From Linux Administrator to Cybersecurity Advisor — A Journey of Passion, Perseverance, and People
Desmond Darviinsamy | Advisor, Vulnerability Assessment | Malaysia
Originally Published: May 20, 2025
From Curiosity to Career: My Leap into Cybersecurity
Every career is marked by defining moments—those pivotal experiences that shape who we become professionally and personally. For me, the greatest turning point was transitioning from a Linux Administrator to a Discovery and Detection Advisor in cybersecurity. Beyond titles and technical skills, my journey reflects the human side of Dell, where empathy, flexibility, and true support turned challenges into opportunities.
My journey began as a Linux Engineer, laying the groundwork for my technical expertise. Driven by insatiable curiosity, I spent countless hours self-learning cybersecurity concepts, fueled by a dream to fully transition into the field. That dream became reality when I secured my role as a Senior Analyst at Dell—a milestone marking the true beginning of my cybersecurity career. At Dell, I was fortunate to work alongside exceptional mentors and managers who not only challenged me technically but also saw potential in me, even when I sometimes doubted myself.
This journey is far from over. As I continue to grow in cybersecurity, I carry with me the lasting lessons of resilience, the power of empathy, and the pride of belonging to a company that genuinely cares — about its people and their stories.
Desmond D.
Beyond the Work: Dell’s Support During My Darkest Hour
Life, however, doesn’t pause for professional aspirations. When a close family member became critically ill, my world was shaken to its core. At my most vulnerable moment, my manager’s words stayed with me: "Desmond, your family needs you now. Take the time you need—we’ve got your back." Dell’s unwavering flexibility, compassion, and trust allowed me to step away when my family needed me most, without fear for my career. Today, my loved one has recovered, but the memory of how Dell supported me during that time remains etched in my heart. It was a defining reminder that true companies don't just invest in careers—they invest in people.
The Pinnacle Moment: Recognition and Promotion
In time, after resilience, learning, and continued dedication, my manager Ravi shared words that would become another career milestone: "It’s time to promote you." This wasn’t just a new title; it was validation—of my hard work, my growth, and my perseverance through both personal and professional storms. It was proof that in the right environment, passion and people fuel incredible progress.
Lessons That Last: What This Journey Taught Me
Through each stage of my career—from Linux engineering to cybersecurity, from personal hardship to professional milestones—I’ve gained more than experience. I’ve learned about resilience, connection, and what it means to grow with the right support. These lessons have left the deepest impact and continue to guide me.
- Self-Learning Opens Doors — My journey into cybersecurity was made possible by relentless curiosity and personal initiative.
- Mentorship Changes Lives — Leaders like Ravi played a critical role in shaping my success.
- Empathetic Workplaces Matter — Dell’s human-first approach during my crisis solidified my loyalty.
- Passion + People = Progress — Loving what you do and who you do it with makes all the difference
To learn more about life at Dell, visit Our Stories.
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