Transformative Journey: My Experience at the Telspace Bootcamp
My journey through the world of cybersecurity has been a series of remarkable milestones, all of which led me to the life changing Telspace Bootcamp experience. It all began with a triumphant win at the ITWeb Security Summit Hackathon. This victory not only marked my entry into the Telspace Bootcamp but also set the stage for my journey of growth and achievement. In this blog post, I will delve into my enriching experience at the Telspace Bootcamp, from its commencement on July 3rd, 2023, to its conclusion on August 31st, 2023, and the certifications that crowned my journey.
From Hackathon to Bootcamp: A Dream Come True
Back in June 2023, I had the opportunity of a
lifetime – participating in the ITWeb Security Summit Hackathon which Telspace
sponsors every year. The event took place at the prestigious Sandton
Convention Centre, where cybersecurity enthusiasts and experts
gathered to showcase
their skills. I was determined to prove myself
in the Red Teaming Capture
the Flag (CTF) competition that was built by
the Telspace Team. I was so thrilled
to have emerged as the winner of the ITWeb
Security Summit Hackathon 2023. It
was an incredible journey, and I was grateful for the opportunity to showcase
my skills in identifying vulnerabilities and proposing innovative solutions.
Upon winning the hackathon I received an invitation to the Telspace Bootcamp - this was a dream come true. This bootcamp was renowned for its rigorous and comprehensive training program. It promised to not only equip me with the necessary skills but also immerse me in the practicalities of the cybersecurity world.
A Dynamic Learning Environment
From day one, the Telspace Bootcamp proved to be
a dynamic and immersive learning environment. The curriculum covered
an extensive range
of cybersecurity topics,
from the fundamentals to advanced techniques. The instructors were not just educators; they were experienced
professionals who shared their real-world insights and experiences. This made
the learning experience both enriching and practical.
The Bootcamp
programme included, but was not limited to:
- Hardware hacking
- Hands on Hacking Fundamentals
- Enterprise Infrastructure Hacking
- Web Application Hacking
- Mobile Application Pen testing
- Hacking APIs
- Academy All-Access Membership from TCM Security
Hands-on Practical Exercises
One of the hallmarks of the Telspace
Bootcamp was its emphasis on hands-on practical exercises. We were not just learning theoretical concepts; we
were applying them in simulated environments. These exercises ranged from
ethical hacking and penetration testing
challenges, to network
security simulations. They were designed to prepare
us for the real challenges faced by cybersecurity professionals.
At Telspace, one of the most valuable lessons I learned was the stark contrast to many other courses/internships/bootcamps that often inundate students with tools and concepts that rarely find practical application in the real-world scenarios; instead, Telspace was a refreshing departure from the norm, steadfastly focusing on those tools and topics proven to be indispensable for success as an ethical hacker, a deliberate approach that reflected the bootcamps' commitment to providing an education deeply rooted in practicality and real-world relevance, with an incredibly immersive, hands-on structure that not only demystified but also meticulously covered a multitude of foundational topics, effectively equipping me with the knowledge and skills that I knew would truly empower me in the field.
Mentorship and Guidance
Throughout the duration of the bootcamp, the invaluable mentorship we
received played an instrumental role in shaping our development and enhancing our learning experience, as our dedicated mentors consistently organised and conducted live sessions,
thereby affording us the exceptional opportunity to acquire knowledge and seek clarification through the asking of questions, with notable examples
including live demonstrations illustrating the
intricate processes of hacking a mobile application and the jailbreaking of an
iPhone; this highly personalised approach employed by our mentors proved to be
a pivotal factor in my educational journey, enabling me to surmount obstacles and gain a profound understanding of complex concepts.
Earning the PJPT Certification with "Early Adopter" Badge
One of the most significant milestones during my tenure at the Telspace Bootcamp
was achieving the PJPT (Practical Junior Penetration Tester) certification. This achievement, earned on July 27th, 2023, not only validated
my learnings in penetration testing
and ethical hacking but also came with the
prestigious "early adopter"
badge. This badge symbolised my dedication and commitment to staying at the forefront of cybersecurity knowledge. As I am part of the
first 100 to obtain this certificate.
From the TCM Security website:
"This exam assesses
a student’s ability
to perform an internal network
penetration test at an associate level. Students will have two (2) full days to complete the
assessment and an additional two (2) days to write a professional report.
In order to receive the certification, a student must:
Leverage their Active Directory exploitation skillsets to perform
lateral and vertical
network movements, and ultimately compromise the exam Domain Controller. Also, provide a detailed, professionally written report."
Conquering the PNPT Certification
As my journey continued, I reached another
pinnacle on August
26th, 2023, by attaining the PNPT (Practical Network Penetration Tester)
certification. This certification further solidified my learnings in network security
and bolstered my credentials
on my journey to becoming a cybersecurity professional.
PNPT Advice
Due to NDA, I am unable to discuss specifics regarding the test, however I can offer the following guidance to anyone preparing to take the PNPT exam:
Finish these 5 recommended courses:
- Practical Ethical Hacking (PEH) course
- Windows Privilege Escalation (WPE) course
- Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) course
- External Pentest Playbook (EPP) course
- Linux Privilege Escalation (LPE) course
Conclusion: A Journey of Transformation
My experience at the Telspace
Bootcamp was not just a training program;
it was a journey of transformation. It honed my skills, expanded my knowledge,
and prepared me for the challenges of the cybersecurity field. I am immensely grateful
for the mentorship, hands-on experience, and the certifications that have propelled me forward. This journey
is just the beginning, and I look forward to the exciting
opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the
ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.
- Blog Post by Sifundo Ngubane
