Patrick Earnest

Portfolio: Portfolio
Professional Summary

Emerging cybersecurity professional with hands‑on academic lab experience and a background in the U.S. Marine Corps and emergency services. Strong foundation in Windows/Linux administration, network fundamentals, and security best practices (MFA, patching, least privilege). Known for calm, accountable performance under pressure, clear documentation, and teamwork. Seeking an entry‑level IT/cyber role where I can contribute to secure operations and grow into security operations or systems administration.

Networking

  • TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPN, Wi‑Fi security
  • Basic subnetting, packet capture & analysis (Wireshark)

Systems & Admin

  • Windows 10/11, Windows Server, AD & Group Policy
  • Basic Linux, endpoint hardening

Security Operations

  • Log review & triage, incident response steps
  • Vulnerability scanning (Nessus/OpenVAS), patch management
  • Least privilege, MFA

Cloud & M365

  • Entra ID/Azure AD basics, Microsoft 365 user & group admin
  • Conditional Access/MFA, Intune onboarding

Tools & Scripting

  • Wireshark, Nmap, Splunk/Microsoft Sentinel (basics)
  • PowerShell, Bash, Python (beginner), Sysinternals
Education

Associate of Science, Cybersecurity — Southern New Hampshire University (Completed July 2025)

Bachelor of Science, Cybersecurity — Southern New Hampshire University (In Progress, Expected September 2026)

Academic & Lab Projects
  • Active Directory Hardening — Implemented password/MFA policies, least‑privilege groups, and audit settings; validated via log review in Event Viewer and basic SIEM queries.
  • Network Segmentation (Packet Tracer/GNS3) — Designed multi‑VLAN topology with inter‑VLAN routing and ACLs; tested isolation with ping/traceroute and captured traffic in Wireshark.
  • Vulnerability Scan & Patch Cycle — Ran baseline Nessus/OpenVAS scan on sample hosts, prioritized findings, and documented remediation plan and retest results.
  • M365 Tenant Setup (Academic) — Provisioned users, enforced MFA with Conditional Access, configured basic device compliance and email security settings.
Professional Experience

IT Lead — Wingate Massage • Augusta, GA

Mar 2024 – Present
  • Own day-to-day IT: Microsoft 365/Entra ID admin, user provisioning, MFA rollout, and shared mailbox setup.
  • Maintain Square website & booking: DNS/SSL, content updates, role-based access, and basic SEO/accessibility checks.
  • Endpoint & network: Intune onboarding, Windows hardening, update/patch cadence, Wi‑Fi security, and router/firewall rules.
  • Security ops: phishing-awareness refreshers, password policy, backup/restore tests, and incident documentation playbooks.
  • Support & tooling: ticket triage, remote support, asset inventory, and vendor coordination.

Correctional Officer — Augusta State Medical Prison • Augusta, GA

Feb 2020 – Jan 2021
  • Enforced security protocols and access control; produced complete incident reports.
  • Applied de‑escalation and crisis‑management techniques to maintain safety.
  • Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to resolve issues under time pressure.

Groundman — Chain Electric • Vancleave, MS

Nov 2018 – Dec 2019
  • Supported line crews with site setup, tool operation, and safety checks.
  • Maintained rigorous PPE/safety compliance and accurate equipment records.
  • Assisted material handling and communications to keep projects moving.

EMT‑B — Gold Cross EMS • Augusta, GA

Nov 2017 – Oct 2018
  • Delivered BLS care and communicated patient status under time pressure.
  • Followed protocols and completed precise documentation.
  • Collaborated with paramedics and firefighters to coordinate response.

EMT‑B/Firefighter — Augusta Fire Department • Augusta, GA

Jan 2017 – Mar 2018
  • Executed search/rescue and suppression while adhering to safety procedures.
  • Conducted equipment inspections and readiness checks; documented maintenance.
  • Operated effectively within command structure during dynamic incidents.
Military

Electrical Equipment Technician, U.S. Marine Corps — Camp Lejeune, NC (Honorable Discharge)

  • Diagnosed and repaired electrical/power systems using technical manuals and schematics.
  • Followed lock‑out/tag‑out and safety protocols; maintained accurate maintenance logs.
  • Supported small‑team operations and adapted quickly to changing mission needs.
Additional

U.S. Work Authorization • Willing to relocate • Clean driving record