Cyber Member Spotlight — Annie Dai

Learn more about ACM Cyber member Annie Dai!

What’s your major? What drew you to this field?

I’m a Computer Science Major — and originally, it was my second choice! But I think that I’ve taken to it a bit more nowadays. An understanding of the devices that we use everyday, as well, as the ability to optimize your own life (writing scripts, editing .css files, and .json files) are all things that I do now that I hadn’t before. And besides, who doesn’t want to be the tech support of your immediate circle?

How did you become interested in cybersecurity?

I’ve been interested in cryptography from a very early age. In fact, I can remember writing my own ciphers in elementary school on a post it note — very simple substitutions, for the most part. Later on, I joined a high school Science Olympiad team and competed in the CodeBusters event, where I learned about Hill Ciphers, Affine, RSA, Morse, and how to encrypt/decrypt all of these in real time. Nowadays, I see my interest in cyber security as an evolution of all that — fueled by a drive to better understand how the technology in our every day lives works.

What are some cool cybersecurity related/other projects you’ve undertaken? Or have there been any fun CTFs you’ve participated in recently?

Last summer I was studying for the CompTIA Security+ certificate, before those plans were moved to next summer. I’ve also been looking at Natas and the past CTF writeups to better understand cyber security topics that aren’t exactly cryptography.

What are your long term goals (if any) ?

I would like to get that certification, certainly.

What are your hobbies / what do you like to do in your free time?

I read fantasy, think about writing my own stories, and fold origami. Very artsy things that you wouldn’t ordinarily associate with this field.