This will be a constant work-in-progress

Hello, world! A little bit about me while I work tirelessly on this website! Take your time, this may take a while.

Diligent, analytical Cyber Security Professional with strong attention to detail. Twenty years of diagnostics, troubleshooting, and general problem-solving across multiple disciplines have taught me to be a critical thinker. I am highly motivated to learn new skills. I have four years of administrative experience and am proficient in scheduling, payroll, P&L, and task and inventory management. I enjoy problem-solving and am well-versed in adapting to ever-changing situations. I also have almost 20 years of experience working with customers across multiple fields to find mechanical, financial, or service solutions. I enjoy learning and am extremely trainable.

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What I’m working on

Bachelor of Science

Education

Western Governors University Bachelor of Science: Cybersecurity & Information Assurance I had been struggling with finding a job and not knowing which tool, programming language, or certification to work on. Looking at the broad scope that is CYBERSECURITY!!! I was taken aback by the number of different paths to take....

This Website!!! of course I am....

Project

BrianBallard.tech 03/02/2023 So I know it's been a long time since I created this website and haven't done much with it. I am now getting around to making some changes and will continue to do so for the next couple of weeks. Yesterday and today I went through and added...

Projects

Final Boot-camp Project

Penetration Test

PenTest - Attack aimed at a Linux server hosting a website. Utilized tools to compromise web servers within the attack vector. Complete report/assessment given with presumption of implementing fixes. Report delivered to inform customers of vulnerability to the website. The primary attack vector used a Metasploit attack against a vulnerability...

Raven

Penetration Test

Attack RAVEN machine hosting website. Utilized tools to compromise web servers within the attack vector. Complete report/assessment given with presumption of implementing fixes. Report delivered to inform customers of vulnerability to the website. The primary attack vector used a Metasploit attack to gain access through an SSH vulnerability that allowed...

Experience

McCarthy Tire, Diesel Mechanic
Charlotte, NC | June, 2017 - August, 2022

Reduced downtime with effective diagnostics and preventative maintenance by over 25% on a fleet of over 350 vehicles.
Restructured shop layout to reduce accidents and maintain OSHA compliance. As of 2020, less than one accident in the mechanics’ area per 6 months.
Achieved Standard Repair Time(SRT) efficiency of approximately 125% to ensure profitability and store success.
Acquired new customers by having business conversations with owner-operators who had more trucks and required quality maintenance.
Educated other techs on different procedures and methods of diagnoses to help them gain ability and productivity that aided in their efficiency and billed time. This assistance makes the company, as well as the technician, more profitable.

Advantage Leasing, Diesel Mechanic
Charlotte, NC | May, 2016 - June, 2017

Improved proficiency to 112% from 98% within one month to maintain repair times and keep vehicles on the road.
Responded to tasks outside my knowledge's scope to assist when the higher-level mechanics were busy with time-sensitive projects.
Utilized knowledge gained from those tasks to advance skills and get larger, more in-depth assignments.

Rush Idealease, Diesel Mechanic
Charlotte, NC | April, 2014 - May, 2016

Aided the business by transitioning to mobile and traveling to western North Carolina to perform maintenance.
Maintained the highest proficiency and efficiency in the shop throughout my time with the company.
Worked independently on 2nd shift(unsupervised). During my time with the company, I never had a first-line supervisor. One peer and I received turnover notes at the beginning of the shift and were responsible for customer service as well as nighttime shut-down procedures and completing work orders as needed.

Walmart Stores Inc, Assistant Store Manager
multiple locations | October, 2010 - April, 2015

I was promoted four times in 2 years from part-time associate to 3rd shift ASM.
Store 4574 Associate of the Month for June 2011.
I consistently maintained 105% coverage with scheduling. After call-outs, I typically had 85-90% coverage.
I utilized SOPs and playbooks to maintain the proficiency of the night shift staff. Depending on store size, this is 25-50 associates nightly.
I adjusted 2nd shift procedures to allow for more proficiency starting the night. I improved the night shift's proficiency by more than 35%.
I further improved inventory by reducing backroom capacity by over 50%.
I reduced costs by observing losses in P&L and assisting with throwaways and production in fresh food areas.
I assured business continuity by maintaining solid communication with management pad partners via email and turnover notes.

Certifications

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA A+

Axelos ITILv4 Foundation

CompTIA Network+

Badges & Skills

Security+

Network+

CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist

UNC Charlotte School of Professional Studies

Education

Western Governors University

Western Governors University May, 2022 - April, 2024

Bachelor of Science: Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Degree

The WGU cybersecurity program also boasts 14 top certifications that allow you to start boosting your résumé before you even graduate. This whole online cybersecurity program is designed to help you earn while you learn, giving you cyber security certification options and allowing you to continue to work while pursuing your online cyber security degree.