{"id":97690,"date":"2026-06-29T12:26:06","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T01:26:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.institutedata.com\/?p=97690"},"modified":"2026-06-29T12:26:06","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T01:26:06","slug":"from-cyber-security-student-to-founder-of-kind-cyber-shaked-tollmans-career-transformation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.institutedata.com\/sg\/blog\/from-cyber-security-student-to-founder-of-kind-cyber-shaked-tollmans-career-transformation\/","title":{"rendered":"From Cyber Security Student to Founder of Kind Cyber: Shaked Tollman\u2019s Career Transformation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before launching Kind Cyber, Shaked Tollman was focused on building the foundation of the business. He created the company\u2019s methodology, developed marketing materials, and built its online presence. He spent three months developing the business prior to its launch.<\/span><\/p>\n

While exploring new career directions, Shaked completed the Institute of Data\u2019s <\/span>Cyber Security Program<\/a><\/strong>, delivered in partnership with <\/span>Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> With a background in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, he recognised early that lack of experience and clearance limited his entry into the field.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, he is the Founder & Cyber Specialist at Kind Cyber, helping seniors improve digital safety through education, device security setup, and scam prevention support.<\/span><\/p>\n

Making the Career Leap<\/b><\/h2>\n

Shaked\u2019s transition began with a realisation that his original degree alone would not be enough to enter his target industry.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

He shifted toward cyber security due to his existing interest in AI and security concepts, which made the transition feel natural.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

This move was driven by the need to build practical, job-ready skills while applying his existing knowledge in a more technical environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Challenges in Transitioning to Tech<\/b><\/h2>\n

A key challenge was the lack of hands-on experience, which affected his early job search success.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Persistence became central to his strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne good interview can be enough to launch your career in cyber security.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The Institute of Data\u2019s Cyber Security Program<\/h2>\n

Shaked completed the Institute of Data\u2019s <\/span>Cyber Security Program<\/strong><\/span><\/a> in partnership with <\/span>Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy cyber security capstone specifically touched on IoT devices as attack vectors, which helped shape Kind Cyber\u2019s current methodology.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne thing that I learned is that you never stop learning.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Career Support<\/b><\/h2>\n

Career coaching played a major role in his transition.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe resource that I found most helpful was the career coaching sessions that I undertook.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

When job searching became overwhelming, coaching helped him rethink his approach and identify new opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven 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.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

This support complemented his technical training and helped him stay consistent during the job search process.<\/span><\/p>\n

From Student to Founder: Launching Kind Cyber\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Shaked is now the Founder of Kind Cyber.<\/span><\/p>\n

His role involves running cyber security education sessions for seniors, securing their devices to Kind Cyber\u2019s baseline safety standards, and providing practical recommendations they can apply independently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn 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.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

He also helps clients respond to potential scams through a dedicated support hotline.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn 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.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

His earlier experience building systems, marketing materials, and online presence directly supported the creation of the business.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key Success Factors<\/b><\/h2>\n

Shaked\u2019s transition was supported by three main factors: practical skill-building, certification, and adaptability.<\/span><\/p>\n

He emphasised improving technical capability beyond coursework:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPicking up a coding language and being able to demonstrate fluency in it will put you leagues ahead of other candidates.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

He also earned the CompTIA Security+ certification:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

This helped demonstrate his readiness for cyber security roles and commitment to professional growth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Advice for Aspiring Career Changers<\/b><\/h2>\n

Shaked emphasises persistence and exploration.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe journey to getting past the first step in the job application process is the hardest.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

He encourages candidates to explore multiple areas within cyber security rather than focusing too narrowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe best advice that I can give is to explore the different options that cyber security can encompass.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Key takeaways from his experience include:<\/span><\/p>\n