After completing my Bachelor's degree in IT Infrastructure Management, which covered the foundations of modern IT systems, networking technologies, and system administration, I chose to pursue a Master's in Cloud Computing Engineering. I deliberately selected this program because it combines my practical interests with strategic and security-related aspects of IT.

The core of the program revolved around cloud security, service-oriented architectures (SOA), data protection and licensing law, virtualization technologies, and the technical and organizational management of cloud services. These subjects were complemented by modules on audit procedures and standards, change management, and strategic alignment of cloud services – from both the customer and provider perspectives.
Practical application played a major role, with projects in application engineering and cloud architecture evaluation. This broad approach enabled me to dive deep into technical details while also understanding the broader organizational and economic context in which cloud technologies are used today.

My Master’s thesis focused on a topic that blends technical curiosity with societal relevance: replacing proprietary IoT firmware with open source solutions. Originally conceived as a technical comparison, the project quickly evolved into a comprehensive security analysis of real IoT devices. During this work, I was able to identify vulnerabilities that allowed centralized control of devices worldwide – including the ability to automatically install custom firmware and thus create secure, vendor-independent control structures.

More details and insights into the approach and results can be found in my Master’s thesis – Replacing proprietary IoT firmware with open source firmware.

My enthusiasm for IT infrastructures – especially networking, system architecture, and web technologies – began during my earlier technical education. The subsequent Bachelor’s program in IT Infrastructure Management offered the perfect opportunity to deepen this interest while building a broad technical foundation for my career.
The curriculum combined both theoretical and practical topics: programming, databases, algorithms, system and network security, distributed systems, IT performance analysis, as well as legal and organizational aspects such as data protection, IT operations, project management, and implementing complex IT systems in businesses. Through this blend of technical computer science, communication studies, business administration, and legal principles, I developed a holistic understanding of modern IT infrastructures – from planning and implementation to secure operations.

I completed two thematically focused theses as part of this program, each reflecting my technical interests in IT security and system performance:

The first, titled "Performance Analysis of Web Server Technologies," examined popular web server platforms to identify practical differences in resource consumption, scalability, and response time. This was done in a self-built test environment and aligned closely with the Web Technologies module.

The second, "Performance Issues with Recommended SSL Ciphers," explored a security-relevant niche: how performance is impacted by using current, recommended SSL ciphers. In the tension between security standards and real-world system efficiency, I analyzed how encryption algorithms affect performance on both servers and clients, especially under varying hardware conditions. This work bridged my academic studies with my keen interest in IT security and cryptography.

Both papers are available upon request on my website under Documents and offer deeper insights into the practical implementation and analysis of security- and performance-critical systems.

After successfully completing my vocational school in electrical engineering, I chose the two-year college program at HTL Mödling to deepen my knowledge in electronics and information technologies.

My personal interest in networking, programming, and IT security led me to the College of Electronics and Information Technologies, where I focused on information technology. This involved intensive study of software development (Windows and web applications), databases, networking, and network administration – with a particular emphasis on Cisco IOS.

In addition to the core subject, I also studied technical fundamentals such as semiconductor circuit technology, industrial electronics, telecommunications and high-frequency technology, as well as electronic design. Networking was chosen as a complementary subject.

I am particularly proud of my project work during the 35-hour final exam, where I focused on my self-developed tool uDomainFlag – a project that arose from my private interest in IT security, scripting languages, network analysis, and automation.

The program consisted of 140 weekly hours over four semesters – a compact but valuable path to the Matura with a strong technical specialization.

The Technical School for Electrical Engineering was the starting point of my technical career – and the place where I discovered my passion for automation, IT security, and Linux systems. The multi-year program focused on a solid foundation in electrical engineering, combined with practical implementation in workshops, laboratories, and project work.

Key components of the curriculum included subjects like automation technology, power electronics, electric drives, control and regulation technology, and industrial electronics. These provided me with a deep understanding of complex technical relationships – from planning to commissioning and troubleshooting.

Another milestone was my first serious contact with Linux system administration during workshop classes. This sparked my interest in operating systems, networking technologies, and IT security – topics that later became my professional focus.

In addition to the technical training, the program also offered insights into economic and legal topics: in subjects like business technology, economics and law, as well as business administration, I learned about the foundations of entrepreneurial and legal frameworks – knowledge that continues to benefit me in security compliance and project management.

The training was rounded out by practical experiences in electronic circuits, building technology, measurement and analysis technology, construction exercises, and project-oriented work as part of an extensive final project.

I also obtained the Business English Certificate as an elective course to enhance my technical English skills early on – a decision that has paid off multiple times due to the international nature of my later roles.