From Hacked to Hacker: The Inspiring Journey of Mr. Raph

Mr. Raph’s first web application was hacked, sparking a deep curiosity that eventually led him to pursue a career in cybersecurity. Read on to discover how his career began and how it has grown ever since.

• Can you tell me about your introduction to tech? My tech career began in 2016 as a web developer. The first application I built was hacked—my index file was replaced with the hacker's file. Instead of being frustrated, I found myself intrigued. I wanted to understand how someone with the different skills could replace my files with theirs. This experience fueled my interest in securing not only my own applications but also those of others, and that’s how my journey into cybersecurity began.

As an Instructor at Bravort, and with most of our students being complete beginners, how do you introduce complex cyber security concepts to them? As an instructor at Bravort, where many of our students are complete beginners, I approach complex cybersecurity concepts by connecting them to relatable, real-life experiences. For example, when introducing the idea of an IP address, which serves as a digital identity for every internet-connected device, I compare it to familiar identifiers. Just as people have names and addresses that allow others to reach them or send them mail, devices have IP addresses that enable communication across the internet. By drawing these parallels, I aim to simplify complex concepts, making cybersecurity accessible and understandable for beginners.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at Bravort? First, I really appreciate the supportive environment at Bravort. The people, culture, and the relationships here are fantastic. I value how responsive Bravort is to both instructors and students, paying close attention to our needs. They also prioritise growth, providing resources and encouragement for instructors to deepen their expertise. This motivation naturally cascades to the students; when instructors are motivated and continuously learning, it creates a positive, domino effect that significantly enhances the learning experience for our trainees.

Cybersecurity is a fast-paced industry with constant updates and changes. How do you stay current in such a dynamic environment? Two main strategies: I read extensively and research continuously. As you mentioned, cybersecurity evolves quickly—what works today might not be effective tomorrow. Staying updated with these changes is essential, so I make it a priority to read widely, research current trends, and participate in forums where cybersecurity advancements are actively discussed. Additionally, I seek guidance from mentors. Yes, even as an instructor, I rely on mentors, some based in Nigeria and others internationally. I also have virtual mentors with whom I regularly engage in deep, insightful conversations about cybersecurity. These practices are how I stay at the forefront of the industry.

With your extensive research, readings, and mentorship experience, how do you see the cybersecurity industry evolving? What changes do you think are on the horizon? I believe the biggest emerging threat in cybersecurity is artificial intelligence (AI). We’re already seeing examples like deep fakes, where people can convincingly deny actions because AI was used to create a fake voice or image, making it challenging to authenticate real identities. The potential for AI to be used maliciously is significant; without restrictions, AI can be manipulated to create specific payloads or exploits to breach systems. This means that even beginners, or 'script kiddies,' can use AI-driven prompts to cause substantial harm. So, I see the next major spectrum of cybersecurity threats unfolding within the AI domain.

That's very insightful! If you weren’t in cybersecurity, what other field would you be in? If I were to choose a non-tech field, I’d probably go into animation or videography. I really enjoy bringing things to life visually, so the idea of creating through animation or videography appeals to me a lot. Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing? What are your hobbies? My hobbies? Definitely playing games—I love games like Call of Duty. I also enjoy watching series, especially action series. My favorite? That would be The Blacklist.

Thank you very much for your time, Mr Raph. Thank you, Kamsi.