James Ross
Springfield,MA
Summary
I thrive off of learning on the fly and learning daily. I've worked with linux systems for nearly 18 years unprofessionally and decided to go for a cybersecurity degree to work with them for plenty more. I have a vast supply of knowledge with Linux and Windows System Administration from an old school perspective, but I do understand a lot of modernized computing (cloud, docker, kubernetes, etc.) I put my heart into my work and ensure I meet any and all compliance standards and most importantly customer satisfaction.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
System Administration
M.a.s. Electronics
Springfield, MA
02.2023 - 07.2024
- Talked the owner of the company into switching off of GoDaddy and buying his own server to host 12 companies in the Springfield/Agawam metro area.
- Put together an Ubuntu server from scratch implementing MariaDB, Postfix, Dovecot, Roundcube, wordpress, CrowdStrike, spam filtering for e-mail server, and created weekly cron jobs to backup data to another device in increments of relative importance. Also setup monthly SSL checks/updates by creating a bash script to automate the process with wildcards through LetsEncrypt.
- The original owner had never used linux before so taught him from the ground up how to functionally run services and manage upgrades without disrupting his server.
- Server includes host and e-mail for Agawam Pack & Ship, LynxSpecialtyTapes, and mainly quite a few churches in the area.
- Taught the owner how to run internal security scans and have done multiple internal and external penetration tests to ensure his system and packages were reliably secure. Also ensured owner was meeting compliance standards.
Welder & Concrete Laborer
Nelsen Welding & Construction
Walnut, IA
10.2017 - 02.2021
- Outside of traditional duties of welding / pouring concrete, I gave my boss advisement on a computer setup for the shop including applications to handle CAD hardware and financing. Taught him about security systems on a surface level as to be aware of potential bad actors.
Server
Olive Garden
Council Bluffs, IA
02.2012 - 06.2014
- Upheld high standards of sanitation in accordance with health department regulations.
- Maintained records of transactions made during shift as required by law or company policy.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Delivered food orders promptly and courteously.
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
Education
Associate in Science in Computer Information Technologies - Cybersecurity
Springfield Technical Community College
Springfield05-2025
Skills
- Linux and Windows Server and System Administration
- Penetration Testing
- Own my own server hosted from my home viewable @ 0xjam3zapp A lot of work I've done over the past year is included
- Have completed a ton of labs through hacktheboxcom which teach versatility and learning on the fly with different infrastructure and skillsets On my end, primarily focused on what's similar to OSCP related offensive security
- Have a knowledgeable background with Linux stemming over 18 years Have built game servers, rolled out docker servers, and have built a lot of scripts/tools to serve whatever purpose was needed Very versatile and love learning on the fly
- Have worked with dissecting malware and creating reports, also viewable on my own webpage This can include reverse engineering fundamentals and understanding WinAPI alongside Linux API
- I am very friendly, easy going, and I enjoy the learning process I have a specific interest with Linux systems (have built many Arch Linux systems off of Arch's base, have worked with redhat linux briefly, and have spent most of my real world experience working on debian based systems I do, however, use Arch as a daily driver when programming/working on reverse engineering challenges with ELFs)
- Extensive knowledge in security fundamentals, self taught but also added to with college experience Understand how to safely and effectively roll out nodes whilst ensuring checks on systems are of correct integrity (md5 on the application side)
- Familiar with tools like splunk, crowdstrike, etc and know how to parse through logs to ensure nodes are working properly If ticket requests are required on a node know how to handle and backtrack to fix potential future errors Share this knowledge with both Linux and Windows systems
- Very team driven and love learning Can put a focal point on learning Unix systems and security protocols Very friendly personality and very flexible with differing personalities!
Languages
English
Full Professional
Accomplishments
- Have maintained a 4.0 GPA over the last year of college. Plan to finish my associates by Spring, 2025 with a 4.0.
- Am actively working towards becoming a student instructor at STCC for Python & Unix as they are two passions of mine.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
System Administration
M.a.s. Electronics
02.2023 - 07.2024
Welder & Concrete Laborer
Nelsen Welding & Construction
10.2017 - 02.2021
Server
Olive Garden
02.2012 - 06.2014
Associate in Science in Computer Information Technologies - Cybersecurity
Springfield Technical Community College
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