Photo: Tony (left) attends the 2024 Blackhat cybersecurity conference in Las Vegas with some of his coworkers.
Yuba Water Agency's information security analyst, Tony Adov, helps ensure that the agency is protected against cybersecurity threats by following best practices and training employees about potential threats and what to look for. This includes using cutting-edge tools and software to monitor networks, preventing phishing attacks and looking for solutions to better secure Yuba Water's assets. Scroll to learn more about Tony, his background and what he enjoys in his free time.
What is your background/formal education that led to where you are in your career today?
I have a background in cybersecurity and am certified in Security+, which I achieved in 2021 when I was 19. The certificate highlights the core skills required for an information technology analyst or engineer. I also have a background in Python and previously taught kids how to code in Python at theCoderSchool in Folsom. Additionally, I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science from Western Governors University.
How did you get involved in your current career path?
I've been around computers all of my life. It began as a passion for video games that slowly evolved into tinkering with computers to see how they work and doing "Hack the Box" courses, which simulate hacking into different computers and networks. This opened my eyes to how vulnerable critical systems could be, but at the same time, it amazed me how the world revolves around computers and the internet, so I knew that I wanted to be part of it.
My high school offered an AP computer science course, which I loved. It was actually the first class that I enjoyed attending, so I knew I made the right decision in pursuing a degree in computer science. I began teaching Python part-time shortly after I started college and obtained my Security+ certificate. That is when I started looking for an internship and was referred to the IT internship with Yuba Water. I haven't looked back since!
Photo: Tony and his girlfriend, Ellen, take a quick photo at his brother's wedding.
What does your average day look like? Or what are some of your essential duties?
The cybersecurity threat landscape is ever changing due to new malware and phishing campaigns that constantly keep the security team on our toes. Each day, we review logs and events that may have happened over the weekend or during the night and make sure there are no new active cybersecurity incidents. We review phishing emails to better understand how threat actors are trying to get into our systems and block IP addresses and domains to ensure that our emails are as secure as possible. We also research what is going on in the cyber world to try and get ahead of new and emerging threats.
Do your duties differ throughout the year? And if so, how?
My duties don’t differ too much throughout the year. If additional tasks are brought into our workload they usually become part of our everyday work. This may be collecting different types of evidence for North American Electric Reliability Corporation-Critical Infrastructure Protection or just staying on top of emerging vulnerabilities, threats and user training. The duties may not change, but the knowledge we need to obtain is constantly evolving.
What do you enjoy most about working for Yuba Water Agency?
One thing I enjoy the most about working for Yuba Water is meeting all of the talented, passionate and amazing people throughout the agency. In my position, I have the privilege to talk with everyone and get to know them on a more personal level, which is something I look forward to each day. I also look forward to working with my coworkers on the IT team. Our team is filled with some of the most intelligent people I have ever met and I am constantly learning from them. We all have one another’s back, which makes completing complex tasks easier.
What are three words you would use to describe Yuba Water Agency?
Advanced, character and community.
Tell us something about yourself that most of us don’t know.
I am a first-generation American!
What do you like to do in your free time?
Recently, most of my free time has been used to pursue my bachelor's degree. But when I do have some extra free time, I usually choose to hang out with my girlfriend, friends and family, whether that be going for walks along the American River close to where I live or exploring all the amazing food options in Sacramento!