Hello World, my name is Zachary D. Rife - part student, part security researcher, and full-time public servant. From crafting lines of code on Linux to unraveling the fabric of quantum mechanics, my passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics goes well beyond just a career.
Even the most experienced security researchers don’t know everything, especially me, but I’m always happy to broaden my threat intelligence and share my knowledge with others.
Over the years, my curiosity and devious nature have led me down many paths. I’ve never been one to go with the grain. I always question the status quo, and I’m not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom. This mindset has driven me to explore the world of technology, where I’ve found my true calling in securing our future and educating others about the importance of cybersecurity.
Curiosity fuels my code, and every dataset is another a puzzle waiting to be solved.
Being introduced to Linux was a turning point in my life. Once I got into Ubuntu thanks to the good-will and mentorship of a great man, I realized how transformative technology could be in my life. I have always favored Ubuntu but since I have also learned to make use of to Kali as an all in one distro for the modern security researcher.
Gaming is another integral part of my story. Growing up with video games, I’ve seen firsthand how gaming has evolved from simple pixelated platforms to immersive, narrative-driven experiences. My love for gaming goes beyond just playing; I enjoy analyzing game mechanics, developing strategies, and understanding the technology behind these virtual worlds. Though I’m not really a gamer the way I was when I was younger, I still find time to sharpen my strategy skills through capture the flags (CTFs) and other challenges where I compete with some of the best minds this profession has to offer.
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When I’m not hacking my studies, I spend the majority of my free time now farming on my homestead and serving my community as a volunteer firefighter and active member of my Lions Club.
The Mind Behind the Keyboard
Building this blog has been a passion project. It’s a place where I can share my journey, document what I learn, and connect with people who have the same interests. I’ve written countless tutorials, tech tips, and reviews because I want to create a resource I wish I had when I was starting out. The tech world can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Thorough this blog, I hope to make technology accessible, fun, and rewarding for people of all skill levels.
Photo by Pablo Stanley on Lummi
Looking back, I see that each step in my journey—whether it was installing my first Linux distro, debugging my first program, or exploring cybersecurity—has shaped me into who I am today.
The analyst in me thrives on discovery, and as I explore new topics and skills, I’m reminded that there’s always more to learn. That’s the beauty of the tech world: no matter how much you know, there’s always a new challenge or a new horizon waiting.
Automate repetitive tasks. If you find yourself doing the same task multiple times, it’s a sign you should automate it.
Thank you for being here and for sharing in this journey with me. This blog is more than just articles and posts; it’s a community of curious, passionate individuals who love technology, creativity, and the endless pursuit of knowledge. Whether you’re a fellow Linux enthusiast, a developer looking for new ideas, or just someone curious about the digital world, I’m excited to connect and share this space with you.