Who I Am

I'm Nathaniel Bustos — a Computer Science freshman at Michigan Technological University with a concentration in cybersecurity. I started RootAccess because when I was learning, I couldn't find honest, beginner-friendly resources that didn't try to sell me something or bury the useful information behind a paywall.

I spend a lot of my time on TryHackMe, doing CTFs, and building home labs. Everything on this site comes from actual hands-on experience — not just theory I read somewhere.

What RootAccess Is

RootAccess is a free cybersecurity learning resource built for people who are just getting started or looking to level up. Every article is written to be honest, practical, and free — the way I wish resources were when I started.

What You'll Find Here

• Beginner guides — what VPNs actually do, how firewalls work, what ransomware is
• Tool tutorials — Nmap, Burp Suite, Linux commands for hacking
• Career advice — SOC analyst paths, certifications worth getting, how to build a portfolio
• Platform comparisons — TryHackMe vs HackTheBox, Kali vs Parrot, best free courses
• Lab guides — how to set up a free pentest lab from scratch

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you sign up for a tool through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I actually use and believe in — I'd never recommend something just for a commission.

The site will always stay free. Affiliate income just helps keep it running.