Anirudh Shukla

Personal Statement
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Degree Objective: MLS – Cybersecurity & Data Privacy

My fascination with cybersecurity started when I first learned of real-world cyber-attacks. It was during
my second year at Kent State University and I had enrolled in Digital Systems Security, a course that I
was determined to explore rather than immerse myself in. During the course of that time, however, I
was intrigued immediately to learn of the various threat vectors that the world around us leaves
exposed in everyday interactions. The vulnerability of banks and institutions became more apparent.
Schools, hospitals, financial companies, and even the government would eventually succumb to the
most sophisticated computer techniques that were ever developed. And the revelation of this
information immediately struck a passion in me at that time. I took the three months within that course
to begin a journey to further my knowledge of cybersecurity and the world of information security.

After my final projects an undergraduate thesis in programming and security, I took a professional
approach into the field of information security. I studied through different certifications and programs
that were standard in the industry, and delved into Cisco’s Cyber Operations certification. It was
challenging, and I was overwhelmed by the density of the subject matter. I had never undertaken such a
highly technical course or field of study and it was to my great chagrin that I found that I had not passed
the final exam after four months of rigorous study. I didn’t give up and I tried again. I enrolled once
again and continued to research on my own personal time through world events, security blogs, and
forums devoted to the developing world of cybersecurity. The second time through the course, I became
more aware to the intricacies and important details involved in learning network security, software
management, physical policies, and the myriad different aspects of the industry. Another four months
later, I had passed the certification.

Only a few weeks later, America was shaken by the Equifax breach. And it didn’t end there – hospital
records from huge administrative corporations, federal archives, and even physical utilities that are vital
to the nation were all revealed to have been compromised. At this time, I knew more than ever that
cybersecurity would indelibly be forever vital and important in a world where everything was being
connected through complex digital paths, and everyone was tied up in electronic presences. I knew that
to preserve security and make others aware of hazardous situations, I would have to myself become
more knowledgeable and experienced and pursue a path that would help me accomplish just that.

I knew that it would require yet another step – the experience in practical affairs of law and courts. And
though I was not yet certain to pursue a JD, I knew that a Master’s in Legal Studies would prepare me for
the inexorable combination of both technology and law that will continue to blossom in the future. I
intend to never give up in the pursuit of knowledge and find out more about the field that has an
incredible array of topics, experts, and ever-changing structures. Cybersecurity and its studies are my
passion, and I will continue that not just as a career, but as a community vehicle.