Aspiring Cybersecurity Specialist

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!

What I’m working on

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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

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CCNA (2026)

Going for the CCNA Certificate!

Projects

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Security+ (2025)

Verified & Certified!

Experience

Radio Operator
USMC, Radio Operator 0621
Fort Devens, MA | August, 2022 - Present

1/25 Marines insignia

Operate, maintain, and secure L3Harris tactical communication systems supporting RF and IP-based voice and data communications across HF, VHF, UHF, and SATCOM networks in classified, tactical, and garrison environments.

Full responsibilities ▾
  • Configure and operate AN/PRC-163 multi-channel radios enabling IP-based communications, basic network addressing, and integration with mobile ad hoc networks (MANET).
  • Establish and sustain line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications using manpack and vehicular radio systems.
  • Execute Communications Security (COMSEC) procedures including cryptographic key loading, safeguarding, and accountability in compliance with DoD standards.
  • Perform preventative maintenance and troubleshooting on radio systems, power equipment, and cabling to ensure operational readiness and minimize downtime.
  • Conduct spectrum management activities including frequency planning, monitoring, and interference mitigation in congested RF environments.
  • Install and configure antennas, Ethernet and copper cabling, and integrate radio systems into IP-based network architectures.
  • Manage inventory and accountability of communications equipment, ensuring accurate documentation and maintenance tracking per DoD property management procedures.
  • Utilize Linux-based systems and basic scripting for diagnostics, configuration support, and system troubleshooting.
  • Provide technical support and communicate system status, limitations, and operational impacts to leadership.
  • Train and mentor junior Marines on communications systems, maintenance procedures, and security compliance.

Super Systems Inc
Super Systems Inc., Cable Technician / Cable Escort
Hanscom AFB, MA | June, 2025 - February, 2026

Super Systems Inc. logo

Supported Secret-cleared telecommunications and network infrastructure projects at Hanscom AFB, installing and maintaining secure fiber-optic and structured cabling systems within controlled and SCIF environments.

Full responsibilities ▾
  • Installed, spliced, and tested multi-strand fiber-optic cabling using fusion splicers and Fluke Versiv OTDR equipment to ensure signal integrity and performance.
  • Terminated, labeled, and troubleshot Ethernet and VoIP cabling supporting enterprise network infrastructure.
  • Installed and grounded equipment racks, fiber trays, and patch panels in accordance with engineering, safety, and inspection standards.
  • Diagnosed and resolved fiber faults, including identifying breaks, rerouting connections, and restoring service to minimize downtime.
  • Operated within secure DoD environments under an active Secret clearance, enforcing National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) compliance.
  • Maintained accurate redline and as-built documentation, coordinating updates with project managers and engineering teams.
  • Applied physical-layer security practices and infrastructure standards to support secure communications environments.

Allied Universal
AUS, Site Supervisor
Boston, MA | March, 2023 - March, 2024

Security operations logo

Led access control and security operations within a controlled facility environment, supervising personnel and improving tracking and reporting processes through automation.

Full responsibilities ▾
  • Supervised personnel and managed daily access control operations across multiple shifts.
  • Controlled facility access using automated systems, performing identity verification and credential validation.
  • Monitored surveillance systems and responded to incidents in accordance with security protocols.
  • Developed Excel-based tracking tools to improve visitor authorization, logging, and reporting accuracy.
  • Automated tracking workflows using structured logs and dropdown systems to improve efficiency.
  • Generated reports and coordinated with facility leadership on security procedures and compliance.
  • Managed visitor, contractor, and delivery access within controlled environments.
  • Ensured adherence to security policies, procedures, and operational standards.

Certifications

Badges & Skills

Education

Western Governors University (In Progress)
Western Governors University, Millcreek, UT June, 2026 - Present

wgu

BS Cybersecurity and Information Assurance– In Progress Western Governors University, Millcreek, UT GPA: 3.76 / 4.0 Summer 2026 – Present .

Massasoit Community College (Completed)
Massasoit Community College, Middleboro, MA June, 2023 - December, 2025

Massasoit Community College logo

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 BS Cybersecurity and Information Assurance at Western Governors University.

Self-Study | Independent Learning Path
Home February, 2025 - Present

Self-study in cybersecurity and IT

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.