Finding Greatness: Kartavya Trivedi

Author: News Bureau
Posted: Monday, July 27, 2020 12:00 AM
Categories: Students | Honors/Awards | Finding Greatness | School of Computing | Pressroom

Macon, GA

Kartavya Trivedi, vice president of MGA’s Cyber Knights, has successfully competed in several national cybersecurity competitions and presented projects to industry professionals at national conferences. He is a Certified Ethical Hacker Master, an IT professional who knows how to look for weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems. CEH Master is an advanced certification held by only five percent of those with the initial certification.

 Full Name: Kartavya Trivedi.

Age: 24.

Hometown: Ahmedabad, India.

Residence: Bonaire.

High School: “I graduated high school in India with an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. As part of the IB curriculum we were required to devote ourselves to 180 hours of creativity, action, and service. Over the course of my high school program, I helped underprivileged teenagers learn new skills such as LED sign making and empowered them to make money for themselves. 

“I was a part of over 35 Model United Nations while I was in high school. As a senior in high school, I led a team to organize the largest Model United Nations conference in the state. My team and I were also recognized by the state government for our efforts in empowering the youth.”

Family: “Often I ask myself one question: What would happen if I did not have my family to support me?  I am grateful to have my family with me on every step. The credit for everything I am, and everything I will ever be, goes to two special women in my life - my mom and aunt. My dad, my sister, and my uncle have been a huge support as well. Also, I have always fallen back and listened to the advice and guidance from my grandparents. Without these people I would have not been able to achieve anything.”

Employment: “I am a full-time international student with a paid job.” 

Degree Objective: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, cybersecurity concentration.

Class Rank: Senior.

Activities: Vice president, Cyber Knights; Alpha Iota Mu member.

Career Goals: “I changed my major from mechanical engineering to cybersecurity amidst the ‘Russia election hack.’ When I read that multinational companies and nations are being hacked every single day, I became interested in cybersecurity. I am really good at offensive security. I am a Certified Ethical Hacker to help organizations protect themselves against hacks and breaches.” 

He chose Middle Georgia State University because … “Middle Georgia State University has a prominent cybersecurity program. Our cyber program is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA. If I had a chance to go back and choose again, I would still choose MGA.”  

The greatest thing he discovered about Middle Georgia State was … “The professors. They have been a huge influence in my life. Dr. Johnathan Yerby and Alan Stines have helped me steer my career in the right direction. Being in class is never just about reading a book or getting grades, it always feels like personal and career development.  There have been more chances and opportunities given to me and other groups of individuals outside of class than the number of fingers on my hand.”

His greatest academic experience as a Middle Georgia State student has been … “There have been several. The most enriching experience was in spring 2020 taking the "Intro to Ethical Hacking" class. I distinctly remember Dr. Lingelbach asking me to lead a penetration test for a large insurance company. It was a wonderful experience to lead a team of 15 peers and prepare for the penetration test. 

“I have also had great experiences participating in cyber competitions. Being the Cyber Knights vice president has given me opportunities to represent the University in competitions like National Cyber League, National Cyber Defense Competition, and National Collegiate Penetration. These challenges and competitions have helped me acquire the new skills. I also had the opportunity with a classmate to present a project at a cybersecurity conference. It was a great experience to present in front of industry professionals.”

To him, greatness means … “That inner sense of accomplishment.”  

 In five years … “I see myself using my leadership skills along with my technical skills to help companies and individuals protect themselves against cyber attacks.”