From California to Italtel’s SOC: Gabriele Cantoni’s International Journey

International roots and a passion for technology

Born in California and raised between Silicon Valley and Boston, Gabriele Cantoni was exposed from an early age to a dynamic education system rich in hands-on opportunities. In the United States, he completed elementary, middle and high school in an educational structure very different from the Italian one, where a common core curriculum is complemented by a wide range of elective courses.

Thanks to this flexibility, he was able to specialized early in technical and scientific disciplines such as programming, physics, advanced mathematics, and engineering, alongside woodworking, metalworking and CAD, supported by access to well-equipped laboratories, computers, a wood and metal shops, and 3D printers.

Moving to Italy and choosing an ITS Academy

After graduating in the US, Gabriele decided to move to Italy, his family’s country of origin, with the aim of further developing his technical education. He therefore looked for a learning path that combined solid theoretical foundations with a strongly practical approach, consistent with the study method he was accustomed to in the US.

This search led him to the ITS Angelo Rizzoli in Milan, one of the most recognized institutions in the Italian technology sector and a strategic partner of Italtel since 2022. The two-year cybersecurity program offered the ideal balance between specialized skills, hands-on projects, and direct exposure to the workplace. It was through the program’s internship that Gabriele first joined Italtel.

Joining Italtel and professional growth

Selected for a Higher Education and Research Apprenticeship within the Security Operation Center, Gabriele quickly stood out for his technical competence and collaborative, innovative mindset, leading to his permanent employment as a SOC Analyst.

He describes his onboarding experience as extremely positive. He found a welcoming and collaborative environment, with a strong focus on teamwork. From the very beginning, he was supported by a senior mentor, who guided him through his integration into the team and workplace environment, as well as by a young and proactive “buddy” who supported him throughout the apprenticeship. This combination facilitated a seamless onboarding and fostered a close-knit team environment, where colleagues shared both professional activities and social connections.

Smart working, collaboration and role development

Italtel’s hybrid work schedule, which allows for 50% remote working, is a key element of Gabriele’s work-life balance, especially considering the distance from home and his passion for traveling. At the same time, he chooses to be in the office whenever possible, as teamwork within the SOC is a key learning accelerator and especially important during high-severity incident response, where speed and efficiency are critical.

A significant part of the work takes place in a dedicated incident management room, also known as the War Room, where the team gathers to analyze issues in real time, exchange insights quickly and make shared operational decisions.

Special projects and a drive to build

Gabriele’s role as a cybersecurity analyst allows him to take on tasks typically associated with a SOC Engineer (Level 3). One of the aspects he values most about working at Italtel is the opportunity to use open-source tools and develop custom solutions to improve activities and processes.

One of his initial projects involved enhancing the software for the SOC’s monitoring ledwall, where he developed a new dashboard management system with a controller accessible from both desktop and mobile devices. This solution is now adopted internally and reflects his ability to combine initiative with strong technical skills.

A message to young people: explore and dare

Speaking to soon-to-be graduates, Gabriele encourages them to explore all available avenues—universities, ITS programs, and alternative pathways—without feeling limited by conventional or socially ‘expected’ choices. Selecting a path aligned with one’s personal inclinations, experimenting with different contexts and, if possible, spending time abroad are key drivers for broadening one’s mindset and professional opportunities.

He also highlights a fundamental point: there is no single educational path that directly determines a person’s aspirations or future. What truly matters is maintaining curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to grow through authentic experiences that align with your own values and identity.

Looking ahead

In the coming years, Gabriele envisions a path of continuous growth. Among these experiences he considers valuable is the possibility of working abroad for a period, to engage with different technical environments and broaden his professional perspective.

His primary focus, however, is on ethical hacking, a discipline that combines advanced technical skills and critical thinking. His goal is to become a Red Teamer—a professional who tests an organization’s cybersecurity effectiveness through simulated, controlled, and non- disruptive  cyberattacks.

A future that does not follow a rigid trajectory, but rather a path of constant evolution: learning, experimenting and contributing to the development of increasingly robust digital security.