From Pest to Protect: My Journey from Exterminator to Cyber Defender

  Cybersecurity: Connecting IT Fundamentals This course has helped to start viewing Cybersecurity as more than just protecting passwords. Cybersecurity is a core part of how modern technology works for us on today. As I’ve learned in TEC 101, cybersecurity connects to every major aspect in information technology, from hardware and software to networks and databases. In this post, I’ll show how cybersecurity actually ties into the fundamentals of IT and why it matters for small businesses like mine. History and Operation of Computers Cybersecurity has grown alongside the history of computers. Early machines were pretty much isolated, but today’s systems are connected to global networks which now makes them more vulnerable. Understanding how computers operate from binary code to operating systems is what helps to explain how threats like malware and phishing attacks work. Hardware Components Cybersecurity also depends on hardware like routers, firewalls, and servers. These devices ma...

  Protecting People and Systems.... In today’s connected world, network security is essential for both individuals and organizations. We rely on computers and mobile devices to store personal data, run businesses, and communicate online. Without proper security, sensitive information like passwords, financial records, and customer data can be stolen or misused. One tool I’ve used in this course is the ping command, which helps test if a device or website is reachable. While ping is useful for troubleshooting, it can also be misused. Hackers may use ping for network reconnaissance, scanning systems to find active devices before launching an attack. Ping can also be used in Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks, where attackers flood a system with requests to slow it down or crash it. Beyond ping-based threats, I focused on two major security risks: phishing and smishing. These attacks target people directly and are becoming more common as we rely on email and mobile communication. Phishin...

  Can Computers Take Care of Critters.... Computers play a big role in pest control today. As a business owner, I use them to schedule jobs, send invoices, track customer history, and stay compliant with state rules. Nowadays technicians are using mobile apps like Gorilla Desk, Jobber, and Service Titan to log treatments, plan our routes, and update customer service records while out in the field. These tools are really helping us work faster and stay organized. New technologies like IoT pest monitors were never heard of years ago. These new technologies are also changing the game. Devices such as Bayer’s Magic Trap use sensors and cameras to detect pests and send alerts to our phones or dashboards. This helps us respond quickly and avoid unnecessary visits. Some systems even run on solar power and use low-energy networks to stay connected outdoors. Because of all this, computer literacy is a must. It is so important for employees to know how to use apps, cloud systems, and GPS too...

What a Struggle.... This was actually my least favorite part of the course. I was completely lost and confused. I had never heard of the terms "Ping Command" or " Traceroute" . I really didn't score well on this assignment, but I was able to complete the assignment partially.  This week, I learned how data travels across the internet using two important tools: ping and traceroute . These commands introduced me to understanding how packets move from my computer to websites around the world. While using the Ping Command , I performed test on the following websites: Google.com (Packets: Sent = 4, Received, =4 Lost = 0, Maximum = 149ms) BPN.com    ( Packets: Sent =4, Received = 4, Lost = 0, Maximum = 51ms) Baidu.com   ( Packets: Sent =4, Received = 4, Lost = 0, Maximum = 291) I also had to use the command Traceroute for the very first time to see the path that the packets take to reach each of the following websites. Google.com: (20 hops, smooth route, final laten...

  In Week 2, I had to complete an assignment called “ Documenting a Day ,” where I was instructed to used four different software tools to record and reflect on my daily activities. This was not the easiest assignment for me, because I really don't have to rely on the specific software tools within my career. The software tools were Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint , and Access. Each of these tools had a very distinct and specific different purpose, and this assignment helped me to understand how they work and when to use them. I am pretty familiar with  Microsoft Word , so I had to use this tool   to write a journal entry. The Microsoft Word tool was perfect for this task because it allowed me to process my words, and thoughts clearly using different headings, fonts, and spacing. It’s great for writing reports, letters, or anything that needs detailed text. Next, I used the Microsoft  Excel tool  to calculate percentages and organize data. I had to create a p...

  The Ole Reliable Samsung Health App... For Week 2 of this course, we were given an assignment to discuss a familiar web or mobile application. I chose to review one of my favorite mobile applications which is the Samsung Health mobile application. I have used this app for years to track my fitness goals, sleep patterns, and overall wellness. As someone who values physical health and is learning more about technology, I found this assignment both useful and personal. Usability Samsung Health is one of my favorite applications because it is very easy to use. The home screen allows me to view my daily steps, my heart rate, sleep patterns, and other key health stats. I can also swipe through different sections and customize what I specifically want to track to track. The app also allows me to connect with my smartwatch and other devices, which makes tracking automatic and convenient. Design The design is super clean and simple. It uses calming colors and clear icons works for me. Eac...

  My First Programming Experience with Scratch This week, I created my very first program using Scratch, a beginner programming platform developed by the world-renowned MIT. At first, I was completely clueless on what to do. I’ve built a career working in pest control for years, and now I’m diving into tech!! What was I thinking!!The Scratch platform actually helped me to understand a little bit better and made it easier than I thought. I was able to build a simple animation where my character (called a sprite) moved across the screen, changed costumes, and responded to user input. I actually creating a soccer themed animation!! The drag-and-drop blocks helped me understand basic programming concepts like motion, loops, and events. I was able to learn that the order of blocks matters even if they’re out of place, the program won’t work right. I had to test and fix things until everything ran smoothly. That process of trial and error taught me a lot about problem-solving. One of the...