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Hayden Thomson

Cybersecurity Specialist • U.S. Navy Veteran

VATop Secret / SCI (Active)

Dedicated Cybersecurity and Information Systems professional with 6+ years of experience across network security, vulnerability management, incident response, and system administration. Proven leader managing and mentoring teams in high‑tempo, mission‑critical environments. TS/SCI cleared and currently pursuing a B.S. in Cybersecurity at ECPI University.

Experience

Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

Sep 2022Oct 2024
U.S. Navy — USS James E. WilliamsNorfolk, VA
  • Conducted vulnerability assessments and implemented remediation across mission‑critical systems (ACAS, HBSS, CANES).
  • Led deployments, system hardening, audit readiness, and ensured compliance with DoD regulations.
  • Delivered cybersecurity awareness training and supported secure tactical communications.
  • Drove improvements in operational efficiency, uptime, and defense posture.

System Administrator / Cyber Program Manager

Mar 2020Jun 2022
U.S. Navy — USS SiroccoManama, Bahrain
  • Built and managed cyber certification program; recognized as Bahrain’s leading cyber ship.
  • Maintained and secured NIPR/SIPR networks, ACETAL switches, and Hyper‑V virtual environments.
  • Conducted 60+ hours of advanced cyber training and supervised 12 sailors.
  • Oversaw 140+ workstations, 30 servers, and classified enclaves supporting global mission readiness.
  • Developed and executed risk mitigation strategies for advanced threat protection.

Skills

Security
Security Operations (SecOps)SIEM (Splunk, Elasticsearch)EDR (CrowdStrike, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint)IDS/IPSNetwork SecurityVulnerability Assessment & Management (ACAS, Tenable Nessus)Risk Management Framework (RMF, NIST 800-37/53)DISA STIG/SRG ComplianceIncident Response & ForensicsThreat HuntingInformation AssuranceEnterprise Security ArchitectureIdentity & Access Management (IAM), MFA, PKIData Loss Prevention (DLP)Zero TrustHBSSACASCANESAudit Readiness
Systems
System AdministrationWindows ServerLinux (RHEL/Ubuntu)Active Directory & Group PolicyExchange Server / M365Hyper‑V, VMwareScripting: PowerShell, Bash, PythonPatch ManagementLog AnalysisEndpoint HardeningBackup & RecoveryConfiguration Management (SCCM/Intune)
Networking
Routing & SwitchingTCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANsCisco Routers/SwitchesFirewalls (Palo Alto, Cisco ASA)VPN, TLS, HTTPSTactical Communication SystemsNIPR/SIPRRadio Frequency SystemsWireless Security (802.1X/WPA2‑Enterprise)Network Monitoring & Troubleshooting
Leadership
Team Leadership & MentorshipTraining & DevelopmentOperations ManagementProject Management (Agile/Scrum)Strategic Planning & ExecutionProcess ImprovementCross‑functional CollaborationDocumentation & SOP DevelopmentStakeholder Communication

Awards & Certifications

Certification

Career Essentials in Cybersecurity

Microsoft & LinkedIn • Apr 10, 2025

Learning Path • 5h 36m • Top skills: Cybersecurity, Information Security Awareness, Threat & Vulnerability Management

ID: 4d0326264628c91d99d651ab8b0b305ed3290fbfdd065709ca28db0581d6653e
Certification

Fundamentals of Deep Learning

NVIDIA • Apr 4, 2025
View proof
ID: rEYsgJVeS72lKQj7cc4dgg
Certification

Computer Operator

U.S. Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) • Jan 15, 2023

United Services Military Apprenticeship Program completion

ID: X0098680001-907985
Award

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

Department of the Navy • Nov 16, 2021

Cyber Program Manager, USS Sirocco — built cyber certification program, led training, and advanced cyber operations.

Award

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Gold Star in lieu of second award)

Department of the Navy • May 31, 2022

System Administrator, USS Sirocco — maintained enterprise servers and enclaves, supported certifications, and passed cyber inspections with highest scores.

Award

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Gold Star in lieu of third award)

Department of the Navy • Jun 20, 2023

Cyber Security Administrator, USS James E. Williams — led compliance efforts, installed critical updates, and reduced risk scores across enclaves.

Award

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Gold Star in lieu of fourth award)

Department of the Navy • Oct 1, 2024

Leading Petty Officer & Communications Watch Officer, USS James E. Williams — directed sailors and managed enterprise communications and crypto during deployment.

Award

Flag Letter of Commendation

Commander, Standing NATO Maritime Group Two • Feb 24, 2023

Superior performance as Information Systems Technician supporting NATO operations.

Honor

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (Inducted)

Beta Iota Nu Chapter • Apr 14, 2025

International Honor Society recognition.

Honor

Golden Key International Honour Society

Top 15% academic performer recognition.

Education

ECPI University

Sep 2024 — In Progress
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (In Progress)
  • Member: Student Veterans Association
  • Honors: Dean’s List (Three Terms), Golden Key International Honour Society, Phi Theta Kappa