CyberOps Analyst

Kevin Brown

"Many times, people don't necessarily know who we are or what we do. However, if a customer needs answers, I’m the person who can help."

CyberOps Analyst

Kevin Brown

"Many times, people don't necessarily know who we are or what we do. However, if a customer needs answers, I’m the person who can help."

CyberOps Analyst

Kevin Brown

"Many times, people don't necessarily know who we are or what we do. However, if a customer needs answers, I’m the person who can help."

About Kevin

Certifications

CCNA

Location

San Diego, CA

Hobbies

Master griller

Hiking nut

Long-time gamer


How it all began

Until I joined the Marines roughly 30 years ago, I’d never even been on a computer. But my aptitude test indicated I’d make a good communications specialist. So, it was in the Marines where I learned to install and configure networking infrastructure. Eventually, I found my way into the cybersecurity realm. After retiring from the military, I found my first civilian job working at a data center. Then a conversation with a former contact led me to an opportunity in cybersecurity. I had previous experience with endpoint management, anti-virus software, and vulnerability management. It turned out to be the perfect role. Once I settled in, I was eager to expand my networking expertise, so getting certified seemed like the obvious thing to do.


Move fast and wear a lot of hats

Cybersecurity involves so many different things. Especially when you don't have the staff to keep up with every alert. Because of that, I'm also somewhat of a part-time network engineer. I'll tune the equipment. I’ll conduct risk assessments. I’ll audit policies. If there's an individual that company employees know they can reach out to for answers, I'm usually that guy. Which means I spend a fair amount of time in meetings and chat rooms.


What does having a Cisco Certification mean to you?

“People always want to know who they're talking to. They want to know if you’re qualified. Certifications give you instant credibility.”

With certifications come confidence and respect. When I go into a meeting, the people I speak with know I’m knowledgeable and skilled before a single word even leaves my mouth. And that matters to them. Most people have pressing issues, and they need them resolved quickly.

“People always want to know who they're talking to. They want to know if you’re qualified. Certifications give you instant credibility.”

With certifications come confidence and respect. When I go into a meeting, the people I speak with know I’m knowledgeable and skilled before a single word even leaves my mouth. And that matters to them. Most people have pressing issues, and they need them resolved quickly.

What would you tell your younger self?

“I would suggest reading more. I used to think self-help books were cheesy. Now I know better. You can always improve your knowledge, your technical skills, your management skills, and every other kind of skill. I would also recommend getting certified sooner, rather than later, so you’ll be ready for every opportunity that comes your way.”

What would you tell a friend?

“I would tell them not to hesitate. Certifications can have a profound impact on your role, your salary, and your self-esteem. Plus, they expand your talents. I may be a cybersecurity expert, but I also know a great deal about how networks function, and how you can make them perform better. Now, with Cisco’s new certification paths, if you’re willing to put in the work, you can pursue just about any career interest at any level you want.”

Kevin’s career path

CURRENT ROLE


Cybersecurity Managers implement security infrastructure, test network vulnerability, and respond to security threats in real time.

Cybersecurity Manager

PREVIOUS ROLES


Senior CyberSecurity Analyst

Data Operations Administrator

US Marine Corps

Kevin’s Cisco certification path

MOST RECENT CERTIFICATION


CCNA

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is the first step toward a career in IT Networking. The CCNA exam covers networking fundamentals, IP services, security fundamentals, automation and programmability.

Read more certification success stories

Olivia Wolf

"The knowledge that I’ve got from studying for those certifications gave me the confidence that I’ll always be able to get a job if I need to."

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Eloise Koullapis

“I know people who don’t discover Cisco certifications until later in their careers, and certifications still profoundly changed their lives.”

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Christoph Neulinger

"Preparing for certification increased my knowledge and confidence, which ultimately translated to better work performance. As a result, I’ve received generous salary increases."

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