A week in the life of...
Wessel Hemels, Cyber Security Specialist
Wessel's affinity with IT began with Commander Keen, Vikings, Stunts, etcetera; now known as retro games. His interest in relation to IT Security grew during his study at the MBO (2006-2009). Wessel: "Here I noticed that I had interest in how some systems were let's say 'abused' instead of how you can manage them in the best way. Shortly after that I continued my studies at Saxion HBO Enschede (2009-2012) with some minors with topics more related to Security. When I got the opportunity at the end of my studies at Saxion to do a Master Information and Security (2012-2013) at Ferris State University in Michigan, USA I obviously could not say no. After a year I became Master of Science. This has really put the focus on (Ethical) Hacking, Database Security and Forensic Research.
Shortly after I was back in the Netherlands I went straight to work at Sincerus, a small, cozy and very professional organisation in Zwolle. After half a year internally to have done some work (pen tests, etc.), I was seconded to Thales in Hengelo (2014). Here I worked for the IT department. After some time, about 1.5 years, I had the opportunity to work with the Security Operating Center in Huizen (2015). I quickly became attached to the whole project and I wanted to experience all of it in it's adult form. After a meeting with the Cyber Security Director I was able to work as an employee of Thales as Cyber Security Engineer (2016). I'm responsible for the intelligence and correlation rules for our SOC and I maintain various customer contacts.
Everything went very fast and I enjoy my work every day!"
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Weekly meeting with the Cyber Team
At home on the couch watching Suits with my girlfriend
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After work I like to sport
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Development of new connection Probe-based SOC module
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In the evening I visited my grandpa!
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To the office, today especially customer meetings
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In the evening we placed signs for our village festival
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Start of the weekend, we visited 'Lepeltje Lepeltje' in Zwolle
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Saturday addressed the front yard
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...and in the afternoon to a festival
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Closure of the weekend: bbq at my parents