SOP Sample for MS in Cyber Security in the US - Fresher Profile

Statement of Purpose

Beyond Google search prevails a web system that has the potency to put a whole nation's interest in jeopardy through just one click. That is the Dark Web. Although digitalisation seeped into our lives, making everyday activities convenient and easier, it also deposited tons of sensitive data across platforms that can be maliciously utilised. In my internship experiences, I have been on dark web forums several times for obtaining intelligence. And I know the world remains under the constant threat of cyber malpractices. But at the same time, Cybersecurity has impeded hackers and has made the internet a safer place. It, however, also ensues in an incessant requirement of improving our cyber security systems and maintaining integrity. To contribute to this credible aspiration from proximity by furthering my knowledge and gaining expertise, I want to pursue a Master's in Cybersecurity from your prodigious institution.

I come from a nuclear family that has continually backed me in all my endeavours. One of my relatives works as a Threat Researcher in a profound cyber security organisation and has been a mentor to me throughout. He recognised my flair for computers early on and inspired me to further my grasp on the same. Along with that, I was a great student academically throughout my schooling. I dwelled to comprehend the concepts thoroughly rather than just learning them by heart. This significantly helped me as I reached my higher studies. After completing matriculation, I decided not to pursue high school and pursue a Diploma in Computer Science and Engineering. The coursework was extensive, and I had a whale of a time learning in-depth about my long-term passion for computers. I could grasp the methodologies and programming languages with fluency and completed the program with flying colours.

Continuing further on the career path I had mapped for myself, I decided to pursue my Bachelor's in Computer Science and Engineering. Consequentially, I appeared for the entrance examinations and scored well. This got me admission to one of the finest colleges of the state for the program, [UNIVERSITY NAME]. The campus possessed remarkable infrastructure that stood as a testament to its illustrious history. We had a comprehensive curriculum especially tailored to prepare us for the corporate world. The faculty was also the best in business and were alums of globally the best institutions. Under their tutelage, I could get cognizant of numerous pragmatic methodologies while maintaining an above par CGPA across semesters. During the same time, I was introduced to Cybersecurity. It incited my curiosity like none other, and I learned about it through all sources feasible. Besides, I also gained proficiency in several programming languages like C, C++, and Java.

As a requisite of the program, we had to ideate and develop projects from scratch while working as a unit. I was always inclined towards them as they allowed me to get hands-on exposure and practically apply the notions. My most recognised project was '[PROJECT NAME]', a signature-based malware detection tool. Developed using Python, it used Yara rules to detect malicious binaries. I was prudently involved in developing the automated tool for binary detection. I even created a local database of over two thousand malware signatures. The end-product was a tool capable of detecting more than four thousand malwares from different families like Ransomware, Trojan, etc. Our professors appreciated us for the project, and we were also awarded exemplary grades for the same. Besides, I got to learn more about Cybersecurity, and my passion for it amplified even further.

I also strived to obtain practical experiences throughout my degree to understand how things work in real-world scenarios. The first opportunity I got was to freelance for a firm in Digital Forensics and Incident Investigation. I performed the forensics investigations on the infected system, performed memory forensics, and even prepared a final report. After that, I also freelanced for Breach Data Investigation, locating the advertised breach data on dark web marketplaces and forums. Both these experiences were remarkable and taught me things in multifarious capacities. To sum up, my whole Bachelor's was great exposure and laid a staunch foundation for my future. I enjoyed each day of the program and completed my degree on a high note.

As soon as I completed the undergraduate, I got an internship opportunity with [COMPANY NAME] in an Associate Threat Research Intern's role. I am primarily involved in areas like Threat Intel and Research and obtaining intelligence from dark web forums. I perform advanced searches on the surface web and dark web markets, monitor ransomware websites, and create malware signatures. I have discerned multiple new sources of information that has continually helped the company in identifying digital threats. I have been appreciated by my seniors on several occasions and look forward to working each day.

Apart from academia, I have actively even spared time to participate in numerous extra-curricular activities. I have undergone many training programs and completed certification courses in ethical hacking and cybersecurity to broaden my skillset and horizon. I also serve as the Chapter Lead for [ORGANIZATION NAME] [CITY], an online community around web application security. I also volunteer for philanthropic activities like charity drives and fundraisers whenever an opportunity presents itself. I even involve myself in imparting apprehension among students about cybersecurity and pursue it as a career. Browsing through blogs and reading books of the cyber world accounts for the rest of my time.

With a few experiences and academic milieu, my passion for Cybersecurity has only proliferated further. I now wish to pursue my Master's in the discipline from [UNIVERSITY NAME] and gain thorough knowledge to further my career to newer pinnacles. In addition, being one of the distinctive and dynamic batch of students with a sincere interest in cybersecurity will add multiple facets to my skillset. Besides, living in the United States will also give me a global perspective. I aspire to work on advanced malware detection, make noteworthy contributions through research, and be published by international journals down the line. With this, I enunciate my desire to be a part of the Master's program.