Talib AliCybersecurity Study Guide & Portfolio

06 / Talib Ali

About Me

I am an IT professional with a background spanning software testing, education, Computer Science teaching and technical support. I am currently developing my knowledge and practical experience in cybersecurity while working as an IT Technician within the education sector.

My Journey

After graduating with a BSc in Computer and Video Games in 2005, I worked as a QA Tester at Electronic Arts from 2006 to 2008. I then moved into education, teaching EFL from 2008 to 2020 before becoming an Academic Mentor in 2021.

PGCE with QTS teacher training in 2021–2022 led to teaching Computer Science from 2022 to 2025. In October 2025, I moved into an IT Technician role. I am now building on that computing, testing and teaching background as I develop cybersecurity knowledge and practical skills.

Current Role

I currently work as an IT Technician in the education sector, looking after school IT systems, supporting users and technical systems, and troubleshooting technical issues. I also create guidance and training materials that help staff use IT systems effectively.

This gives me practical exposure to the systems, devices, accounts and services that organisations rely on.

My background combines technical knowledge and troubleshooting with teaching and communication: explaining technical concepts clearly, producing documentation and supporting people who may not have a technical background.

Why Cybersecurity

The growing global importance of cybersecurity, organisations’ reliance on digital systems and information, and the increasing demand for security skills drew me to the field. Security is becoming a fundamental part of modern IT.

I have only recently begun formal training and am exploring different areas before deciding on a long-term direction. Offensive security and red-team work currently interest me; I am also learning about defensive security and security analysis.

This portfolio documents that development through:

  1. Learning
  2. Practical Work
  3. Evidence
  4. Skills in development

Current Cybersecurity Training

In progress

I am undertaking a live instructor-led Cyber Security Academy programme, which includes CompTIA Security+ preparation and an exam, followed by a choice of offensive/red-team or defensive/blue-team pathways. I am using the training to gain exposure to both offensive and defensive security before choosing a specialism.

I have not yet achieved CompTIA Security+, CREST CPSA or CREST CPIA. These are programme certification goals; the CREST qualification depends on the pathway I choose.

Training in progress and qualifications as they are completed are recorded on the Certifications page.

Pathway option · not yet selected

Red Team

Penetration testing and offensive security.

Programme certification goals
CompTIA Security+
CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA)

Pathway option · not yet selected

Blue Team

Infrastructure security analysis and defensive security operations.

Programme certification goals
CompTIA Security+
CREST Practitioner Intrusion Analyst (CPIA)

Professional Background / Career Timeline

  1. 2025 – Present

    IT Technician

    Supporting IT systems and users within the education sector, alongside creating technical guidance and staff learning materials.

  2. 2022 – 2025

    Teacher of Computer Science

    Teaching Computer Science and helping students develop an understanding of computing, programming and digital technologies.

  3. 2021 – 2022

    PGCE with QTS / Teacher Training

    Professional teacher training specialising in Computer Science.

  4. 2021

    Academic Mentor

    Supporting learners within secondary education.

  5. 2008 – 2020

    EFL Teacher

    More than a decade working in education and developing communication, teaching and mentoring skills.

  6. 2006 – 2008

    QA Tester, Electronic Arts

    Worked within software quality assurance, testing software and identifying problems before release.

  7. 2005

    BSc Computer and Video Games

    University-level study covering computing and software development.

Selected Education & Professional Development

A selection of qualifications and professional development relevant to my technical and teaching background, rather than an exhaustive list.

  • BSc Computer and Video Games
  • PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
  • NCFE GCSE Computer Science Subject Knowledge
  • Computer Networking — FutureLearn
  • Python Programming 101 — FutureLearn
  • Google Certified Educator Level 1
  • Google Certified Educator Level 2

Personal Projects / Game Development

Outside of my professional work, I also enjoy designing and developing games as a hobby. This gives me another way to explore programming, problem-solving and creative technical work. I maintain these separate personal projects through Lightmare Creations.

Explore Lightmare Creations

This portfolio contains my own notes, explanations, diagrams and learning materials. It is not endorsed, reviewed or proofed by Optima or My Cyber Academy.