My Projects

From Fixer to Sentinel Blog

Check out my blog: From Fixer to Sentinel, where I document my journey from IT repair to becoming a skilled SOC analyst. Here, I share detailed, hands-on experiences with cybersecurity tools like Wazuh and the ELK stack, illustrating real-world applications through simulated attacks and comprehensive SOC reports. My goal is to provide aspiring cybersecurity professionals with invaluable insights into setting up home labs, tackling cybersecurity challenges, and continuous professional growth. Join me as I navigate the exciting world of cybersecurity, offering knowledge and inspiration to help you on your own journey.

Check out my Blog!

From Scrap to SOC

In this project, I configured Wazuh for File Integrity Monitoring (FIM) on a Windows agent, simulating remote attacks to detect unauthorized modifications. I edited ossec.conf to monitor specific directories and files, and used SSH to simulate attacks on the hosts file and Windows registry. By integrating Wazuh with the Elastic Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana), I visualized data in real-time and set up secure communication with DNS, SSL, and Apache. This project demonstrates Wazuh’s capabilities in detecting and reporting file and registry changes, enhancing cybersecurity monitoring and incident response skills.

Check out From Scrap to SOC!

AppleJuice Website

I developed and maintained the customer-focused website Apple-Juice using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, integrating SwiperJS for dynamic and engaging content. Prioritizing security, I implemented HTTPS and SSL certificates, conducted regular security audits, and ensured all dependencies were up-to-date. Utilizing GitHub Actions for automated deployment, I secured communication with AWS S3 by safeguarding credentials and configuring secure storage and retrieval in GitHub Actions, preventing unauthorized access. This project demonstrates my proficiency in continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) practices, significantly enhancing the efficiency and security of the development workflow.

Check out my work!

VHS BlueCut

During my tenure at Marlow Services LLC, I created the Blue Cut project to automate the manual video editing process for converting VHS tapes to digital format. Recognizing the inefficiency of manually scanning for blue screens—common artifacts in digital recordings—I developed Blue Cut using Python to automatically detect and edit these blue screens, streamlining the workflow and significantly reducing the time spent on video processing. This project showcases my ability to innovate and implement automation solutions using Python to enhance operational efficiency in a real-world setting.

Check out Blue Cut on GitHub!

Certifications

CompTIA Security+

Obtained: January 2024!

Check out my Security+ Certification!

HTB Academy CDSA

In Progress: Expected 2024.

Tools and Skills

Cybersecurity Skills

SIEM Management, Intrusion Detection, Log Analysis, Event Reporting, Operating System Security, Wazuh, Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana, Sysmon, Packet Analysis, Wireshark, and nmap.

Programming & Scripting

PowerShell Scripting, Bash Scripting, Python, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and Git.

Operating Systems

Linux, MacOS, iOS, iPadOS, WatchOS, Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server.

Cloud Skills

AWS, Cloudfront, Route 53, S3, EC2, Elastic Block Store, IAM, Google Cloud, Google 0Auth, and GitHub 0Auth.

Other IT Skills

CI/CD, Github, Github Actions, OSI Model Understanding, Virtual Machines, Docker, VMWare, Virtualbox, Technical Writing, IT Support, Ticketing, Troubleshooting Analysis & Repair, and TCP/IP.

About Me

Welcome to my portfolio website! My name is Joshua Gaither, and I am an aspiring SOC Analyst with a deep passion for defending networks. My journey into cybersecurity is driven by a strong desire to detect malicious activity and create comprehensive reports on it. I thrive on the challenge of identifying and mitigating cyber threats, and I am highly organized with a love for technical writing.

With over eight years of experience in IT, particularly in electronics repair and helpdesk-like roles, I have developed a strong foundation in technical problem-solving and customer support. My transition into cybersecurity has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and technologies.

I hold a CompTIA Security+ Certification, achieved in January 2024, which underscores my commitment to mastering the fundamentals of cybersecurity. This certification, coupled with practical experience in setting up and managing security operations, positions me well for a role as a SOC Analyst.

One of my proudest achievements is highlighted in my blog series, "From Scrap to SOC." This project involved setting up my own personal SOC environment at home with limited resources. It tested my troubleshooting skills as I integrated the ELK stack with Wazuh, demonstrating my ability to overcome challenges and create effective security solutions.

My long-term career goal is to land a position as a SOC Analyst and continue building my skills in a real-world environment. I am committed to continuous learning and development, currently pursuing the Certified Defensive Security Analyst (CDSA) certification from HackTheBox Academy to further enhance my capabilities.

In addition to my technical skills, I am proficient in hosting and managing static websites on AWS, utilizing services like S3, Route53, and CloudFront. My blog, generated with Hugo and the Poison theme, is a testament to my ability to integrate various technologies to create a seamless online presence.

My past experiences in IT have been all about finding information when there is a lack of it and fixing, troubleshooting, or creating solutions to all kinds of problems. My strongest skills are research and perseverance, qualities that are essential in the field of cybersecurity.

Thank you for visiting my portfolio. I invite you to explore my projects, read my blog, and connect with me if you share a passion for cybersecurity or have any opportunities for collaboration.

Feel free to reach out to me through my LinkedIn or email. Together, we can make a difference in the world of cybersecurity.