Hello!

I’m Irene Conrad, founder of Cyber Armor Academy. I design practical, easy‑to‑understand Cisco certification courses that help learners build strong CCST and CCNA‑level networking and cybersecurity skills.

I hold a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I maintain four active Cisco certifications: Cisco Certified Cybersecurity Associate, Cisco Certified Network Associate, Cisco Certified Support Technician — Cybersecurity, and Cisco Certified Support Technician — Networking. I also hold (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity and CompTIA Network+ CE.

I have over 25 years of customer service experience in retail, transportation, high-volume call centers, and theme park operations. I also have over four years of experience in technical support for residential, small and medium-sized business Voice over IP PBX systems, business-to-business IP Transport, and law enforcement. I'm highly adept in systems analysis, diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Since my early childhood years, I was always curious to know how computer systems and software worked. I overcame computer system challenges by creating multiple computer startup files on 3.5" floppy disks to play various DOS/Win 3.1 games.

Playing these computer games and watching Disney's Tron, I was further inspired to learn about the art of drawing, illustration, computer graphics, programming and animation. I created calendars, greeting cards and edited photographs in computer graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. I modeled and animated objects in LightWave 3D and Bryce. I also dabbed in movie editing and DVD authoring.

When I was studying for my Master of Science in Management Information Systems, I've learned a different type of computer programming: database search query language and virtual reality modeling language. I utilized this new knowledge to generate and print reports on data stored in various databases as well as create virtual worlds inside web browsers for my class projects. After receiving my Master of Science in Management Information Systems, I learned CompTIA's Network+ (2009 Edition) skills and got certified on 2/24/2010. I have also passed CompTIA IT Fundamentals in October 2017. I continued investing my time in learning Cisco technologies, Microsoft Server and VMware.

Today I'm still curious and continue to learn about the latest technology has to offer. I keep my CCNA up to date by completing Cisco's Rev Up to Recert challenges. My latest one I've completed was this year's (2025) AI Solutions on Cisco Infrastructure Essentials | DCAIE.