Home
Welcome to the website of Stewart Watkiss.
I’m a Cyber Security Professional, a STEM Ambassador, an author, a first aider, and most importantly a husband and father of two children.
You can find out a bit more about Stewart Watkiss.
Any comments or suggestions contact me using my email form.
Latest Blog Entry
From Breadboards to Cyber Security: Why Makers Should Look at IT Certifications
Have you missed me?
If things have been a bit quiet on the project bench lately, it’s for a good reason. Over the last few months, my free time has been entirely consumed by textbooks and practice exams as I prepared for my latest certification: the ISACA Advanced in AI Security Management (AAISM).
As makers, we naturally gravitate toward the hands-on. There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of soldering a custom PCB, writing a Python script to control a physical mechanism, or setting up a home server on a Raspberry Pi cluster. We are tinkerers by nature. But recently, I’ve been reflecting on the journey from doing hands-on electronics to diving deep into the academic theory of Computer Science, and eventually, Cyber Security.
It begs a question I get asked quite a bit: Are formal IT and Cyber Security certifications actually worth doing?
I’ve just released a new video answering exactly that. While it might seem like enterprise IT and weekend maker projects are worlds apart, they actually share the exact same DNA.
Why Structured Learning Matters for Makers
When we build projects at home, we tend to learn exactly what we need to get the project working, and then we stop.
Taking on a certification like the LPIC (Linux Professional Institute Certification) changes that. It forces you to learn the systems thoroughly. Suddenly, you aren’t just copy-pasting commands to get Docker running on your Compute Module 4; you fundamentally understand the architecture, the kernel, and the permissions.
Whether you are trying to turn your hobby into a full-time tech career, or you simply want to build more robust, secure home networks, these certifications are invaluable. They act as proof of your skills when trying to get your CV past recruitment agencies, but more importantly, they push your own technical boundaries.
Navigating the AI Wave
In the new video, I also talk about the elephant in the room: Artificial Intelligence. We are moving into an era of “vibecoding” and massive industry shifts. Whether you are writing code for a microcontroller or managing risk for an enterprise, understanding the security implications of AI isn’t just for executives—it’s for anyone building tech today.
What’s Next for Penguin Tutor and Penguin Fortress?
Don’t worry—the hardware projects aren’t going anywhere! In the video, I give an update on the future of both channels. Penguin Tutor will continue to be the home for electronics, 3D printing, and making, while Penguin Fortress will be the dedicated space for deeper dives into Cyber Security and tech careers.
You can watch the full video below, where I break down my experience with the LPIC, CISSP, and the new ISACA AAISM, along with my personal strategies for tackling these exams.
Video Chapters:
00:00 Have you missed me?
00:37 Studying for ISACA AAISM
01:26 Are Cyber Security Certifications Worth Doing?
02:05 Advanced Technical Expert & LPIC certs
02:50 CISSP
03:24 ISACA AAISM
03:55 Studying for Certification Exams
06:01 Penguin Fortress
07:18 Penguin Tutor
08:27 Keep on Learning
The tech industry never stands still. Whether you are wiring up a breadboard or securing a cloud network, the most important skill you can have is the willingness to adapt.
Keep on learning!