From Cyber Security Student to Founder of Kind Cyber: Shaked Tollman’s Career Transformation

Before launching Kind Cyber, Shaked Tollman was focused on building the foundation of the business. He created the company’s methodology, developed marketing materials, and built its online presence. He spent three months developing the business prior to its launch.

While exploring new career directions, Shaked completed the Institute of Data’s Cyber Security Program, delivered in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). With a background in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, he recognised early that lack of experience and clearance limited his entry into the field.

Today, he is the Founder & Cyber Specialist at Kind Cyber, helping seniors improve digital safety through education, device security setup, and scam prevention support.

Making the Career Leap

Shaked’s transition began with a realisation that his original degree alone would not be enough to enter his target industry.

“I graduated with a degree in Homeland Security & Emergency Management, but did not have any experience in the field, or a government clearance, I realised that I needed to diversify my skillset.”

He shifted toward cyber security due to his existing interest in AI and security concepts, which made the transition feel natural.

“I’ve had experience with AI and an understanding of the importance of security within any organisation, it was easy for me to transfer my skillset and knowledge to the cyber security field.”

This move was driven by the need to build practical, job-ready skills while applying his existing knowledge in a more technical environment.

Challenges in Transitioning to Tech

A key challenge was the lack of hands-on experience, which affected his early job search success.

“I did not have any practical experience in the field and a very recent educational background in cyber security, and I was passed over a lot of the time.”

He also faced the reality of a competitive job market and multiple rejections during applications. To address this, he focused on tailoring his resume to each role rather than using a generic approach.

“The way that I have found to overcome this is by making sure that I highlight all the important skills that I have learned within my resume, and tailored each resume to showcase my skills that the application requested.”

Persistence became central to his strategy.

“One good interview can be enough to launch your career in cyber security.”

The Institute of Data’s Cybersecurity Program

Shaked completed the Institute of Data’s Cyber Security Program in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

The program provided structured, industry-aligned training and practical application of cyber security concepts. A key highlight was his capstone project, which focused on IoT devices as attack vectors.

“My cyber security capstone specifically touched on IoT devices as attack vectors, which helped shape Kind Cyber’s current methodology.”

This directly influenced his work at Kind Cyber, where threat awareness and device security remain central to client support. The program also reinforced a core principle he continues to follow:

“One thing that I learned is that you never stop learning.”

Career Support

Career coaching played a major role in his transition.

“The resource that I found most helpful was the career coaching sessions that I undertook.”

When job searching became overwhelming, coaching helped him rethink his approach and identify new opportunities.

“Even though it seemed like I had exhausted all of my options when searching, my career coach was able to help me find new ways to look for available positions.”

This support complemented his technical training and helped him stay consistent during the job search process.

From Student to Founder: Launching Kind Cyber 

Shaked is now the Founder of Kind Cyber.

His role involves running cyber security education sessions for seniors, securing their devices to Kind Cyber’s baseline safety standards, and providing practical recommendations they can apply independently.

“In our sessions, I go over our cyber security methodology that helps seniors stay secured in the digital space. Seniors have been left behind in the digital age, and Kind Cyber helps them adjust and learn how to enjoy their lives online.”

He also helps clients respond to potential scams through a dedicated support hotline.

“In addition to our sessions, I developed an application that provides a 24/7 hotline that allows our clients to contact us in case they encounter any potential scams, or if they have any general queries relating to the cyber world.”

His earlier experience building systems, marketing materials, and online presence directly supported the creation of the business.

Key Success Factors

Shaked’s transition was supported by three main factors: practical skill-building, certification, and adaptability.

He emphasised improving technical capability beyond coursework:

“Picking up a coding language and being able to demonstrate fluency in it will put you leagues ahead of other candidates.”

He also earned the CompTIA Security+ certification:

“I got my CompTIA Security+ certification in order to be ahead of other applicants. I saw that a lot of senior level positions asked for this certification specifically, so I knew that I could stand out with a more advanced certification.”

This helped demonstrate his readiness for cyber security roles and commitment to professional growth.

Advice for Aspiring Career Changers

Shaked emphasises persistence and exploration.

“The journey to getting past the first step in the job application process is the hardest.”

He encourages candidates to explore multiple areas within cyber security rather than focusing too narrowly.

“The best advice that I can give is to explore the different options that cyber security can encompass.”

Key takeaways from his experience include:

• Keep building practical, proven skills
• Tailor every application to the role
• Learn continuously beyond formal education
• Pursue relevant certifications
• Stay persistent through rejection

He reinforces the importance of consistency:

“You might send out plenty of applications, but so is everyone else.”

Continuous Learning

Continuous learning remains central to his approach.

Cyber threats evolve constantly, and so does his work at Kind Cyber. Rather than relying on static knowledge, he adapts methodologies as new risks emerge.

“We continuously look for the latest dangers that our clients might face. Instead of only reacting to issues after they occur, Kind Cyber prides itself on staying one step ahead of the new and continuously evolving attack vectors.”

This mindset ensures both his personal growth and the relevance of the services provided.

Conclusion

Shaked Tollman’s journey shows how career transformation is possible through persistence, targeted skill development, and applied learning.

After recognising barriers in his original field, he built new capabilities through the Institute of Data’s Cyber Security Program and practical certification. This led him to found Kind Cyber and work directly in cyber security education and support.

His story reflects the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience when transitioning into a new industry. For those considering a similar path, his experience demonstrates that consistent effort and skill-building can open unexpected career opportunities in cyber security.

You can connect with Shaked and follow his professional journey on LinkedIn. You can keep up with Kind Cyber by visiting www.kind-cyber.com.