Cybersecurity Engineer & Consultant
Securing digital infrastructures with innovative solutions.
About Me
John Pennie-- a dedicated cybersecurity professional based in Chicago, IL. With extensive experience in engineering secure infrastructures and implementing innovative solutions, I specialize in protecting digital assets and maintaining robust security postures.
Resume
Education
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
DePaul University, Chicago, IL- Host Based Security: Conducted multiple mock security exploitations using Windows tools/tweaks.
- Security Testing & Assessment: Conducted mock security exploitations using Linux tools, reconnaissance assignments, and a final Capture the Flag exercise (see Documents section).
- Information Systems Security Engineering I & II: Created a professional proposal for mock companies including security policies, infrastructure design, and implementation.
Associate of Science
Wilbur Wright College | Chicago, IL- Applied Networks & Security: Created a virtual environment to manage multiple Linux virtual machines utilizing pfSense.
Work Experience
IT Operations Analyst @ Ulta
April 2023 – Present | Chicago, IL- Provide Tier 2 support for Windows workstations, login issues, application errors, and network connectivity problems in both store and office environments.
- Create and manage user accounts in Active Directory and Microsoft 365, including MFA setup and permissions.
- Monitor backups and storage on file servers and assist with recovery testing when needed.
- Support endpoint security by verifying BitLocker encryption, antivirus protection, and vulnerability patching.
- Monitor security alerts using SIEM and EDR tools (Splunk, Defender) and escalate potential threats based on severity.
- Maintain clean documentation for systems, procedures, and recurring issues.
Tech Support @ Prospect Air Services
January 2021 – February 2023 | Chicago, IL- Handled daily support tickets for laptops, tablets, and radios, taking care of both hardware and software issues.
- Tracked IT assets and assisted with equipment refresh cycles and system replacements.
- Built a centralized backup system using TrueNAS for company data storage and recovery.
- Secured mobile devices with updates, passcodes, and basic security policy enforcement.
- Created network and server rack diagrams for infrastructure documentation.
- Assisted with malware detection testing using SIEM tools and sandbox environments.
Projects
PiHole | Skills Used
December 2024 – Present- Utilizing PiHole to filter network traffic.
- Running PiHole in a Docker container within a Proxmox virtual machine.
- Filtering out unsolicited ads and trackers.
Homelab | Skills Used
January 2024 – Present- Simulating red/blue team exercises.
- Built using second-hand equipment and open-source operating systems.
Capture the Flag | Skills Used
November 2024 – December 2024- Recovered 7 out of 9 flags during a DePaul course.
- Tested on Windows hosts and Linux servers.
Passive Reconnaissance | Skills Used
October 2024 – November 2024- Prepared a passive reconnaissance report on a selected company for a DePaul course.
Documents
Below are my documents for your viewing:
Resume.pdf
View DocumentCapture-the-Flag.pdf
View DocumentPassive-Reconnaissance.pdf
View DocumentTechnical Skills
Languages
Python, Java, C/C++
Developer Tools
Docker, Eclipse, Git, Metasploit, Nmap, Proxmox, SPLUNK, Visual Studio Code, Virtualization, Vmware