DEV Community: The Duchess of Hackers

Check out my latest write-up on CoderLegion: "From the Brain Virus to Modern Cyberattacks: What Cybersecurity History Can Teach Us" Read the full article here: https://coderlegion.com/31624/from-the-brain-virus-to-modern-cyberattacks-what-cybersecurity

The Duchess of Hackers — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 21:06:09 +0000

From the Brain Virus to Modern Cyberattacks: What Cybersecurity History Can Teach Us - Coder Legion

When we talk about cybersecurity, we usually talk about what's new: AI-powered attacks, ransomware gangs, zero-day exploits. But cybersecurity has a much longer story, and the early chapters still teach us a lot. 👇 Two incidents in particular show...

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Check out my CoderLegion profile & latest post! 🏆 Points: 10.7k | 🎱 Badges: 259 | 👥 Followers: 277 | 📄 Posts: 31 Latest post: "What Your Laptop Is Doing When You're Not Looking" Read it here: https://coderlegion.com/30836/what-your-laptop-is-doing

The Duchess of Hackers — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 15:39:00 +0000

What Your Laptop Is Doing When You're Not Looking - Coder Legion

We're in Week 4 of my Linux series, and this week I want to start with a question: have you ever had your laptop fan suddenly start screaming while you were doing absolutely nothing? I have. Many times 😂 And before this week, I'd just stare at it,...

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Learning Linux: From Shell Scripting to Network Configuration

The Duchess of Hackers — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 15:13:33 +0000

My Linux learning journey continues💻💜

Last week, I went deeper into the world of Linux through Akwannya Hub’s Skill Pods, exploring what happens behind the scenes of a computer.

From writing simple scripts to exploring hardware, system processes, and network configuration, each chapter has given me something new to learn and practise.

Here are my key takeaways from Chapters 11–14 of NDG Linux Essentials.

Chapter 11: Basic Scripting

This chapter introduced me to shell scripting and how it helps automate repetitive tasks.

I learnt about variables, user input, script arguments, exit codes, conditionals, and loops.

I also explored commands such as nano for editing scripts and chmod +x for making a script executable.

One thing that stood out to me is that scripts can save time by allowing us to run multiple commands automatically instead of executing them one by one.

Chapter 12: Understanding Computer Hardware

I learnt about the main components of a computer, including the CPU, RAM, motherboard, storage devices, and device drivers.

I also explored commands that help us check hardware and memory information:

lscpu — displays CPU information.
free -m — shows memory usage in megabytes.
lspci — lists PCI devices.
lsusb — lists USB devices.

This helped me understand how Linux provides information about the hardware connected to a system.

Chapter 13: Where Data Is Stored

This chapter helped me understand how Linux organises system information, manages running processes, and stores system logs.

Some important directories I learnt about include:

/proc — provides information about processes and the kernel.
/dev — contains files representing devices.
/sys — provides information about devices and the kernel.
/var/log — stores many system logs.

I also explored commands such as ps aux, top, dmesg, and journalctl to view running processes, monitor system activity, and investigate system messages.

I now have a better understanding of how these tools can help when troubleshooting Linux systems.

Chapter 14: Network Configuration

Networking was another interesting part of this learning experience.

I learnt about IP addresses, IPv4, IPv6, DNS, DHCP, routers, and servers, as well as how devices communicate over a network.

I also explored these commands:

ip addr show — displays network interfaces and IP addresses.
ping — helps test network connectivity.
host and dig — help investigate DNS information.
ssh — allows secure remote access to another system.

I also learnt about configuration files such as /etc/hosts and /etc/resolv.conf.

One key takeaway for me is that understanding networking is important for troubleshooting connectivity issues and building a stronger foundation in cybersecurity.

Challenges and Key Takeaways 💡

Some concepts and command outputs were initially confusing, but taking each topic step by step helped me understand how the pieces fit together.

I’m learning that Linux is not just about memorising commands. It’s also about understanding what each command does, why it is useful, and when to use it.

These four chapters have strengthened my understanding of Linux, computer systems, and networking. I know there is still more to learn, and I’m looking forward to practising more and applying these concepts as I continue my cybersecurity journey. 🔐

A little progress at a time still counts. 💜

What Linux command or concept helped you understand something new when you were starting out? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Linux #Beginners #Cybersecurity #LearningInPublic

Linux Week 2: Learning, Practicing & Figuring Things Out

The Duchess of Hackers — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 04:53:23 +0000

Last week, I shared my first update from my Linux journey with Akwannya Hub’s Skill Pods, where I had just completed Chapters 1–3.
This week, I moved on to Chapters 4–6, and honestly, I’m starting to feel a little more comfortable with the terminal.
Open Source finally started making more sense to me.

I learned more about what happens behind the software we use and what it actually means for something to be open source.
GPL, copyleft, FOSS, FSF, OSI and Creative Commons were some of the things I came across. At first, it was a lot of new terms 😭, but breaking them down slowly helped.
Then came more command-line practice.

I worked with commands like:
echo — displays text or values
history — shows commands I’ve used before
type — tells me what type of command something is
which — shows where a command is located
man — opens the manual for a command

And Chapter 6 taught me something I really needed to know:
I don't have to know everything. I just need to know how to find help. 😂
I learned how to use:
man ls → read the manual for a command
whatis → get a quick description
man -k / apropos → search for help by keyword
whereis → find a command and its documentation
locate → find files and directories
info → get more detailed documentation
--help → get quick help from the terminal

I also did the labs and actually typed the commands myself instead of just reading about them. I’ll be adding some screenshots from my practice because chale, seeing the commands actually work makes a difference. 😂
The challenging part is still the amount of new vocabulary. Sometimes I'm reading something and thinking, “Wait, what does this one mean again?” 😭
But I’m learning that I don't need to rush. I read, practice, get confused, check the documentation, try again… and eventually it starts to click.

My biggest takeaway from these three chapters?
Linux isn't about memorising every command. It's about understanding what you're doing and knowing how to find your way when you don't know something.

Linux #LinuxEssentials #OpenSource #Cybersecurity #TechJourney #AkwannyaHub #SkillPods

From "What's a Kernel?" to Actually Using the Terminal — My Linux Week 1 (Chapters 1–3)

The Duchess of Hackers — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:35:01 +0000

I've been going through Linux Essentials as part of Akwannya Hub's Skill Pods, and this is a write-up of what stuck from chapters 1–3: understanding Linux, the terminal, package management, security, and virtualization.

1. Linux is a kernel, not an OS

The first thing that reframed everything for me: Linux itself is just the kernel — the core layer that talks to hardware and manages system resources (CPU, memory, processes).

What we call "Linux" day-to-day (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora) is actually a distribution — the kernel bundled with a package manager, utilities, and often a desktop environment.

2. GUI vs CLI, and the commands I actually used

A GUI lets you interact through windows and clicks. A CLI means typing commands directly to the shell. Servers and sysadmin work lean heavily CLI-first, since it's faster and scriptable.

Commands I practiced:

pwd     # print current working directory
ls      # list files/folders in current directory
cd      # change directory
mkdir   # create a new directory
touch   # create a new empty file
cat     # print a file's contents to stdout

Basic, but typing them repeatedly is what made the mental model click — not just reading about them.

3. Shells and editors

The shell is the interface between the user and the kernel — it parses your commands and passes them along for execution. Bash is the default on most distros, though zsh, ksh, and tcsh exist too.

I also got introduced to terminal-based editors: nano (simple, beginner-friendly) and vim (powerful, steep learning curve). Learning at least one terminal editor is apparently non-negotiable for serious Linux/server work.

4. Package management, by distro family

Debian-based (Ubuntu, Mint, Debian itself):

apt install <package>
dpkg -i <package>.deb

RPM-based (Fedora, RHEL, CentOS):

yum install <package>
rpm -i <package>.rpm

The part that clicked for me: a package manager's real job isn't just "install this," it's resolving dependencies — making sure everything the software needs is present before it runs.

5. Security basics

Root has full system privileges, so managing who gets root (and how) is central to Linux security. Beyond that: strong passwords, 2FA, permissions, encryption, HTTPS, VPNs, and firewalls.

On Ubuntu specifically, UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) handles this at the CLI, and Gufw gives it a GUI. Good security, as I learned it, is less about a single tool and more about consistent habits around access and updates.

6. Linux in the cloud, and virtualization

Cloud computing runs on servers, storage, and compute resources — deployed as public, private, community, or hybrid models. Linux dominates here because it's open-source, scalable, cost-effective, and automatable.

Virtualization ties into this: a host machine runs multiple guest VMs via a hypervisor, letting one physical machine do the work of several. This is also the conceptual root of container tech like Docker and Kubernetes — different implementation, same underlying idea of resource isolation.

Takeaways

The concepts weren't hard individually — the vocabulary density was. Kernel, shell, hypervisor, repository, dependency, distro — a lot of new terms in a short span. Breaking each one down to "what does this actually do" helped more than trying to memorize definitions.

Also: reading about Linux and using Linux are very different learning curves. Typing the commands, even the trivial ones, is what made this stick.

Chapters 4+ next. 🐧

must read!!!

The Duchess of Hackers — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:37:59 +0000

The Duchess of Hackers

Jul 28

How to Actually Spot Phishing (Before It Spots You)

#cybersecurity #defence #awareness #duchesswrites

2 min read

How to Actually Spot Phishing (Before It Spots You)

The Duchess of Hackers — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:37:44 +0000

Hi Cyber Lovers

We talked tools last time, but honestly? No tool protects you as much as your own awareness. And phishing is still the #1 way people get hacked, not because attackers are geniuses, but because phishing plays on trust, urgency, and a moment of not paying attention.

I've almost fallen for one myself. So let's break down what to actually look out for.

1. Check the Sender, Not Just the Name

Names can be faked. Email addresses tell the real story.

"Support Team" can still come from a random Gmail address
Look closely for misspelled domains — paypa1.com instead of paypal.com
Hover over the sender name to see the actual email

Tip: If something feels slightly "off" about the sender, trust that instinct and dig deeper.

2. Watch for Urgency and Pressure

Phishing thrives on panic.

"Your account will be suspended in 24 hours"
"Immediate action required"
"You've won something — claim now"

Tip: Real companies rarely give you a countdown to act. Urgency is a red flag, not a reason to rush.

3. Inspect Links Before You Click

This one habit alone saves you constantly.

Hover over links to preview the actual URL
Look for slight misspellings or extra characters
If it looks weird, don't click — go to the site directly instead

Tip: On mobile, press and hold a link to preview it before tapping.

4. Be Wary of Unexpected Attachments

Especially ones you didn't ask for.

Invoices, receipts, or documents "you need to review"
Files from senders you don't recognize
Attachments paired with urgent language (see #2 👀)

Tip: When in doubt, confirm with the sender through a different channel before opening anything.

5. Trust Your Gut, Then Verify

If something feels a little too convenient, or a little too urgent, or just... not quite right:

Don't click, don't reply, don't download
Go directly to the official website or app instead
Report and delete

Tip: It's always safer to double-check than to explain a mistake later.

A Little Reminder

Phishing isn't about being "smart enough" to avoid it , even experienced people get caught off guard sometimes. It's about slowing down for those extra five seconds before you click.

Up Next

Next post, we're going deeper into password security , why "strong passwords" aren't actually enough anymore, and what to do instead.

Stay curious, stay consistent

The Duchess of Hackers
Full-Stack Developer | Digital Marketer | Cybersecurity Enthusiast

Check out my latest write-up on CoderLegion: "Essential Cybersecurity Tools Every Beginner Should Know" Read the full article here: https://coderlegion.com/23098/essential-cybersecurity-tools-every-beginner-should-know #DevCommunity #Tech

The Duchess of Hackers — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 23:23:25 +0000

Essential Cybersecurity Tools Every Beginner Should Know - Coder Legion

Last time we talked about building your roadmap. Today, let's get practical , what tools should you actually start with? When I began, I made the mistake of thinking I needed Kali Linux, ten different scanners, and a whole hacker setup on day one. You...

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Check out my latest write-up on CoderLegion: "How I’m Building My Cybersecurity Learning Routine (Without Getting Overwhelmed)" Read the full article here: https://coderlegion.com/21094/how-im-building-my-cybersecurity-learning-routine-without-getting-

The Duchess of Hackers — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 01:00:14 +0000

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Check out my latest write-up on CoderLegion: "Why Should a Login Screen Be Boring? — Building StreakFlow" Read the full article here: https://coderlegion.com/19696/why-should-a-login-screen-be-boring-building-streakflow #DevCommunity #Tech

The Duchess of Hackers — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:35:49 +0000

Why Should a Login Screen Be Boring? — Building StreakFlow - Coder Legion

So I kept asking myself… why should a login screen be boring? I’ve been working on something called StreakFlow — a habit tracker, streak counter, and reflection journal. I built it because honestly, spreadsheets and random notes just weren’t...

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Access Granted: Breaking Barriers as the Duchess of Hackers

The Duchess of Hackers — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 22:06:04 +0000

Inspiration

When I think about gender equity in tech, I don’t just think about inclusion I think about access.

For a long time, women have had to fight to be seen, heard, and given opportunities in the tech space. It often feels like there are invisible barriers like systems that say “access denied.”

So I decided to represent this idea using something I’m passionate about: cybersecurity and ethical hacking.

In my project, the user starts in a restricted system.

They have to attempt access, symbolizing the effort, resilience, and courage it takes to break into spaces that weren’t always built for us.

As the system runs, it simulates:

bypassing security
decrypting barriers
breaking the “glass ceiling”

And finally:

ACCESS GRANTED

This moment represents more than just entry it represents belonging, growth, and power.

The final reveal The Duchess of Hackers — is a symbol of identity, confidence, and ownership in tech.

It’s a reminder that:

Women are not just asking for space in tech…

we are building, securing, and leading it.

My Code

You can view and interact with my project here:

👉 https://codepen.io/gracequaye1/pen/VYKMzwq

Final Thought

Gender equity in tech is not just about opening doors

it’s about breaking barriers and redefining who gets to lead.

We are not waiting for access.

We are claiming it.

Signature:
The Duchess of Hackers
Full-Stack Developer | Digital Marketer | Cybersecurity Enthusiast

Becoming the Duchess of Hackers: My Journey Through Tech, Cybersecurity, and Growth

The Duchess of Hackers — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:21:44 +0000

When I first stepped into tech, I was overwhelmed.

There were so many paths frontend, backend, UI/UX, cybersecurity and I didn’t know where I truly belonged.

It felt like everyone else had it figured out… except me.

I started with backend development, trying to understand how systems work behind the scenes. Later, I explored frontend, and eventually found myself growing into full-stack development.

But I didn’t stop there.

I became curious about how systems are protected and how they can be broken. That curiosity led me into cybersecurity and ethical hacking, where I began learning how to think like both a builder and a defender.

The truth is it wasn’t a smooth journey.

Moments I doubted myself
Moments I compared my progress to others
Moments I felt like I was moving too slowly

Still, I didn’t stop.

Through learning, practice, and opportunities like Tech4Girls, PLP, I began to grow not just in skill, but in confidence.

I also discovered something powerful:

Tech is not just about coding.

With my background in digital marketing, I started helping small businesses grow — combining tech with real-world impact. That’s when everything began to make sense.

Today, I’m not just learning how to build systems —

I’m learning how to secure them, improve them, and use them to create impact.

I’m still learning. Still growing. Still becoming.

But one thing has changed I now believe I belong here.

What I’ve Learned

You don’t need to have everything figured out from the start
Growth is not a race — it’s personal
Exploring different paths can help you discover your true strength
Tech is broad — there is space for all your interests

To Every Girl in Tech

It’s okay to feel lost sometimes.

It’s okay to start small.

What matters is that you keep going.

Whether you’re coding, designing, securing systems, or still figuring things out

there is space for you here.

Your voice matters.

Your journey matters.

And one day, your story will inspire someone else too.

Final Thought

We are not behind. We are building.

Signature:
The Duchess of Hackers
Full-Stack Developer | Digital Marketer | Cybersecurity Enthusiast