Doug's Blog

I earned my Amateur (Ham) Radio license when I was stationed in Maine. Cell phones weren't really a thing back then, and it was rural country out there. The local community was great there and belonging to the local club offered a means to meet others. In the course...

Took and passed the exam. It was tough, but it was what I expected. I submitted my resume and certs since to the CyberAB. Pending the issuer to review my package and issue my certification. How did I study? I used the training material I received from Edwards via...

I spent my military career specializing in communications, and you’d think that would be the natural path to follow once I retired. But it wasn’t. By the time I transitioned out of active duty, I was ready for something completely different. I earned an MBA in Finance...

How did I learn and get experience in Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC)? I supported US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) for many years. Inside and outside the Headquarters. The security on the communications systems is very secure and undergoe routine risk...

I’m going to date myself here — but stay with me. It’s a good one. My first duty station was in northern Scotland, toward the end of the Cold War. The U.S. Naval Communications Station there served as a strategic post near what was then the Soviet Union. This was an...

Nine years ago (Halloween 2016) I submitted my two-week notice to an organization I worked at for nine years. The new job paid more, but that wasn’t the reason. I moved on for a new opportunity. More specifically – professional growth. I left a hybrid job (before that...

When I was off work earlier this year due to DOGE contract reductions, I searched for W2 work as many like me do/did. I also sought new opportunities, figuring now might be a good time to pivot to something new, or more in demand compared to project management....

Where did I learn to PENTEST (Penetration Test)? It was during the pandemic. We were wearing masks and practicing social distancing. I came across Heath Adams and his Practical Ethical Hacker (PEH) on line course through The Cyber Mentor Academy. It was actually his...

Podcasts are great. They’re informational, educational, and free! I’m an avid daily listener. No matter if you’re new to the subject, or an expert. There’s something for everyone. Here’s three podcasts I listen to regularly: Security Now by Steve Gibson. Once a week,...

I refreshed my website and deleted my past posts. I'm starting a fress brand for a number of good reasons. I took a slight career pivot. Nothing radical, but it's changed my mindset. While project management has been good for me, I'm now and IT Systems Auditor who is...