Jamesmichael Opena
Tamuning
Summary
Highly motivated and experienced Cybersecurity Specialist and System Administrator with a proven track record of enhancing security posture and mitigating cyber threats. Expertise in vulnerability assessments, intrusion detection, incident response, and security awareness training. Proficient in utilizing industry-leading tools like Nessus, Snort, Splunk, and Kali Linux. Strong foundation in system administration, network configuration, and cybersecurity principles, complemented by a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Technology (expected May 2026) and CompTIA Security+ certification (January 2025). Demonstrated ability to implement security controls, manage COMSEC materials, and provide comprehensive IT support. Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation to evolving cybersecurity challenges.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cyber Security Specialist
CyberLabs US
10.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented a phishing email detection system that reduced successful phishing attacks by 40% within six months using machine learning algorithms.
- Conducted vulnerability assessments using Nessus, leading to the identification and remediation of 150+ critical vulnerabilities, enhancing system security by 30%.
- Collaborated with 13 development teams for 7 construction contracts, to integrate security measures into the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), reducing security incidents by 25% in the release phase.
- Maintained and monitored intrusion detection systems, successfully identifying and mitigating 8 potential breaches per month using Snort IDS.
- Performed regular security audits and penetration testing, uncovering weaknesses that led to the implementation of patch management strategies, decreasing the risk of exploit by 20%.
- Created and delivered security awareness training for 33 employees, increasing organizational compliance with security policies by 45%.
- Utilized Splunk for log analysis and incident response, enhancing the mean time to detect (MTTD) cybersecurity threats by 35%.
- Documented security incidents and participated in incident response activities, contributing to streamlined processes and a 20% reduction in incident impact times.
Site Support Specialist
University of Maryland Global Campus
02.2023 - Current
- Maintain 100% physical security and accessibility of learning spaces.
- Manage and support Live Streaming (LS) infrastructure
- Provide essential staff and student IT support
- Escalate issues and request resources
- Assist Program Coordinators with the dissemination of information
Information Systems Technician / System Administrator
United States Navy (Reserves)
09.2021 - Current
- Manage 100% of the lifecycle of COMSEC material, including receiving, issuing, safeguarding, accounting, and disposing.
- Distribute electronic and physical keying material from the Management Client (MGC) to End Cryptographic Units (ECUs) and fill devices.
- Maintain 100% accountability for all COMSEC assets and maintain detailed records of inventory, transfers, destruction, and audits.
- Troubleshoot COMSEC equipment and processes, and operate and maintain secure voice and data transfer devices.
- Brief and train 77 personnel on COMSEC responsibilities and ensure all actions comply with relevant security doctrine and policies (CMS 1B).
- Monitored and analyzed security information and event management (SIEM) systems, aiding in the detection and resolution of 50+ security incidents, leading to a 15% reduction in response time.
- Conducted comprehensive vulnerability assessments that led to a 20% enhancement in security protocols.
- Provided technical support for 103 users, resolving security issues and maintaining system integrity, resulting in a 30% reduction in security-related support tickets.
- Install and update software and hardware in accordance with DoD requirements to ensure 100% compliance.
- Supported the implementation of endpoint protection solutions, decreasing malware infections by 40% across 500+ devices through strategic deployment and management.
- Implemented advanced firewall configurations, preventing 30% more intrusion attempts, enhancing perimeter security.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity Technology
University of Maryland Global Campus
05.2026
Skills
- Proficient in implementing and maintaining security controls aligned with major frameworks: ISO/IEC 27001, NIST
- Hands-on experience with cybersecurity tools including Wireshark, Nessus, Snort, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Kali Linux
- Skilled in threat detection, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing to identify and mitigate risks
- Familiar with physical, network, and application-level security protocols and practices
- Strong knowledge of incident response, access control, and data protection strategies
- Experience securing LANs, WANs, VPNs, and SANs in multi-platform environments
- Expert-level proficiency in administering and configuring Windows Server and Linux-based systems
- Strong ability to install, configure, and maintain computer hardware, system software, and enterprise applications
- Experienced in network configuration, including IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, firewalls, and routing
- Skilled in managing user accounts, Active Directory, Group Policy, and file permissions
- Experience with database management (backup, recovery, tuning) at an intermediate level
- Proficient in setting up and maintaining virtual environments, cloud integration, and remote access solutions
- Intermediate experience with Bash and PowerShell for administrative automation and system monitoring
- Strong hardware and software troubleshooting skills across diverse operating systems and network environments
- Proven ability to resolve technical issues efficiently, reducing system downtime and improving user experience
- Capable of supporting end-users, resolving service tickets, and conducting root cause analysis
- Quick learner with a strong ability to adapt to new technologies and evolving security threats
- Excellent communicator experienced in working across departments and translating technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
- Proven team player with leadership experience and the ability to collaborate in fast-paced environments
- Over 10 years of customer service experience across multiple industries, supporting user satisfaction and client-focused outcomes
Certification
- CompTIa Security + (January 2025)
- UMGC Networking Certificate (November 2024)
Timeline
Cyber Security Specialist
CyberLabs US
10.2024 - Current
Site Support Specialist
University of Maryland Global Campus
02.2023 - Current
Information Systems Technician / System Administrator
United States Navy (Reserves)
09.2021 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity Technology
University of Maryland Global Campus
OTHER
- Professional Development: Regular attendee of KOAM Town Hall quarterly meetings. Attendee of 11 joint projects meetings and 23 project site visits. Presentation of 31 project cybersecurity kickoff presentations.
- Technical Writing: Collaborated and assisting in creating 43 cybersecurity RMF and O & M submittals.