Hey guys, my name is Gerard O’Brien.

I’m a tech enthusiast from Ireland and on this blog, I cover topics around Cyber Security, Networking and Cloud Computing. If you’re getting started in IT or studying for certifications, then hopefully you find this content helpful.

When I’m not busy tinkering with tech stuff, you’ll find me running the roads, savouring a delicious pint of Guinness, or having the craic with my doggo Barry.

Greetings everyone, I am Gerard O’Brien, and I’m delighted to share a little bit about myself with you. I am a passionate technology professional, hailing from the beautiful country of Ireland and now residing in the bustling city of London. With nearly 17 years of experience in the industry, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in the business, gaining invaluable insights into the latest trends and best practices.

Just like many other IT enthusiasts starting out, my journey in the world of technology began with small tasks like fixing computers for friends, experimenting with different versions of Operating Systems (some of which were a bit sketchy), and even building and selling homemade PCs to my neighbours during the festive season. These experiences ignited a curiosity within me and made me realize that I wanted to dive deeper into the realm of technology.

To pursue my passion further, I decided to enrol at the University of Ulster, where I pursued an honours degree in Computing. This educational journey provided me with a valuable opportunity to learn and expand my knowledge in the field.   After completing my University degree, I spent several years working with various IT Managed Services companies. This gave me an excellent opportunity to work with different technology vendors, learn their unique configurations, and build my technical expertise. This also led me down the long path to certification (more info below).

As an enthusiast of cyber security, networking and cloud computing, I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and expertise with others. Through my blog, I provide a wealth of information on these topics, along with practical tips and advice on technology training and certification.

Thanks for taking the time to read. Please feel free to reach out to me via the Contact page or on any social media platform.

Gerard O’Brien

Certifications

I know what you’re thinking. Studying for and obtaining certifications can seem like a daunting task. It takes time, money, and a lot of effort. But if you’re serious about building a successful career in IT, it’s an investment that pays off.

For the last decade, my focus has been on learning technology and becoming a certified IT professional. If I were to give you one valuable tip, it would be to identify the specific areas of IT that truly capture your interest, don’t just go on a certification rampage. In my case, I find Security, Networking and Cloud fascinating, especially how they interconnect, that’s why I focused my energy on those three areas.

Security

  • ISC2: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Microsoft: Certified Cyber Security Architect Expert
  • Microsoft: Certified Azure Security Engineer
  • Check Point: Certified Security Administrator, R80 (CCSA)
  • Dell SonicWALL: Certified Security Administrator (CCSA)
  • CompTIA: Security+

Networking

  • Microsoft: Certified Azure Network Engineer
  • Cisco: Certified Network Professional – CCNP Routing & Switching (CCNP)
  • Cisco: Certified Specialist – Enterprise Advanced Infrastructure Implementation (CCNP)
  • Cisco: Certified Specialist – Enterprise Core (CCNP)
  • Cisco: Certified Network Associate – Voice (CCNA)
  • Cisco: Certified Network Associate – Routing & Switching (CCNA)

Cloud

  • Amazon Web Services: Certified Solutions Architect Associate (AWS-CSA)
  • Amazon Web Services: Certified SysOps Administrator Associate (AWS-SAA)
  • Amazon Web Services: Certified Developer Associate (AWS-DA)
  • Amazon Web Services: Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional (AWS-DOP)
  • Microsoft: Certified Azure Architect Expert
  • Microsoft: Certified Azure Administrator
  • Google: Cloud Engineer Associate (ACE)
  • HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate
  • CompTIA: Linux+ Certified
  • Linux Professional Institute: LPIC 1 & 2