It all started with a movie.

In 2016, Arnold Arinda sat down to watch Snowden, unaware that the gripping tale of surveillance, whistleblowing, and digital espionage would ignite a fire that would shape his future. What followed was not just a fascination with cybersecurity, it was a calling. Today, as he prepares to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Networks and Cyber Security (CNS) from Strathmore University, Arnold’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, grit, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in a world increasingly reliant on digital security.

“I’ve always been fascinated by how digital systems communicate and how vulnerable they can be if left unsecured,” Arnold explains. The Snowden film, which peeled back the curtain on cyber-surveillance, offered a dramatic lens into the world of cybersecurity

This curiosity led him to Strathmore University, a decision cemented after attending a talk by Dr. John Olukuru. Inspired by what he heard and the course outline he reviewed, Arnold knew the CNS programme was exactly what he was looking for, a blend of technology, systems communication, and security.

“The experience has been amazing,” he says of his academic journey. He cites the small class sizes and personalized attention as key factors that enriched his education. While the program wasn’t without its challenges, those hurdles only sharpened his resilience and problem-solving instincts.

Of all the courses, Ethical Hacking stood out. The hands-on labs were not only engaging but also deeply impactful. It was in this unit that Arnold pushed himself to earn the prestigious Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, an accomplishment that reflects both technical competence and a commitment to ethical practice.

But his passion wasn’t confined to the classroom. Arnold built a compliance-checking system for Data Processing Agreements using machine learning and natural language processing, an ambitious project with real-world implications in data protection.

Outside class, he immersed himself in the cyber community. He competed in Capture the Flag (CTF) events and platforms like Hack The Box and OverTheWire, and took part in Microsoft Perspective: KC7. These experiences sharpened his skills through gamified learning, pushing him to think like both a defender and an attacker.

He also took his talents into the workplace. During an internship at Kristel as a Technical Support Engineer, Arnold supported IT infrastructure and troubleshooting while gaining a deeper understanding of how to secure digital environments, both from a systems and human-centered perspective.

When asked about the skills he’s developed, the list is long and impressive, including network analysis, intrusion detection, SIEM configuration, digital forensics, risk assessment, Python and Bash scripting, and toolkits like Metasploit, Wireshark, and Nmap. But beyond the technical, it’s the soft skills, such as problem-solving under pressure, clear communication, adaptability, and a growth mindset, that Arnold believes will set him apart in a fast-changing industry.

After graduation, he’s setting his sights on roles like Security Engineer or Security Architect, aiming to design systems and strategies that defend against evolving cyber threats. “In five years, I see myself in a lead security role or working in threat intelligence for a multinational,” he says. His dream company? Microsoft.

Arnold’s advice to incoming CNS students is simple. “Start early. Work on labs, side projects, and certifications. Stay curious and take initiative.” He also encourages building a public profile on GitHub, blogs, or community forums as a way to contribute to and grow within the cybersecurity ecosystem.

Balancing academics, certification prep, and personal life was no easy feat. “Time management was everything,” he notes. “Sometimes I had to pause, recalibrate, and prioritize my well-being. That balance made all the difference.”

One moment that left a deep imprint was working through the SEED Labs from seedsecuritylabs.org. “They challenged me to think like an attacker and a defender. They brought everything together.”

Looking ahead, Arnold is ready to step into the world and make a real impact. Fueled by curiosity, guided by ethical values, and armed with a toolkit of knowledge and experience, he represents a new generation of cyber guardians.

Article written by David Kimathi