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

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 DoW 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.

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

Super Systems Inc. logo

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 DoW 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 DoW 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

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.