Learn Cybersecurity By Doing

About CyberDesserts

Mission: Provide accessible, hands-on cybersecurity content focused on practical application rather than theoretical knowledge alone.

What is CyberDesserts?

CyberDesserts is where I share what actually works in enterprise security, the techniques, tools, and lessons from 20+ years defending organizations against attacks.

Most security content stays theoretical. Here, you'll find hands-on tutorials and guides built so you can implement them yourself.

What We Cover

  • Enterprise Security: Protecting organizations at scale
  • Cyber Resilience: How to bounce back when defenses fail
  • Compliance Frameworks: Making sense of NIST, ISO 27001, and regulatory requirements
  • Defensive Strategies: Finding attackers before they find you
  • AI Security: Managing shadow AI and securing AI deployments

The Blog

The blog covers real threats, defensive techniques, and career guidance. Recent topics include WorldLeaks ransomware operations, LOTL (Living off the Land) attack analysis, and building AI-powered security tools. New articles drop regularly.

Learning Assistant

I built a free learning assistant that tracks your progress across eight security domains, Threat Intel, SOC, GRC, Offensive Security, Incident Response, Tools, Career, and Frameworks. Ask questions, get structured briefs, and build your own knowledge vault.

Career Resources

Breaking into security or leveling up? I've put together resources based on what I've seen work in the field:

Who's Behind CyberDesserts

My name is Shakel Ahmed, Director of Sales Engineering at Pentera, with over 20 years defending organizations against cyber attacks.

"After helping global companies measure their security posture, I've seen what tools, skills, and knowledge actually matter. CyberDesserts is my way of sharing that with the security community."

I've worked with enterprises across industries to implement security programs, navigate compliance, and build resilient operations. That experience shapes what I write here.

Why CyberDesserts

  • Practical: Tutorials you can implement today
  • Experience-driven: Based on 20+ years of hands-on work
  • Free: No paywalls, no gated content
  • Current: Covering emerging threats and modern challenges
  • Action-oriented: What you can do right now to improve

Stay Connected

Here's where to find more:

Ready to dive in? Explore hands-on tutorials on enterprise security, cyber resilience, compliance frameworks, and defensive security strategies.

Explore the Blog