What I Learned from a Cybersecurity Guru: Kenneth Pivarnik.

Jul 23, 2016
3 min read

In today’s world being static will not get us far, that is why we must insist in better ourselves by getting the right education. In the Press Release blog titled “New! Information Systems and Security Hybrid Program”, I had the opportunity to speak to Kenneth Pivarnik, The director of such program. It was there that I really discovered the he was a Guru!

During my days as a High School Recruiter and College Education Liaison I always found fascinating how the computers, software, networks, internet, have practically taken over the world. To be more precise, 35% of the world’s population (according to the website internetworldstats.com). This is about 2.5 billion people and according to the 2010 U.S.A. census, approximately 75% of its households have a computer. When I think about it, I imagine the demand of jobs in this sector and the places where a field like this can take you.

Luckily for Western Tech and its students, Ken has more than 20 years of hands-on experience in the field and it is truly amazing to know how someone like him (that knows what he is taking about) can change your perspective. He practically gave me a refresher in computers: from hardware (the parts that you can touch), software (the man-made commands and orders), networking (the exchange of data between computers), the internet (the system that interconnects computer networks) and also cybersecurity or how companies and individuals protect themselves against the criminal use of electronic data. "Let me remind you, this is what Western Tech’s ISS curriculum offers"; he said. And I thought I had a very thorough understanding, but to put it in simple terms, one thing is to know what the program is about and another thing is to really do it every day. To start with computer maintenance, learn about networks, infrastructure, configuration and to end with computer system forensics. And when it comes to industry certifications, like in most of the programs Western Tech offers, the ISS program is one with a vast quantity.

Then we talked about how all this is important to the fast growing communities like the one we live in today. The truth is that if want to be happy in our lives we must have a sense of accomplishment and in order to have that, we must achieve KNOWLEDGE. The gifted musician can only go so far, if he/she doesn’t polish his/her talents (by educating themselves either by learning from someone else or by attending a higher education institution that will offer both the hands on and academic structure), he/she will never feel accomplished. If we don’t adapt to the constant change then we will struggle. The only way of doing this is by keeping up with change and by being part of a higher education institution like Western Tech.

So this is what I learned from Ken, that if you want to be good at what you like you must possess dogged determination. You must study yourself and find out that sense of accomplishment. You must be humble enough to understand that if you don’t adapt you will perish. And the most important trait: YOU MUST BE PASSIONATE.

I’m no expert in computers, I don’t know how to write code, I’m not passionate about computer networking or maintenance but I care about the years of work I have produced using computer systems. Every day, I’m constantly reminded of the importance of backing up my work, of saving it, of having it clean of viruses or threats. Perhaps you, my reader, are passionate about this field. Perhaps you LOVE computers and conversations between you and your pals are long and complex but with the same effervescence in which a bride explains ideas to her wedding planner. Perhaps you have the talent but you are missing the other half, the hands-on, fast paced, 4 hours a day/4 times a week/22-month training. If so, then go back to my blog page and fill out an inquiry form and I assure you, if Western Tech is your option, you will not regret it.

Until next time and whatever you do…#FindTheMagic.