9-5 grind isn’t cutting it anymore.

As a homeschooling parent, I need the flexibility to put my family first. So, I’m taking a leap of faith and jumping into contract work, keeping my cybersecurity passion alive while being there for my kids first.

"Oh, so you are leaving your job to be an influencer now?"

Absolutely not! I’ve already lined up projects for the next month or two—think risk assessments and preparing businesses for compliance audits. It’s a massive risk, and it’s definitely not for everyone, but I’m stoked about the opportunities it will bring for my family—like upgrading my life OS to a more flexible version!

What I’m most looking forward to? The freedom to shape my days around what matters most—people.

Aligning Work and Life: My New Path

This move isn’t about money or fame; it’s about aligning my work with my values. I’ll keep helping companies improve their security and sharing freely available resources and support for the community. My blog’s not going anywhere, and it will always remain a free resource.

Plus, I’m pumped to lean more into the Hacker Mindset in GRC. My next goal is to dive deeper into self-study and sharpen my pentesting skills. Am I leaving GRC? No way! I want to be able to advise on security programs and run pentests. Crazy? Maybe, but a little chaos keeps it fun—like brute-forcing a forgotten password and accidentally locking yourself out.

The Road Ahead: Embracing the Hacker Mindset

So, what’s next? I’m embracing the Hacker Mindset in GRC like never before. I’m going full rogue agent, freelancing on missions that match my vibe. Maybe I’ll even launch a podcast—kidding! (Or am I?)

Seriously though, I’m thrilled to see where this path leads, and I’d love for you to join me. Together, we can crack the code for a more inclusive cybersecurity community. Let’s hack the system, one blog post at a time!

My Mission and Your Invitation

My mission is simple: help others thrive in cybersecurity. I believe in keeping it real, relatable, and building a space where we can grow together. If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed? You’re not alone—there's a whole community out there that's got your back.

Whether you’re a pro or a n00b, we are all stronger together. Let’s make cybersecurity accessible and inclusive—like open-source knowledge and support.

If you ever need a friend, a sounding board, or have any questions, feel free to reach out. You can leave a comment below, ping me on Discord in the Study GRC server (where I’m most active), connect with me on LinkedIn, or via email with contact@brittwhite.io.

And if you’re looking for a community of like-minded individuals, check out the Study GRC or Hack Smarter communities. We’re always happy to welcome new members and help each other grow.