Cybersecurity isn't just something I study—it's a craft I'm committed to mastering.
Zakep Labs was built to document my journey from student to security professional. Every lab completed, certification earned, project built, and challenge overcome represents another step toward a larger mission: protecting the systems people rely on every day.
I don't claim to know everything, and that's exactly what drives me. The cybersecurity landscape changes constantly, and I believe the best professionals remain students throughout their careers. This platform is where I share that continuous pursuit of knowledge, discipline, and growth.
Whether you're here to follow my progress, explore my projects, or connect over a shared passion for cybersecurity, I'm glad you're here. My hope is that this journey encourages others to keep learning, stay curious, and never stop building.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
— Tyrek Zardies Jr.
Founder, Zakep Labs
About Me
Achievement 3
December 2035 – Present
Achievement 2
June 2034 – November 2035
CompTIA Security+ Certification
I obtained my CompTIA Security+ certification on August 11, 2026. This credential validates my ability to implement and manage security controls, secure network architectures, identify and remediate vulnerabilities, enforce access management policies, and support incident detection and response in alignment with industry best practices.
August 11, 2026
Achievements
Key milestones that demonstrate my growth, impact, and commitment to cybersecurity excellence.
Nominations
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NextGen Tech Scholars Program
The NextGen Tech Scholars Program is a selective initiative focused on developing high-potential students in technology and cybersecurity. Its core goals are to:
• Expand access to rigorous, industry-aligned technical education
• Provide structured mentorship from experienced security and technology professionals
• Offer hands-on projects and labs that mirror real-world security challenges
• Build a diverse pipeline of future-ready technologists and security practitioners
Through this combination of education, mentorship, and practical experience, the program prepares scholars to lead and innovate in critical areas of modern technology and cyber defense.
Women+Tech Scholars Program
The Women+Tech Scholars Program is a specialized initiative focused on advancing women and gender-diverse students in technology and cybersecurity. Key objectives include:
• Providing access to rigorous, industry-aligned coursework in areas such as network security, secure coding, cloud security, and risk management
• Pairing scholars with experienced professionals for structured technical mentorship and career guidance
• Delivering hands-on labs and projects that simulate real-world security operations, incident response, and vulnerability management
• Building a strong peer network and professional community to support long-term growth in high-impact technical roles
• Increasing representation of women and gender-diverse professionals in cybersecurity and adjacent technical domains
Organization Name
This is the space to showcase recognition you've received for your professional excellence and outstanding contributions. Include award names, the organizations that issued them, and dates received.
Organization Name
This is the space to showcase recognition you've received for your professional excellence and outstanding contributions. Include award names, the organizations that issued them, and dates received.
My Moto
Zakep Labs
Learn Relentlessly. Build Fearlessly. Defend Ethically.