Meet Daniel Lowrie
Every expert has a story — and Daniel Lowrie’s journey into IT began with persistence and curiosity.
“I was fresh out of school, trying to get work in IT,” Daniel recalls. “I ended up at the front desk of an IT certification training center while taking classes at night. Six months later, I had five certifications — and the owner asked if I wanted to teach.”
That first step led to an inspiring career that spans instructor roles, help-desk support, systems and network administration, and over a decade as a cybersecurity subject matter expert. Through each experience, Daniel refined a learner-centered approach that blends technical mastery with an infectious enthusiasm for teaching.
A Practical and Engaging Training Style
Daniel believes that effective IT training should go beyond theory. “Many courses can be very conceptual in nature,” he explains. “I always look for ways to make lessons tangible — to connect the concepts with real-world applications.”
His classroom environment is known for being both fun and engaging, filled with humor and energy. “If I’m having fun, you’re probably having fun — and that makes learning more effective,” he says. Students often describe his classes as enjoyable, immersive, and filled with “corny jokes” that make complex cybersecurity topics approachable.
Guiding Principle: Make the Training I Wish I Had
Daniel’s personal motto defines his approach to IT education:
“Make the training content I wish I would have had.”
He focuses on bridging the gap between certifications and real-world skills. “Passing an exam is great,” he shares, “but I encourage learners to build and break. Set up a home lab, apply what you’ve learned, and document your process. That’s how you move from being ‘familiar with’ something to actually having experience.”
This emphasis on practical, hands-on learning helps students gain confidence, not just credentials.
Navigating the Future of IT and Cybersecurity
As technology continues to evolve, Daniel stays at the forefront of what’s next. “The biggest change happening in IT right now is the AI boom,” he says. “It’s the most disruptive shift since the 70s and 80s — transforming everything, including how we approach cybersecurity.”
For learners looking to build structure into their learning, Daniel recommends frameworks like:
- NIST Special Publications
- CIS Controls
- Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES)
“These tools give both beginners and seasoned professionals a strong foundation to secure systems effectively,” he notes.
Staying Connected with the IT Community
When he’s not teaching, Daniel is deeply involved in the cybersecurity community. He runs a YouTube channel, hosts livestream podcasts and AMAs, and participates as a guest speaker on other cybersecurity shows.
He also manages a Discord community where learners and professionals collaborate, ask questions, and share insights in real time.
“Staying connected keeps me sharp,” Daniel says. “I read cybersecurity news daily, experiment in my home lab, and explore new vulnerabilities and tools. These experiences feed directly into my teaching.”
Beyond Certification: Building Confidence and Real-World Skill
Daniel hopes that his students walk away with more than just technical knowledge. “I want them to feel confident — to know they can apply what they’ve learned in real-world situations,” he says. “And I hope they enjoy the journey along the way.”
He also emphasizes the importance of soft skills and networking for career growth. “Go to conferences, give talks, and connect with people who share your passion,” he advises. “Your technical skills matter, but relationships will take you further.
Quick Highlights: Daniel Lowrie
- Core Principle in Training: Make training practical, engaging, and fun!
- Favorite Framework: Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES)
- Training Motto: Make the training I wish I’d had
- Go-to IT Resource: Google & ChatGPT
- Student Feedback in 3 Words: This was FUN!
Daniel’s Mission
“My mission as a trainer,” Daniel concludes, “is to equip my students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the field they’re passionate about.”
At PassionIT Group, we’re proud to have dedicated trainers like Daniel Lowrie — professionals who make learning IT not only practical but inspiring.
