Patrick Hranek

Senior Malware Analyst

What did you want to be when you were little?

Professional soldier, building plumber, or carpenter

Patrick Hranek

When and how did you discover your interest in IT and/or cyber security?

Even as a small child, I was allowed to push around on my parents’ PC and played my first computer games. Through friends, who were therefore called in repeatedly to help get the device working again, I learned what was important while watching. Finally, I was ready to fix the one or the other error myself. My passion for computers and technical devices was finally unleashed.

How did you become a Malware Analyst? Which education, knowledge, or experiences were particularly helpful for this?

Right after the HTL for information and network technology, I applied for a vacant position as a Malware Analyst at IKARUS. With a lot of interest and willingness to learn, as well as the experience I already had, I started in this profession. Daily learning and the joy of being able to protect our customers from cyber threats always motivates me to want to become even better.

Which (professional and human) skills are particularly important in your current job?

Technical interest and knowledge of operating systems and computer architecture are essential.  The ability to work in a team and a pleasant way of dealing with each other are, in my opinion, the key to a relaxed working environment in which you can really achieve something.

What would you have liked to know about your job earlier?

One is not immediately a “malware analyst”. It is a longer path, which is sometimes rocky and shows one’s limits.

What do you like most and least about your job?

There is new malware virtually every day. So it does not get stale, and you learn something new every day, the challenge doesn’t diminish. For me, it is frightening to see, which devices can already be infected with malware today.

What is special about your role as Malware Analyst?

I’ve already gained quite a bit of experience, which helps me to act more professional in new scenarios. It is also a pleasure to be able to show new colleagues a trick or two.

What do you think are good ways to get started in the IT / cyber security industry?

A relevant education in the cyber security field is an advantage, but technical interest and the will to keep learning are cornerstones without which it will be very hard. Show commitment and do not let it get you down: Then you’ll make it.    

Why should someone apply to be your new colleague?

At IKARUS, you feel like you are part of a big family. You help each other, learn from each other and have a lot of fun together. Plus: You have the opportunity to learn from the best.

Join IKARUS!

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Malware Analyst

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