Driven by a Passion for Cybersecurity
Hello World! My name is Joshua Barros and I love cybersecurity! If you want some proof, please take at a look at my experiences and projects!
Aspiring Cybersecurity Specialist
What I’m working on
Homelab(s)
Psst... hey you! For your ultimate safety, whatever you do; DO NOT click the headline titled Homelab(s). And absolutely, positively, under NO circumstances should you even think about clicking this suspiciously tempting text: HomeLab(s).exe You’ve been warned. 😏
Company: Radio Operator
CCNA (2026)
Going for the CCNA Certificate!
Projects
Security+ (2025)
Verified & Certified!
Experience
Radio Operator
USMC, Radio Operator 0621Fort Devens, MA | August, 2022 - Present
Operated, maintained, and secured HF, VHF, UHF, and SATCOM communications systems in classified, tactical, and garrison environments in support of small-unit and battalion-level operations.
Full responsibilities ▾
- Trained and certified in radio communications operations, preventative maintenance (PMCS), and cybersecurity fundamentals in accordance with military technical manuals and SOPs.
- Held and maintained an active DoD Secret security clearance; handled, safeguarded, and accounted for sensitive and classified information.
- Operated and maintained HF, VHF, UHF, and SATCOM systems supporting secure voice and data communications in operational environments.
- Conducted communications inspections, fault isolation, and troubleshooting to restore degraded or disrupted communications.
- Supported spectrum management activities including frequency planning, monitoring, and interference reporting.
- Installed and maintained Ethernet and copper cabling, field-expedient antennas, and radio-network integrations to support IP-based connectivity.
- Applied COMSEC procedures and cryptographic key management practices, including proper loading, safeguarding, and accountability of controlled material.
- Utilized Linux-based systems and basic scripting for diagnostics, configuration support, and cybersecurity-related tasks.
- Operated communications equipment in dynamic, high-stress environments, demonstrating adaptability, attention to detail, and disciplined execution.
- Communicated system status and operational impacts to NCOs and senior leadership; assisted with training and mentoring junior Marines.
- Adhered to electrical safety, grounding, and configuration management standards during equipment installation and operation.
Projects Related
Super Systems Inc
Super Systems Inc., Cable Technician / Cable EscortHanscom AFB, MA | June, 2025 - Present
Held a Secret-cleared contract with Super Systems Inc. (SSI) at Hanscom AFB, supporting secure fiber-optic infrastructure installation and escort operations within controlled and SCIF environments at a DoD installation.
Full responsibilities ▾
- Installed, spliced, and tested 24-strand fiber-optic cabling using Fujikura 70S fusion splicers and Fluke Versiv 2 OTDR equipment in controlled environments.
- Terminated, labeled, and tested VoIP and data cabling; traced and repaired faults using toner/probe kits and diagnostic tools.
- Built, grounded, and labeled equipment racks; installed fiber trays and patch panels in accordance with safety, compliance, and inspection standards.
- Operated under an active DoD Secret clearance while escorting uncleared personnel and enforcing NISPOM and Insider Threat requirements.
- Executed work orders to restore damaged fiber, reroute drops, and identify endpoints within telecommunications and network closets.
- Maintained redline and as-built documentation to reflect field changes and coordinated updates through daily briefs with project managers.
- Applied physical-layer security and cybersecurity best practices during cable routing and installation to reduce tampering and TEMPEST-related risks.
Certifications
Badges & Skills
Education
Bridgewater State University (In Progress)
Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA 02324 January, 2026 - Present
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (In Progress). Transferred into Bridgewater State University in Spring 2026 following completion of an Associate degree. Program focus includes cyber defense, secure systems, risk management, and enterprise security aligned with federal and DoD environments.
Massasoit Community College (Completed)
Massasoit Community College, Middleboro, MA June, 2023 - December, 2025
Completed General Education (GEN ED) Block through the MassTransfer program at Massasoit Community College. Achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.76 while fulfilling non-major transfer requirements in preparation for a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at Bridgewater State University.
Self-Study | Independent Learning Path
Home February, 2025 - Present
Beyond formal coursework I pursue self-directed study in software development, cybersecurity, and systems engineering—reinforcing theory with hands-on labs.
Key self-study projects ▾
- Set up home labs for networking, system administration, and ethical hacking.
- Building proficiency with RustDesk, Docker, Visual Studio Code, and WSL.
- Deploying Ubuntu & Kali Linux and experimenting with Kali KeX GUI for penetration testing.
- Exploring secure deployment on local servers and cloud platforms such as Linode.
- Coding in Java and creating automation scripts for cybersecurity tasks.
This self-driven approach solidifies classroom knowledge with real-world experience and keeps me progressing toward certification readiness.