Open to opportunities

Arnold Ragland

@arnoldragland

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Security+ certified cybersecurity analyst specializing in SOC operations.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking SOC or network security roles where I can apply hands-on incident response, threat detection, and penetration testing skills within a collaborative team that values continuous learning and clear paths for technical growth.

I am a Security+ certified cybersecurity analyst with hands-on experience in SIEM alert analysis, threat detection, incident response, log review, and network monitoring. I have practical expertise using Wireshark, Nmap, Metasploit, Kali Linux and core security controls such as IDS/IPS, firewalls, VPNs, ACLs, and encryption protocols.

My background includes leading tactical network teams in the U.S. Army, performing advanced field network diagnostics at Spectrum, and coordinating defensive operations and training in education settings. I have executed penetration tests, conducted vulnerability assessments, and strengthened security postures through hardening and remediation planning.

I bring disciplined leadership, rapid incident response experience, and a strong understanding of TCP/IP and enterprise security operations. I am committed to continuous learning (FSNA, Cyber Security Accelerator) and applying practical, data-driven defenses to protect critical systems and networks.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Cybersecurity Analyst

Current

Self Employed

Oct 2025 - Present (3 months)

Monitored network traffic and conducted SIEM alert analysis, vulnerability assessments, and penetration tests to identify XSS, CSRF, and SQLi vulnerabilities and recommend remediation. Implemented firewalls, VPNs, ACLs, and encryption protocols to strengthen security posture.

SIEM Wireshark Nmap Metasploit Kali Linux Vulnerability Assessment Penetration Testing Incident Response

Defensive Coordinator

Wake County Public Schools

Aug 2016 - Dec 2024 (8 years 4 months)

Directed defensive operations and training from 2016–2024, improving defensive efficiency by 25% through strategy design, opponent analysis, and team leadership while developing metrics-driven performance improvements.

Leadership & Strategy Performance Analysis Metrics Situational Awareness Coordination Communication

Field Technician

Spectrum

Aug 2018 - May 2019 (9 months)

Performed advanced network diagnostics and resolved 30+ complex incidents weekly, configured routers and switches, and executed rapid incident response to restore service while documenting technical findings for cross-team collaboration.

Routers Switch Incident Response Troubleshooting Log Analysis Ticketing

Team Leader, Network Operations

U.S. Army

Feb 2011 - Feb 2015 (4 years)

Led teams of 5–12 soldiers deploying and maintaining secure tactical networks across 50+ nodes, improving communications reliability by 30% and conducting rapid incident response and root-cause analysis. Trained junior personnel in network diagnostics, secure configurations, and vulnerability mitigation.

Incident Response Root Cause Analysis Training

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

MyComputerCareer

Information Technology and Security Administration

Completed a program in Information Technology and Security Administration covering SOC workflows, incident handling, threat detection, and security policies.

NGT Academy

Full Stack Network Associate, Cybersecurity / Network Security

Activities and societies: Completed 25 virtual labs using Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, and Kali Linux.

Completed the Full Stack Network Associate and Cyber Security Accelerator program with hands-on labs in network security, ethical hacking, and incident response.