Taylor Kelso
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Cybersecurity Specialist with robust experience in vulnerability scanning, patch management, and incident response for secure governmental IT environments. Proven ability in educating users on security protocols and enhancing security processes. Demonstrated success in developing and implementing effective security measures to safeguard organizational data and systems.
Results-driven IT professional with notable success in planning, analysis and implementation of security initiatives. Strengths in providing comprehensive network design and security frameworks.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Security Analyst
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
09.2023 - 07.2025
- Monitored and analyzed security incidents and threats, promptly initiating incident response actions and documenting data for escalation.
- Conducted regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify risks and recommend necessary system upgrades or patches.
- Assisted in designing and testing security software measures and improvements to support governance and compliance efforts.
- Executed security audits to uncover vulnerabilities and supported remediation efforts based on comprehensive risk analyses.
- Recommended enhancements to security systems and procedures, aligning with documented security standards and industry best practices.
- Reduced overall security risks by 20% through proactive improvements in protocols and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
- Adapted to flexible work hours, providing continuous monitoring and support across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Collaborated with team members to interpret end-user feedback and refine security practices, enhancing system reliability.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills while working on group projects in a dynamic security environment.
- Applied critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate complex security issues and determine optimal solutions.
- Developed incident response plans to mitigate cybersecurity risks effectively.
- Monitored network traffic for unusual activity and potential threats.
- Analyzed security protocols to identify vulnerabilities in NOAA's information systems.
Tier 1 Technical Support Representative
Aerotek
08.2020 - 06.2021
- Utilized Kali Linux to simulate threats by creating controlled malware tests, assessing firewall responses and security controls.
- Implemented coordinated remediation by removing malware packages and verifying system integrity with post-incident evaluations.
- Integrated AWS Windows Server environments with vulnerability scanning tools such as NMap/Zenmap, netdiscover, Wireshark, Metasploit, and Nessus to identify and address weak security areas.
- Automated vulnerability assessments through scripting, highlighting unpatched systems and supporting patch management efforts.
- Reconfigured, reinstalled, and updated donated refurbished computers to ensure compliance with security and operational standards.
- Contributed over 60 hours to refurbish student laptops, reinforcing technical support and hardware security measures.
- Diagnosed and troubleshot hardware, software, and network issues using systematic tracking via ticketing systems.
- Configured workstations and associated devices to meet security and performance protocols for optimal operational readiness.
Education
Masters of Science - Computer and Information Science, Cyber and Network Security
ECPI University
Newport News, Virginia12-2022
Bachelor of Science - Computer and Information Science, Cyber and Network Security
ECPI University
Newport News, Virginia05-2020
Associate of Applied Science - Cyber Security
Tidewater Community College
Virginia Beach, Virginia05-2018
Skills
- Technical Skills: Safeguarding Network Infrastructure, Network Defense Strategies, Reporting And Documentation, Vulnerability Scanning, Incident Response, Penetration Testing, Security Certifications
- Professional Skills: Persistent And Engaged, Effective Verbal And Written Communication, Analytical Skills For Addressing Unknown Challenges, Supportive Group Participant, Collaborative Team Player, Autodidactic Approach, Deductive Reasoning Skills, Client Rapport
- Intrusion detection
- Risk mitigation
- Identity and Access management
Certification
- Security+:04/01/21 (renewed: Jul 06, 2023)
- CySA+:completed Jul 06, 2023 - Jul 06, 2027
- Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (CCFE):August 08, 2023
Timeline
Security Analyst
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
09.2023 - 07.2025
Tier 1 Technical Support Representative
Aerotek
08.2020 - 06.2021
Associate of Applied Science - Cyber Security
Tidewater Community College
Bachelor of Science - Computer and Information Science, Cyber and Network Security
ECPI University
Masters of Science - Computer and Information Science, Cyber and Network Security
ECPI University