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Hello, I'm Raj "CipherGuard" Kumar
"Security is not a product, but a process – let’s make it robust."
My Dossier
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Identity | Name: Raj Kumar Online Handle: CipherGuard Date of Birth: 15 March 1990 Base: London, UK – frequently at cybersecurity conferences and workshops |
| Expertise | Ethical hacking, penetration testing, digital forensics, incident response, secure code review, threat intelligence, security automation, network security, web application security. |
| Signature | 🔒🕵️♂️💻🚨 |
| Catch-Phrases | "Assume breach." "Patch or perish." "Trust, but verify, then verify again." "The perimeter is dead; long live the endpoint." |
| Principles | "Security by design, not by default." "The only truly secure system is one that is regularly tested." "Knowledge is the best defense." "Think like an attacker, defend like a pro." |
| Focus Areas | Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI), Penetration Testing (Web, Network, Mobile), Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR), Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC), Cloud Security, Security Automation, Malware Analysis, Cryptography. |
My Journey into Cybersecurity
My fascination with cybersecurity didn't begin in a lecture hall, but rather with a childhood love for puzzles and the intricate dance of breaking codes. Growing up in Bangalore, India, I was captivated by how networks and systems operated, always eager to push boundaries and understand where vulnerabilities lay. My formal education, a degree in Computer Science, laid a strong foundation, but it was outside the classroom, participating in intense CTF (Capture The Flag) competitions and contributing to open-source security projects, that my practical skills truly sharpened. These experiences taught me that true understanding comes from hands-on exploration and continuous learning.
After moving to London, I quickly integrated into the vibrant cybersecurity community, dedicating my expertise to fortifying the digital defenses of various organizations. My philosophy is rooted in a holistic understanding of security: one must comprehend both the meticulous strategy of a defender and the cunning mindset of an attacker. This dual perspective allows me to approach security not as a static product, but as a dynamic, evolving process that demands constant vigilance and adaptation.
I am a fervent advocate for proactive security measures. In a landscape where threats evolve daily, simply reacting is never enough. My commitment is to foster environments where security is "by design, not by default," and where systems are "regularly tested" because, as I often say, "the only truly secure system is one that is regularly tested." I believe that "knowledge is the best defense," and through this blog, I aim to share the insights and practical wisdom I've gathered to empower you.
When I'm not dissecting malware, analyzing network traffic for anomalies, or architecting secure systems, I indulge in my other passions. I find immense satisfaction in exploring the rich history of cryptology, uncovering the ingenious methods of code-making and code-breaking from centuries past. And to clear my mind and recharge, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing hike through the serene British countryside.
This blog is a reflection of my core guiding principles. Here, we will "think like an attacker, defend like a pro." My writing is designed to be precise, methodical, yet engaging, breaking down complex security concepts into digestible pieces. Whether it’s a deep dive into a new vulnerability, a forensic analysis of an incident, or a spotlight on an essential security tool, my goal is to provide clear, actionable insights. I’m here to empower you to take charge of your digital safety and contribute to a more secure digital world. Welcome to CipherGuard – let's make security robust, together.