I am Tyler The
I specialize in Networking, Cybersecurity and Network Security
View My WorkCybersecurity as well as Networkin and creating applications and tools used for Red Vs. Blue team competitions
At my university, I serve as the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) for the Cyber Defense Organization (CDO). In this role, I gain invaluable experience working with industry-grade server and networking equipment to manage and orchestrate the organization’s infrastructure. My primary responsibility as CTO is to design and build the infrastructure for the Great Dane Defense Competition, which we host each semester. Additionally, I also participate in red teaming for the event, further enhancing the competition's realism and complexity.
The GDDC competition is a remarkable collaborative effort organized by myself and the key members of our organization. The primary goal of this competition is to provide university students with a hands-on experience in responding to a real-time cybersecurity incident. Traditionally, we have around 50 participants, but this year we expect even more, as additional colleges in the area are planning to attend. This competition plays a crucial role in the overall ecosystem of our club, as it fosters a deeper understanding of cybersecurity while strengthening our community and providing valuable skills for future professionals.
For the past year, I have worked as a Student Assistant for New York State's Cloud Network Engineering team. In this role, I’ve gained hands-on experience with industry-standard networking devices such as Palo Alto, Cisco, and Arista. I am directly involved in configuring and troubleshooting production environments, which has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of network infrastructure and security. This opportunity has further strengthened my technical skills and exposed me to the operational challenges of maintaining a large-scale network.
I hold the CompTIA Security+ and PCNSA certifications, which have provided a strong foundation in network security and network administration. I am actively pursuing further certifications, including the PCNSE, Splunk, and various cloud certifications to expand my expertise in network security, data analysis, and cloud infrastructure. These certifications will help me stay current with emerging technologies and continue to grow as a professional in the cybersecurity field.
All of my work and projects stem around bettering my knowledge and increasing my skillset
I believe that collaboration is key to growth. By working alongside incredibly talented individuals, I’m able to enhance my skill set and knowledge at an accelerated pace. Whether it’s through brainstorming, problem-solving, or sharing insights, I continuously learn from my teammates, which helps me improve both technically and professionally. This environment of mutual learning allows me to tackle complex challenges more effectively while also contributing to the team's success.
My GitHub (https://github.com/Dack985) showcases a range of projects that primarily focus on red team activities, including the creation of command-and-control (C2) servers and malware for educational purposes. In addition to these, I’m also working on a packet capture analysis tool and various scripts for defensive actions to enhance network security. I’ve also developed automation scripts for device deployment in Proxmox, contributing to the efficiency of infrastructure management. My projects demonstrate a diverse skill set across both offensive and defensive security, with a focus on hands-on, practical applications in real-world scenarios.
While programming is not my strongest suit, I have gained hands-on experience with several languages, including Bash and Python. I use these languages primarily for scripting, automation, and working on security-related tasks. Recently, I’ve started learning Rust, as I’m interested in exploring compiled languages and expanding my programming skills. Though my programming knowledge is still growing, I focus on practical applications and enjoy using code to solve real-world challenges in cybersecurity.
I value the importance of self-driven learning and enjoy working on independent projects, such as my malware analysis endeavors. To deepen my understanding of how malware functions and how to better analyze it, I’ve studied resources like Practical Malware Analysis. I also enjoy reading books like Practical Packet Capture Analysis, which help me gain a deeper understanding of networking and applications. These books, alongside my personal projects, allow me to continuously improve my skills and knowledge, ensuring I stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.