Security Testing Journal Entry | w/e Friday September 12, 2025 - "Productive Week" Ed.

Highlights for the week

It was really a good week, personally. Accomplished a lot of what I set out to do with TCM and the Pen Testing. Job hunting still a slog, but I'm really positive something will turn up soon. I think my resume is working against me, but I also think having the "Security Consultant" role on there when looking for QA roles might be problematic. I dunno!!

Finally got some health insurance, so it will be interesting to look into getting my hormones checked out. All the symptoms of low-T are present: Vision is hazy at times; libido is in the toilet; no weight loss despite a consistent workout regiment; testicular atrophy. So bad!!

As I close another week, I'm grateful I have the means to keep the house happy. My son is making moves and getting started on his future. Wife is nesting for the holidays and getting into the Halloween spirit. I need to be the pillar they can rely on. Been focusing on stoicism and getting my mind back to a good place. So far, so good! Gotta keep grinding!

What We’re Grateful For

1. I get to be here!
2. I get to wake up to a comfortable bed.
3. I have my health and well being.
4. I get to have a home where I can learn cool things.

What We Loved

1. It was a good week!

What We Learned

1. Pen Testing - Finished NFL web app pt. Wasn't able to get to the mobile apps. Known issues kept testing. Lost a little momentum coming back from vacation.
2. TCM - Completed Week 6 and learned a lot about enumeration during the external network pen testing effort. Need to look into HTB servers.
3. AI - Learned to prompt more effectively. Need to practice Gandalf AI hacking !!So Fun!!
4. WAHH - Moving through chapter 13; Read about HTML injection. The lesson is to keep the inputs sanitized, have anti-clickjacking in place.
5. Portswigger - behind on revisiting the "Business Logic Flaws" module. Will make time for it on the weekend.

What We Longed For

1. As always, needing a job .. a good job. Praying for that good job doing cool things with great people.

What We Loathed

1. The lack of phone calls and fake job posts after 4 months is bad.