John Hinson
Spring
Summary
U.S. military veteran and cybersecurity professional with expertise in security operations, ethical hacking, and defensive security practices. Proficient in penetration testing using Kali Linux and tools such as Nmap, Metasploit, and Burp Suite to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. Experienced in vulnerability scanning, network testing, and post-exploitation analysis, with a strong foundation in the OSI model and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Engaged in red, blue, and purple team exercises to enhance detection and response capabilities while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
AI Search Quality Ambassador
Activus Connect
11.2025 - Current
- Assess AI-generated search outputs for accuracy, safety, and security risks, ensuring content aligns with digital trust, data protection, and ethical information-handling standards.
- Identify and flag potentially harmful, sensitive, or policy-violating content—including phishing indicators, misinformation, and unsafe links—to strengthen platform integrity.
- Analyze user intent and threat-related patterns to provide actionable feedback that improves AI detection of malicious queries, social engineering tactics, and risk-laden content.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and secure data practices while consistently meeting quality benchmarks, reinforcing safe information environments across AI-driven platforms.
Cybersecurity Apprentice
Coding Temple
06.2025 - 11.2025
- Gained hands-on experience with cross-site scripting attacks and mitigation, improving the ability to identify and prevent web application vulnerabilities.
- Applied cryptography skills in secure communication scenarios, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity during transmission.
- Built Incident Response and Risk Management plans for case studies, enhancing preparedness for real-world security incidents.
- Created secure cloud-based network infrastructure simulations, demonstrating proficiency in protecting scalable, modern environments.
Warehouse Worker
UPS
San Antonio
04.2024 - 02.2025
- Met strict package sorting/delivery deadlines in a high-volume warehouse, ensuring timely service and customer satisfaction.
- Safely handled packages up to 150 lbs with zero safety violations, protecting team members and reducing workplace risks.
- Used scanning systems for accurate workflow and inventory tracking, minimizing errors and improving operational efficiency by 15%.
- Streamlined processes with supervisors to improve productivity, contributing to faster turnaround times and smoother operations.
Delivery Courier
FedEx
San Antonio
01.2024 - 03.2024
- Operated delivery vehicles safely across time-sensitive routes, ensuring on-time deliveries and protecting company assets.
- Handled high-volume deliveries with accuracy and professionalism, maintaining customer trust and reducing service errors.
- Used GPS and route optimization tools to improve efficiency, saving time and lowering fuel costs, increasing monthly savings by 10%.
- Maintained compliance with DOT and company safety regulations, avoiding penalties and promoting a safe driving record.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT01-2027
High School Diploma -
The International School of Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand06.2011
Skills
- Security Operations Center (SOC) monitoring, alert triage, and incident response across all phases (Preparation through Lessons Learned)
- SIEM-based log analysis, event correlation, and behavioral threat detection
- IDS/IPS deployment, firewall rule analysis, and endpoint security controls
- Network traffic analysis (PCAP inspection) and secure network design (VLANs, subnetting, DMZs, VPNs)
- Vulnerability management, remediation tracking, and secure configuration and system hardening
- Malware analysis fundamentals (static and dynamic techniques) and post-exploitation concepts
- Penetration testing methodologies (black-, gray-, and white-box) and reconnaissance and enumeration
- Web application security testing aligned with OWASP Top 10
- Privilege escalation techniques (Linux & Windows) and lateral movement concepts
- Password and authentication attacks (brute force, credential spraying, hash cracking)
- Exploit research fundamentals and proof-of-concept development
- Social engineering awareness and phishing attack simulation
- Hands-on experience with security tools (Nmap, Wireshark, Metasploit, Burp Suite, SQLmap, Hashcat, Hydra, Gobuster)
- Governance, risk, and compliance fundamentals (NIST CSF, NIST SP 800-61, ISO/IEC 27001)
- Risk assessments, security policy development, and data classification and access control
- Digital forensics principles including evidence handling and chain of custody
- Core networking protocols and services (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, HTTP/HTTPS)
- Cloud security fundamentals including the shared responsibility model
- Linux and Windows security administration, including Active Directory concepts
- Security automation and scripting using Python, Bash, PowerShell, with working knowledge of C, C, and JavaScript
Certification
CompTIA Security+
Timeline
AI Search Quality Ambassador
Activus Connect
11.2025 - Current
Cybersecurity Apprentice
Coding Temple
06.2025 - 11.2025
Warehouse Worker
UPS
04.2024 - 02.2025
Delivery Courier
FedEx
01.2024 - 03.2024
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Western Governors University
High School Diploma -
The International School of Bangkok