CybersecurityPractitioner
Always Learning, Always Building
Aspiring SOC Analyst
Actively seeking entry-level IT/Cybersecurity roles
Dedicated to Cybersecurity Growth
I’m Gage Olson, a cybersecurity practitioner with a B.S. in Cybersecurity and industry certifications. I enjoy learning, experimenting through homelab projects, and applying practical security skills to strengthen defenses. My focus is on staying curious, building experience, and growing in both defensive and offensive security.
Security-First Mindset
Committed to practicing defensive and offensive security with hands-on experience in threat analysis and incident response.
Continuous Learning
Recent B.S. in Cybersecurity graduate with industry certifications and active participation in security communities.
Practical Application
Building real-world projects and maintaining a homelab to practice and demonstrate security concepts.
Python Development
Leveraging programming skills to automate security tasks and develop custom tools for threat detection.
My Journey
I began my career at Walmart, advancing into management roles where I gained experience in leadership, decision-making, and accountability. Over time, I realized my true passion was in technology and cybersecurity.
Walmart’s support, including the Live Better U program, gave me the opportunity to pursue my B.S. in Cybersecurity while continuing to work. Balancing full-time studies with multiple jobs taught me resilience, time management, and commitment.
My background—from retail leadership to technical training—equipped me with a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a problem-solving mindset. These experiences drive me as I build my career in IT and cybersecurity, with a focus on continuous learning and growth.
Core Competencies
Currently Focusing On
- • CompTIA A+ Certification
- • Homelab Expansion
- • Python Scripting
Featured Work & Security Projects
Hands-on projects that demonstrate practical cybersecurity skills, from threat detection systems to security automation tools.
SecureNet Monitor
A comprehensive network monitoring solution built with Python that provides real-time threat detection, automated incident response, and detailed security analytics for small to medium-sized networks.
This flagship project demonstrates practical cybersecurity skills through a complete network monitoring system. It features custom threat detection algorithms, automated alerting, and a web-based dashboard for security teams.
Technologies Used
Key Features
- Real-time network scanning and device discovery
- Anomaly detection using baseline analysis
- Automated threat response workflows
- Custom security dashboard with metrics
- Email/SMS alerting system
- Vulnerability assessment integration
Project Impact
Reduced incident response time by 60% in test environment
Development Status
Active Development
Upcoming & In-Progress Projects
Homelab SIEM
Custom SIEM solution for personal homelab environment
Malware Analysis Toolkit
Automated malware analysis and reporting system
Security Automation Scripts
Collection of Python scripts for common security tasks
Certifications & Education
Formal education and industry certifications that validate my cybersecurity knowledge and commitment to professional development.
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Southern New Hampshire University
Relevant Coursework
Google IT Support Professional
Google • 2022
Comprehensive IT support training covering troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, and security.
SKILLS COVERED
Python 3
Codecademy • 2023
Comprehensive Python course covering syntax, data structures, object-oriented programming, and practical applications.
SKILLS COVERED
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
ISC2 • 2024
Entry-level cybersecurity certification covering security principles, risk management, and security controls.
SKILLS COVERED
Target Certifications
CompTIA A+
Target: Q4 2025
CompTIA Network+
Target: Q1 2026
CompTIA Security+
Target: Q2 2026
Courses & Training
These are courses and trainings I've completed as part of my commitment to growth and continuous learning.
TryHackMe Learning Paths
Structured learning journeys in cybersecurity
Pre Security Learning Path
TryHackMe • 2024
Start your cybersecurity journey with a strong foundation. Before you can defend or attack any technology, you need to understand how it works. This beginner-friendly learning path introduces you to the core concepts of technology, networking, and security in a structured and practical way. It's designed to make learning both accessible and enjoyable, giving you the essential knowledge and confidence to take your first steps into the world of cybersecurity.
Learning Path Modules
Introduction to Cyber Security
Understand what is offensive and defensive security, and learn about careers available in cyber.
Network Fundamentals
Learn the core concepts of how computers communicate with each other and types of network weaknesses.
How The Web Works
To become a better hacker it's vital to understand the underlying functions of the world wide web and what makes it work.
Linux Fundamentals
Many servers and security tools use Linux. Learn how to use the Linux operating system, a critical skill in cyber security.
Windows Fundamentals
Get hands-on access to Windows and it's security controls. These basics will help you in identifying, exploiting and defending Windows.
Let's Connect
I'm actively seeking entry-level IT/Cybersecurity opportunities. Whether you're a recruiter, hiring manager, or fellow security professional, I'd love to hear from you.
Send me a message
Get in touch
Location
Missouri, USA
Open to remote/hybrid/relocation
Follow my work
Connect with me across platforms
Ready to hire?
Download my résumé and let's discuss how I can contribute to your security team.