From Help Desk to SOC: How KevTech Broke Into Cybersecurity Without Certs
Download MP3What happens when you go from fixing executives’ laptops at Goldman Sachs to defending against cyber threats in a SOC?
In this episode of Simply Defensive, hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells sit down with Kevin Apolinario — better known as KevTech — to unpack his journey from IT support to cybersecurity analyst, all without a single certification.
Kev gets real about what it’s actually like to land your first SOC role: the flood of alerts, the burnout, learning Excel the hard way, and relying on ChatGPT to survive scripting. He also shares how TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and constant hands-on practice built the foundation for his success.
If you’ve ever wondered what breaking into cybersecurity really looks like, this conversation pulls back the curtain — no fluff, no spin, just honest talk from the trenches.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:29 Guest Introduction: Kev Apolinario
00:51 Transition to SOC Analyst Role
01:53 Challenges and Learning in Cybersecurity
06:43 Handling Alerts and Fatigue
10:26 Importance of Teamwork and Asking for Help
19:56 Executive Support Experience
27:02 Advice for Aspiring Blue Teamers
Follow Kevin on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@kevtechitsupport
Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itprofessionalkevinapolinario
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more blue team content!
In this episode of Simply Defensive, hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells sit down with Kevin Apolinario — better known as KevTech — to unpack his journey from IT support to cybersecurity analyst, all without a single certification.
Kev gets real about what it’s actually like to land your first SOC role: the flood of alerts, the burnout, learning Excel the hard way, and relying on ChatGPT to survive scripting. He also shares how TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and constant hands-on practice built the foundation for his success.
If you’ve ever wondered what breaking into cybersecurity really looks like, this conversation pulls back the curtain — no fluff, no spin, just honest talk from the trenches.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:29 Guest Introduction: Kev Apolinario
00:51 Transition to SOC Analyst Role
01:53 Challenges and Learning in Cybersecurity
06:43 Handling Alerts and Fatigue
10:26 Importance of Teamwork and Asking for Help
19:56 Executive Support Experience
27:02 Advice for Aspiring Blue Teamers
Follow Kevin on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@kevtechitsupport
Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itprofessionalkevinapolinario
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more blue team content!
🔗 Follow the hosts:
Josh Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacmason/
Wade Wells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadingthrulogs/
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