Mohamad Allaham is a grade 12 student at Colonel Gray High School in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (PEI). He has a passion for learning about technology and hopes to use it to make the world a more digitally safe place. Mohamad was a participant of PEI IT Alliance’s and PEI’s first CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition team. He plans to obtain a computer science degree from the University of Prince Edward Island and start a career in cybersecurity.

How did you get into IT?

I got into IT through a combination of passion and opportunity. As a child, I was always fascinated by technology and how it worked. I would often take apart my family's computers and other electronic devices to see how they were built and how they functioned. As I grew older, I realized that a career in IT would allow me to pursue my passion for technology while also providing a stable and well-paying job.

Can you describe your background and how you came to this point in your school?

My background is in computer science, I have always been fascinated by technology and how it works. As a high school student, I got into computer science by accident. At one point a few years ago, while I was browsing the web, I stumbled upon a motivational video on cybersecurity and I got hooked. I started to teach myself how to code during my spare time. I found it very interesting and challenging, and I decided to pursue a degree in computer science.

I took computer science classes in high school and participated in various competitions, such as CyberPatriot, which helped me to gain recognition in the cybersecurity field. I also took online courses to improve my skills, and I was thrilled to have placed around 50% in gold tier in the CyberPatriot competition, which was a great accomplishment for me.

What are you currently studying/learning?

As a high school student, I am currently focusing on my studies and preparing for university. I am planning to enter the Computer Science program and I have been taking relevant courses such as programming, math and science. I am also taking a lot of online courses to improve my skills.

Overall, I am committed to continuing my education and expanding my skills in the field of computer science and cybersecurity. I am excited to see where my passion for technology and social engineering will take me in the future.

What do you want to do in your future career? Tell us about the type of work you want to do and for who.

As someone who has a passion for technology and social engineering, I see myself working in a career that allows me to use my skills to make a positive impact.

In the future, after I graduate, I would like to work in a company or organization that specializes in cybersecurity, where I can put my skills to use in protecting sensitive information and preventing cyber attacks. I would like to work as a penetration tester, and consult with companies to find and fix vulnerabilities in their systems. I would also like to work for government agencies or non-profit organizations that are focused on protecting the public's data and security.

I would like to have a role where I am able to work with a team of experts and continue to learn and grow my skills. I would like to work in a fast-paced and challenging environment where I am able to make a real difference.

What is one thing that you hope to achieve in your future career in 10 years?

In 10 years, I hope to have achieved a high level of expertise in my field, to have contributed to the development of more secure systems, and to have helped protect the sensitive information of many individuals and organizations. I would also like to have a reputation as a respected professional in my field, and to have mentored and trained others to become experts in the field of cybersecurity and social engineering.

Can you tell us about a book or a course that greatly influenced you?

One book that greatly influenced me is "The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element of Security" by Kevin D. Mitnick. This book is written by one of the most famous social engineers of all time, and it provided me with a deeper understanding of how social engineering works and the many different tactics that can be used to manipulate people. The book also highlights the importance of security awareness and how individuals and organizations can protect themselves from social engineering attacks.

What made you decide to stay in PEI to attend university?

The decision to stay in PEI to study was a combination of personal and practical reasons. One of the main reasons was the opportunity to stay with my family for a few years during university. Being able to have the support and comfort of my family while adjusting to university life was important to me.

Additionally, the smaller class sizes and more personalized approach to education offered by universities in PEI provided me with an ideal environment to maintain a good academic performance. Another reason for staying in PEI to study was the opportunity to transfer to a more recognizable university for my last year of study. This allows me to take advantage of the resources and opportunities offered by larger universities while still being able to maintain a good academic record, and it also gives me a chance to explore different options and find the right fit for my future career.

What is your favourite part about living in PEI and studying here?

As someone who moved to PEI, my favorite part about living here is the friendly and welcoming community. The people in PEI are very kind and always willing to help, which made it easy for me to adjust to my new home. Additionally, PEI is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque landscapes and delicious seafood. I love being able to explore the island and enjoy its natural beauty, it's a great way to unwind from my studies.

Where is your favourite place to study?

My favorite place to study is a quiet library, where I can focus and get my work done without any distractions. I like the atmosphere of the library, it's peaceful and quiet which makes it the perfect place for me to study.

Where do you go to unwind from your studies?

I like to go to a nearby park. The natural surroundings and fresh air help me to clear my head and relax. It's a great way to take a break from my studies and recharge my batteries.

What technology or tool are you excited about? What are you actively learning?

As someone who is passionate about technology, I am always excited about new advancements and tools in the field. Currently, I am particularly interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning. I believe that these technologies have the potential to revolutionize many industries and improve our daily lives in countless ways.

I am actively learning about these technologies by taking online courses, reading research papers and participating in online communities. I am also excited about the advancements in cybersecurity and the development of new security tools and techniques. I believe that these technologies will play a vital role in protecting our personal and professional lives. I am actively learning about these topics by taking relevant courses, reading books, and participating in online communities.

Can you provide us with a way that people can find you online?

Sure, people can find me online on LinkedIn, my profile Mohamad Allaham.