Who the H%^ is Danielle?

I work in IT with a growing focus on cybersecurity.

I didn’t start in a dedicated cyber role — I started in general IT support and infrastructure. Over time, I found myself becoming more curious about the security side of things: how alerts are investigated, how vulnerabilities are managed, how controls are implemented, and how risk is actually reduced in a real environment.

I’m still early in my cybersecurity journey.

I’m studying Cybersecurity while working full-time, building hands-on experience with tools like endpoint protection platforms, vulnerability scanners, Microsoft 365 security controls, and SIEM solutions. Some days I feel confident. Other days I realize how much more there is to learn — and that’s exactly why I enjoy this field.

I care about understanding why something works, not just ticking a box.

This blog is where I document:

• What I’m learning
• What I’m testing
• What works (and what doesn’t)
• Practical insights from real environments and labs

I’m not positioning myself as an expert.
I’m positioning myself as someone committed to improving every day.

The Human Side

Outside of cybersecurity, I’m someone who genuinely enjoys simple, real-world things.

I love dogs — especially the process of training them. There’s something incredibly satisfying about building trust, consistency, and communication over time. It probably says something about me that I enjoy structured progress and steady improvement, whether it’s in security or teaching a dog a new command.

I’m happiest outdoors. Camping, solo trips, new places, good gear — I love the preparation almost as much as the adventure itself. Researching equipment, comparing setups, refining what works… yes, I absolutely geek out over gear.

I also appreciate the slower side of life:

• A good brewery with friends
• A proper glass of red wine
• Playing guitar (some days smoothly, some days not 😅)
• And pizza. Always pizza.

I like learning, exploring, and doing things independently. I value growth, but I also value balance — work hard, then go somewhere with no signal.

Cybersecurity is part of my journey. So are campfires, dogs, music, and the occasional perfectly paired Cabernet Sauvignon.