Cybersecurity is one of the most important fields today, protecting individuals and organizations from constantly evolving digital threats. In 2025, billions of dollars were lost to cybercrime. These attackers often target the most vulnerable Americans—our elderly and small mom-and-pop businesses. At the same time, foreign governments and organized groups continuously attempt to attack our nation’s elections, critical infrastructure, and even the systems used by the military that protects our freedoms.

I’ve been studying extensively, completing hands-on labs, training programs, and security exercises to build the skills needed to become a professional penetration tester. Breaking into this field requires specialized training, certification exams, and equipment that can be expensive during a career transition. This fundraiser will help cover those essential costs, including cybersecurity training platforms, certification fees, and the tools needed to continue developing my skills.

My goal is simple: complete my training, earn my certifications, and build a stable future while helping protect organizations from cyber threats. Any support or sharing of this campaign means more than you know. Thank you for believing in my journey. — Micah Richards