My Story in a Few Words
I’m Mamadou Massoud Diallo - under the pseudonym MassRoot -, born on June 4th, 2004 (20 years old), in Conakry. Growing up in a modest family with limited means, I quickly understood that education would be the key to success. Currently pursuing a degree in Software Engineering at Université Centrale, the largest and one of the most renowned private universities in Tunisia, I have consistently strived for excellence. With my sights set on high-quality education and scholarships, I realized that achieving academic success was crucial, especially since my family could not afford expensive higher education. My dedication truly began after high school, where I aspired to be among the top 15 students in Guinea to study in Morocco.
What Makes Me Unique
Throughout my academic and personal journey, I have cultivated several unique qualities that make me stand out:
Resilience
Despite financial obstacles, I’ve always pushed myself to achieve my goals.
Passion for Learning
My commitment to constant improvement in cybersecurity, programming, and personal growth fuels my drive to stay ahead.
Self-Discipline
Balancing school, self-learning, and personal development, I’ve mastered the art of managing my time effectively.
Determination
I set clear objectives and work relentlessly until I achieve them, whether it's mastering new skills or pursuing scholarships.
My Interests: A Balance of Fun and Learning
I truly believe that learning and progress don’t have to be confined to formal settings. Even in my downtime, I’m driven by a deep passion for cybersecurity and the desire to constantly improve my skills. My love for this field pushes me to explore new technologies, dive into complex problems, and expand my knowledge beyond the classroom. Whether I’m working on personal projects or solving cybersecurity challenges, I see every experience as an opportunity to grow. This dedication to continuous learning keeps me productive, motivated, and inspired, allowing me to enjoy the process of mastering what I love. Here are some ways I enjoy challenging myself and staying productive:
1 - CTFs (Capture The Flag Challenges)
I spend my free time solving CTF (Capture The Flag) challenges on platforms like Hack The Box (HTB), TryHackMe, and Root Me to sharpen my cybersecurity skills. CTF challenges are competitions or exercises designed to test and improve participants' knowledge and skills in various areas of cybersecurity. They simulate real-world scenarios where participants must solve puzzles, exploit vulnerabilities, and crack codes to "capture flags" hidden within the challenges. These challenges push me to think critically and act like a hacker, identifying vulnerabilities in a controlled environment.
2 - Typing Speed Progress
I’m always looking for ways to improve myself, even with something as simple as typing speed. When I first started, I could only type using two fingers, managing around 15 to 20 words per minute while constantly looking at the keyboard. Today, after a lot of practice and dedication, I type with all ten fingers at 90 words per minute, without looking at the keyboard.. I’ve set a goal to reach 100 WPM soon. Tools like Keybr.com for accuracy and MonkeyType.com for speed are my companions in this journey.
My Typing Speed Achievement
Here’s a screenshot of my best typing speed on MonkeyType, achieved on August 1, 2024 (as shown in the screenshot). Achieving a rate of 92 words per minute has been a significant milestone in my journey towards improving my typing skills. My goal is to reach 100 WPM, and this achievement reflects my dedication and progress in mastering touch typing. This practice not only enhances my efficiency but also complements my work in cybersecurity by improving my overall productivity.
3 - Watching Inspiring Series
I also enjoy watching series that fuel my passion for cybersecurity and technology. These shows not only entertain me but provide valuable insights into the intricacies of hacking, coding, and cybersecurity strategies. Through their realistic portrayals of cyberattacks, social engineering, and high-stakes problem-solving under pressure, they enhance my understanding of how theoretical knowledge is applied in real-world situations. Each episode motivates me to continue honing my skills and think creatively in my own cybersecurity projects. My top favorites include:
Mr. Robot (Elliot Alderson - My favorite)
One of my all-time favorite series is Mr. Robot, a thrilling dive into the world of hacking and cyber warfare. The show stands out for its realism, portraying sophisticated attacks such as brute force attacks, SQL injections, and phishing. A standout moment is when the protagonist, Elliot Alderson, hacks into the FBI to expose corruption and orchestrates a plan to dismantle the elite 1%, unraveling a web of secrets and power. Elliot, who is a cybersecurity engineer by day and a hacktivist by night, is joined by his sister, Darlene, who is also a skilled hacker. Together, they execute a series of high-stakes cyber operations, including SQL injection attacks and social engineering, with remarkable precision. The accuracy of the hacking techniques, from Kali Linux to social engineering, makes Mr. Robot not only entertaining but deeply inspiring for a cybersecurity enthusiast like me.
Green Arrow (Felicity Smoak)
In Arrow, Felicity Smoak's (alias Overwatch) brilliance as a hacker and tech genius is a constant highlight. Her quick thinking and technical prowess play a pivotal role in helping Oliver Queen and the team defeat some of their toughest adversaries. Whether she’s breaking into secure systems, launching complex cyber-attacks, or decoding encrypted data, Felicity’s skills in cybersecurity and hacking are a great inspiration to anyone passionate about tech. Her ability to solve critical problems under pressure makes her one of the most compelling characters in the show.
MacGyver (Riley Davis)
In MacGyver, Riley Davis, known by her hacker alias Artemis37, is an incredibly skilled tech specialist. Her backstory is both dramatic and impressive: Riley once hacked the Pentagon merely as a challenge, and later, under duress, was forced to compromise the NSA when her mother’s life was threatened. To avoid endangering national security, she intentionally made errors in her hacking attempt to ensure her capture, resulting in a five-year prison sentence. After serving two years, she was released at MacGyver’s request, following a recommendation from Jack Dalton. Riley’s journey from a brilliant hacker with a troubled past to a key member of the DXS team adds depth to her character and highlights her exceptional abilities in high-stakes cyber operations.
What Drives Me & My Vision for the Future
Core Values
At the core of everything I do are values that guide me: curiosity, integrity and perseverance. These principles fuel my passion for cybersecurity and push me to use my skills to create a safer digital world. Every step I take is driven by the desire to combine technical expertise with ethical responsibility, ensuring that my work in cybersecurity contributes positively to society.
Looking Forward: My Future Plans
As I continue my studies in Software Engineering and further specialize in cybersecurity, my ultimate goal is to secure scholarships that will allow me to pursue higher education and research opportunities. My dream is to contribute to innovative cybersecurity solutions that make a real-world impact, while also inspiring others to follow a path of excellence.
Let’s Connect!
I’m always open to discussions, collaborations, or simply exchanging ideas. Whether you’re interested in cybersecurity, my journey, or just want to chat, feel free to reach out.