Santiago Vaqueiro Mina

For my Network Security Associates degree capstone project, and continuing it for my Associates in System Administration, a group of UNOH students and I created a working penetration testing lab. This lab allows network security and system administration students to test their security configurations on end devices using Caldera, a Linux-based attack emulator. We also configured a fully functioning network with a Palo Alto firewall, DNS, ADDS, and two DHCP servers. (one using a Windows server and one configured on a CISCO router) Not only does this lab allow students to test how secure they can make a system, but it also teaches them how attacks work. This can teach students common ports to block on a firewall, how to recognize common vulnerabilities, and how an attack is executed step-by-step. As we continue this lab in 2025 we are using a program called ESXI (VMWare virtualization tool) to host many more servers without the need for more equipment. With this tool, we are going to host all previous servers and an additional Wazuh server, an Endpoint Detection and Response software (EDR) to monitor the computers throughout our lab environment. This will also allow for scalability if future classes would like to add to this lab. Detailed Lab Report For the Network Security Portion:

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Going through Cisco Networking Academy, Junior Cybersecurity Analyst course! Starting with Intro to Cybersecurity. Let's get it! 😎💪🔐 #beginningcybersecurity #alwayslearning #cybersecurity #whitehat #socanalyst

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🎉 Happy #SocialSaturday, everyone! As we wrap up May, let's connect and offer each other support. Through my studies at Western Governors University, I'm diving deeper into IT and cybersecurity, aiming to enhance my expertise and stay ahead in this ever-evolving field. I'm here not only to connect but also to offer help to anyone considering or currently pursuing education in IT and cybersecurity. Whether you’re navigating degree options, certifications, or career paths post-graduation, I’m here to share insights and experiences that might help. Let's help each other grow! What do you need help with? Or what can you offer help with? Let’s make this community a platform for mutual support and learning. Looking forward to our interactions and building a strong network! #opentowork #networking #cybersecurity #communitybuilding

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A few weeks ago, I started my self-learning journey to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification. This foundational certification is widely recognized as an important step towards building a strong technical skillset. While my ultimate goal is to earn the CompTIA Network & Security certifications, I believe that building a strong foundational skillset through the CompTIA A+ is highly beneficial for establishing a solid footing in the industry. The A+ provides a solid understanding of core hardware, software, and troubleshooting concepts. Throughout my study journeys, I plan to share the valuable resources, learning materials, and beneficial information that I come across. My goal is not only to pass the exams, but to truly master the skills that will serve me well in my future career. For now check the fiest comment for a valuable resource. #compTIA #Networking #Security #IT #Computer #Engineering

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I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve successfully passed the CompTIA CySA+ (CyberSecurity Analyst) exam! This certification marks an important step in advancing my cybersecurity skills. I would also like to thank Jason Dion's courses and practice exams that gave me the confidence to clear this milestone. #Cybersecurity #CompTIA #CySA+ #Certification #Studying #Growth #Career #ProfessionalDevelopment #SecurityAnalyst #ITCertifications #InfoSec #CompTIASecurity

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As a cybersecurity student, I know how important it is to always stay up to date with the latest threats and how to combat them. With this being said, I just finished the course “How to Conduct a Phishing Email Investigation” by Bennett Hendrix. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/eytQhCEp #antiphishing.

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Yesterday, I took the CompTIA CASP+ exam and passed! I will say it was harder than the CySA+ exam due to the nature of the questions, but if you got your Sec+ and CySA+/Pentest+ certifications, you will be fairly well prepared already for the exam. #certification #CASP #informationsecurity

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I'm excited to share that I've officially earned my CompTIA Security+ certification! This globally recognized credential validates my knowledge of essential cybersecurity concepts and best practices. #Comptia #Security+ #security #informationtechnology #certmaster #aci #itprotv #cybersecurity #Informationsecurity

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Just finished the course “CompTIA A+ (220-1001) Cert Prep 1: The Basics” by Mike Meyers! Check it out:  https://lnkd.in/eGR9mMvg #helpdeskimplementation.

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🎉 Exciting News! I Passed the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) Exam! 🎉 I’m thrilled to share that I have successfully passed the CompTIA Security+ certification exam! This achievement marks a significant milestone in my cybersecurity journey, and I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities ahead. Throughout my preparation, I utilized a variety of resources to ensure I was well-equipped for the exam. A special shoutout to Jason Dion's practice exams, which were incredibly helpful in assessing my knowledge and readiness. Additionally, my personal online study regimen played a crucial role in deepening my understanding of key concepts and practical applications. Here are a few tips for anyone preparing for the Security+ exam: Consistent Study: Dedicate regular time each day to study and review materials. Practice Exams: Use practice exams to identify areas that need more attention and to get comfortable with the exam format. Hands-on Labs: Engage in hands-on labs to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Stay Motivated: Keep your end goal in mind and stay motivated throughout the process. I encourage anyone pursuing this certification to remain committed and diligent in their studies. The journey may be challenging, but the reward is well worth the effort. Feel free to reach out if you need any advice or support in your certification journey. Together, we can achieve great things! CompTIA University of Sunderland Jason Dion Adam Robson Kevin Apolinario Venkata Kambothu Rob Stitt James Gallen CompTIA Security+ CyberSecurity Jobs Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency IT Support Bright Network Network Security Huawei ATOSS Careers - We're hiring! Palo Alto Networks Fortinet Sage tombola Partnerize Shout Digital Scott Logic ATOM Opencast Horizon Performance Tharsus Sunderland Software City Northeast Technology Partners netPark Software

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I'm halfway through my IT course on CourseCareers! In this section, I learned about networking hardware, IP addresses, subnet masks, ports and protocols, MAC addresses, and the OSI model. A lot of info on how stuff fits together. We also had an introduction to cybersecurity and cloud computing. Gaining a deeper understanding of how networks work and how to secure them! #IT #coursecareers

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Finally got my security+ certification

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I recently started a bootcamp with Get2cloud and I’m excited to share my learning journey with you all. Each week, I’ll be posting insights about what I’ve learned and how it’s shaping my skills in cloud and cybersecurity. This week, we focused on Secure Collaboration with Microsoft Entra External ID, and I’m eager to share with you all. I learned about Microsoft Entra External ID and how it helps manage secure collaboration with people outside of an organization. It’s interesting to see how it supports both internal employees and external users, like business partners or app customers, all while keeping things secure. One thing that stood out to me is B2B collaboration, which allows businesses to invite external partners (like vendors or suppliers) to access their resources without needing to create full accounts for them. These external users can log in using their own credentials, which simplifies the process for both sides. For example, if a company works with multiple partners, they can all securely access the necessary applications without getting full employee access. I also learned about how companies can customize sign-in experiences for their customers using customer identity and access management (CIAM). This is especially useful for apps that require users to log in with their social accounts like Google or Facebook. Understanding how identities are managed and secured in cloud environments is helping me develop my skills in cloud security. It’s amazing to see how these tools can solve real-life cybersecurity challenges by keeping external access secure while still easy to manage. #Get2Cloud #CareerTransition #CloudSecurity #Cybersecurity

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🎉 Thrilled to Announce I’ve Earned the eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT) Certification! 🎉 What a journey it's been! This certification wasn't just about passing an exam—it’s about dedication, growth, and sharpening my skills as a cybersecurity professional. 💻🔓 I’m incredibly grateful to the people and platforms that played a huge role in this achievement: A huge thank you to my incredible mentors: Parambir Singh, Atul Malhotra, and Swati Rampal for their invaluable guidance. Your support made all the difference. Shoutout to Lovely Professional University (LPU) for laying the academic foundation that led me here. Platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, VULNHUB, and picoCTF were instrumental in taking my skills to the next level. 🚀💡 INE deserves a special mention for creating an outstanding learning platform that made the eJPT journey both accessible and insightful. 💡 Here’s some advice for those preparing for the eJPT: Hands-on practice is key. Platforms like TryHackMe and Hack The Box will simulate real-world pentesting scenarios—this is where you build confidence. Leverage the power of online resources. YouTube channels like Defronix Cyber Security and Bitten Tech provide excellent walkthroughs and tips. Stay consistent—don’t just focus on the theory, immerse yourself in practical challenges. 💥 Key takeaways from the eJPT journey: Scored 100% in Assessment Methodologies and Web Application Pentesting—proving the real-world value of these skills. Cybersecurity is constantly evolving—this is just the beginning of a lifelong learning journey. I’m excited for what’s next as I continue to level up in the world of ethical hacking and cybersecurity. The future is bright! 💪🔐 #eJPT #pJPT #CEH #TryHackMe #HackTheBox #Certification #Exam #INE #INESecurity #eLearnSecurity #Practical #Cybersecurity #Pentesting #LPU #CybersecurityStudent #EthicalHacking #PenTesting #LifelongLearning #CareerGrowth #HackerMindset #TechJourney #RealWorldSkills

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