Cyber Security - Interview with Cezar Varlan

Cezar Varlan, Cyber Security Engineer and Trainer in the two courses Cyber Security by KodingTech, answered our questions in a short interview. We invite you to read about his passion for IT, how and where it started, who influenced him, and what he prefers to do in his free time, below.

Don't miss the ending, it leaves you with interesting recommendations!

We want to know more about you. So, who is Cezar Varlan?

Cezar Varlan, 34 years old, Cyber Security Engineer by profession.

Where did your attraction to IT start?

I started in 1992 with a traditional 80286. At that time I also learned the alphabet and how to use a computer. The operating system was MS-DOS, so you didn't really have any graphical elements to help you. From that moment on, everything flowed naturally towards the IT side.

My beginnings in Cybersecurity were somewhere in high school, when I discovered what a packet capture meant and came into contact with the traditional programs Sub7 and Cain&Abel.

Another important moment was the Cisco Academy – CCNA, which I attended in the 11th grade of high school, on the recommendation of a friend who is now a doctor. I continued with the Faculty of Automation, and of course from there, I ended up doing the Master's Degree in Computer Security at the Faculty of Automation and Computers. From here things went towards Cyber Security and the professional area.

I wouldn't change my field of activity for anything at this point.

Regarding your work, what is the biggest challenge you are facing at the moment?

The biggest challenge right now is actually keeping up with the industry. It sounds funny, but the challenge is the field itself.

Tell us something about the people you've met over time who have influenced your career.

I had the opportunity to meet many people who sent me in the right direction, if I may say so. I mean teachers, friends, but especially colleagues. Unfortunately, when I entered the field, neither the name nor the job of influencer really existed.

What do you do in your time outside of professional activities?

Besides the Cyber Security part, I have a few passions that occupy all my free time. The most notable one is basketball, because I am active in the Municipal Amateur Division. Sometimes I also do DIY projects in IOT and automate all kinds of functions around the house. I also got a taste for traveling, but lately it has been harder to practice.

A lot of businesses are currently interested in security and how to protect themselves against cyber attacks. What advice would you give them in this regard and where do you recommend they start?

It should start with its own employees.

Systems are often vulnerable, but people and configuration errors make them much more vulnerable. This question does not have a universal recipe and is probably a discussion that must take into account many variables.

I am always available for details, but the most important thing is not to expect cybersecurity to be just a box to check or a piece of equipment to buy. Cybersecurity is an ecosystem of solutions and it is constantly changing.

All people who are passionate about their work have a favorite part. What is the process that you feel most attached to?

I don't like doing the same job twice. If I have to do it three times, I'd rather spend three times the time automating it. That being said, that's what attracts me, doing new things. Okay, when you add in the problems that arise every time you do something for the first time, that's the part that makes me cringe the most.

What are the Tech, Cybersecurity, and Business blogs or YouTube channels that you would recommend to those interested in these topics?

There is a lot of content now and certainly any content that is not too marketing-driven or too related to fake news is good.

I would say "„The Hacker News" and "Dark reading", and I would also recommend Troy Hunt, Brian Krebs, Naked Security.

In Cyber Security and in general nowadays, access to valid information is the secret to success. The only less favorable aspect is the fact that many people generate worthless information, thus making the rest of the relevant information just a drop in the ocean.

REGISTER here at the Cyber Security courses at KodingTech.

Learn what the dangers are and how to deal with them successfully!