Haik Isikbay isn't just curious about the inner workings of cybersecurity. He already sees where people's everyday lives and cybersecurity intersect, whether it's implementing a new authentication process or communicating technology changes to users.
Isikbay was encouraged to explore and build as a child. He started with LEGO and K'NEX toys, which evolved into building computers and experimenting with Raspberry Pi, which is a type of low-cost single-board computer. Now he's translating childhood play into lab experimentation as a Purdue University cybersecurity major in Indianapolis, where he's learning how large cybersecurity systems work in the real world.
The program is focused on building deep technical expertise through practical application, which means he's reading textbooks, completing labs and participating in projects that teach him to troubleshoot problems he'll see as a professional. It's also unique because it allows Isikbay to work on both his bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time. When he graduates, he'll earn two degrees and enter the job market with graduate-level skills reinforced by hands-on experience and expert faculty mentorship.
Projects in the program are designed to help people explore career paths and work on teams with other IT professionals. Isikbay was inspired by an advanced digital forensics project in Assistant Professor Mustafa Abdallah's class where he played the role of an investigator.
“I enjoyed seeing how the technical knowledge we learned in class could be used to examine evidence and support an investigation,” Isikbay said. “The experience was so valuable because I had not considered a role in digital forensics until then.”
Isikbay wants to learn beyond the classroom. He currently works as a technical support specialist with Purdue IT, which involves helping people on campus with their accounts and hardware-related issues. When his team transitioned the campus to a new authentication system, the change impacted everyone. Isikbay learned to approach technology from a human perspective. He saw it as an opportunity to protect people, educate users and use human connection to improve security.
“Clear communication and support are what determine the change's success. It was extremely valuable to see the human side of security alongside the technical side.”
Professionals have to understand how systems work before they can effectively secure them. Purdue's program teaches students about networking, operating systems and troubleshooting so they can address security problems. But every problem comes with a human impact. Soft skills like patience and communication are also essential for solving cybersecurity problems. Isikbay practices both kinds of skills during his day-to-day work in IT, connecting concepts and lab work to decisions that affect real people.
“As more of our lives depend on technology, I want to have the knowledge, training and experience to help protect them. With cyber operations playing an increasing role in global conflicts, I see this field as an opportunity to contribute to security and protect people from harm.”
Isikbay plans to work in a role where he can defend critical systems, like a cyber defense analyst, an incident responder or a security operations center analyst. He says Purdue provided opportunities to learn around every corner. All he had to do was take advantage of the doors opening in front of him.
“For me, the BS/MS program and working in Purdue IT have been such great opportunities for me to further my education and gain valuable experience.”
Purdue University offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Trusted Systems. Learn more at polytechnic.purdue.edu.
