Hello, and welcome to “Badge to Buffer” – a digital space where the traditional world of law enforcement meets the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and penetration testing.
Who Am I?
I’m an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, but before the badge, I was a programmer. I have a formal background in computer science and have been programming for over two decades – Python has become my language of choice in recent years. Even while serving in demanding law enforcement roles, I’ve always kept an eye on the evolving world of cybersecurity, while continuing to pursue my passion for programming. A few years ago, I ran a website called The Cyber Cops, where I explained complex tech topics in a simple, accessible way.
The Journey Begins (Again)
I’ve now decided to focus seriously on penetration testing (or simply “pentesting”) – the practice of simulating real-world attacks on computer systems to find and fix security vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. There will be no more detours, just consistent learning and application.
This isn’t my first attempt. I first ventured into pentesting back in 2020, driven by a desire to understand the digital side of crime. But between postings, responsibilities, and time constraints, I couldn’t stay the course. I tried again later – with the same result. But this time is different – I am diving in with renewed determination and better planning.
Why “Badge to Buffer”?
It reflects my path. The badge represents my role in law enforcement – chasing criminals, solving cases, and serving the public. The buffer is the digital layer I’m now trying to understand – a space in a computer’s memory where data temporarily lives, but when mishandled, can be exploited by hackers.
So in a sense, this is my story of moving from real-world crime scenes to digital ones – from patrolling streets to inspecting systems.
Even though cybersecurity and pentesting aren’t core IPS competencies (yet), I believe they soon will be. This is my way of preparing for that future – and maybe helping others do the same.
What This Space Represents?
Badge to Buffer is more than just a learning log; it’s a bridge between two worlds that are increasingly interconnected. As cyber crimes continue to evolve and traditional policing adapts to digital challenges, the intersection of law enforcement and cybersecurity becomes more critical than ever.
“Badge to Buffer” will be my digital laboratory for learning penetration testing, inspired by Richard Feynman’s timeless wisdom that true understanding comes only when you can teach something to someone else. Feynman believed that the act of explaining complex concepts in simple terms forces you to confront the gaps in your own knowledge and deepens your comprehension in ways that passive learning never can.
As I embark on this journey from policing physical crimes to navigating command lines and digital vulnerabilities, I recognize that documenting and sharing my learning process will not only help fellow beginners and self-learners but will also sharpen my own understanding of penetration testing concepts. By breaking down complex cybersecurity topics into accessible explanations, sharing hands-on notes, and reflecting on the intersection of law enforcement and digital security, I’m creating a space where teaching becomes learning and learning becomes teaching. This website represents my commitment to the Feynman principle – that knowledge truly belongs to you only when you can give it away to others, and in doing so, you discover how much more there is to learn.
What You’ll Find Here
Learning in Public: I’ll be documenting my penetration testing journey, sharing the tools I discover, the concepts I grasp, and yes, even the mistakes I make along the way. Learning in public isn’t just about transparency – it’s about creating a resource that others can learn from.
Complex Made Simple: Drawing from my experience with “The Cyber Cops,” I’ll continue breaking down complex cybersecurity concepts into digestible, understandable pieces. Whether you’re a fellow officer trying to understand digital evidence or a beginner exploring penetration testing, this space is for you.
Real-World Perspective: I’ll share insights on how understanding offensive security can make us better defenders – both in the digital realm and in our communities.
Tools and Resources: Practical, hands-on content will be a cornerstone of this blog. Expect detailed notes on tools, step-by-step guides, and resources that have helped me along the way.
Community and Mentorship: This space is open to anyone restarting their cybersecurity journey or learning independently. I believe in the power of community learning and peer support.
Why Now?
The cybersecurity landscape has evolved dramatically since my first attempt in 2020. The tools are more sophisticated, the learning resources more abundant, and the need for cybersecurity professionals more urgent than ever. More importantly, I’ve learned that the intersection of law enforcement and cybersecurity isn’t just professionally relevant – it’s personally fascinating.
The Road Ahead
This journey won’t be easy, and I won’t pretend it will be. Balancing the demands of policing with the commitment required to master penetration testing will be challenging. But every expert was once a beginner, and every professional was once an amateur.
I plan to share not just the technical knowledge I acquire, but also the process – the methodology of learning, the resources that work, the communities that help, and the mindset that sustains long-term learning in a rapidly evolving field.
I’ll be posting as and when time allows, aiming for consistency without compromising depth or clarity.
Let’s Connect
Whether you’re a fellow law enforcement officer exploring cybersecurity, a beginner starting your penetration testing journey, or an experienced professional with insights to share, I welcome you to this space. Leave comments, ask questions, share your own experiences, and let’s build a community of learners together.
If you’re learning, restarting, or just curious, you’re most welcome here.
Thanks for joining me on this journey.