Hayden Thomson
Cybersecurity Specialist • U.S. Navy Veteran
Results-driven Cybersecurity Specialist and U.S. Navy Veteran with over 6 years of experience in information systems, network security, incident response, and system administration. Proven success in managing classified networks, leading cyber programs, and optimizing IT infrastructure for mission-critical operations. Holds a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from ECPI University with a focus on cloud security, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking.
Experience
Network Engineer
- Completed a 135-hour IT externship supporting day-to-day operations within a managed service provider (MSP) environment.
- Shadowed technicians handling help desk tickets through AutoTask, gaining exposure to incident tracking, prioritization, and resolution workflows.
- Assisted with remote monitoring and endpoint management using ConnectWise / ConnectWise Secure.
- Supported endpoint security operations and best practices using SentinelOne.
- Participated in client deployments, including workstation baselining, configuration, and imaging.
- Assisted with office relocations, running network cabling, relocating servers, and reconnecting workstations.
- Gained hands-on experience with civilian IT support workflows, infrastructure tasks, and enterprise IT tools.
Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)
- Led cybersecurity operations and system administration across classified NIPR/SIPR environments, supporting shipboard and deployed mission requirements.
- Conducted vulnerability assessments and remediation using ACAS, HBSS, and VRAM, achieving sustained cyber compliance and inspection readiness.
- Managed system hardening, RMF-aligned security controls, and audit preparation to meet DoD cybersecurity standards.
- Oversaw 140+ workstations and 30+ servers across multiple classified enclaves, ensuring system availability and operational continuity.
- Directed and trained 12 sailors in cybersecurity operations, incident response, and secure system administration best practices.
- Administered Windows and Linux servers, Active Directory environments, and Cisco network devices supporting combat systems integration.
- Led deployment and maintenance of shipboard security tools and host-based protections, reducing risk across mission-critical networks.
- Supported secure tactical and combat communications, including crypto devices and digital modular radios, ensuring encrypted, reliable connectivity.
- Provided cybersecurity awareness training and leadership during fleet deployments, exercises, and NATO-aligned operations.
System Administrator / Cyber Program Manager
- Built and led USS Sirocco’s first cyber certification and inspection program, achieving top waterfront cyber inspection scores and recognition as Bahrain’s leading cyber-ready ship.
- Administered and secured classified NIPR/SIPR network environments supporting 140+ workstations and 30+ servers across multiple enclaves.
- Managed Cisco routers, ACETAL switches, and Hyper-V virtualized infrastructure, ensuring high availability, system integrity, and mission continuity.
- Deployed and maintained HBSS endpoint protection and executed vulnerability remediation to ensure full DoD cyber compliance.
- Conducted 60+ hours of advanced cyber and network operations training, elevating junior and senior sailors’ technical proficiency and inspection readiness.
- Performed system diagnostics, patching, and lifecycle maintenance for classified servers, reducing downtime and improving operational reliability.
- Served as Communication Watch Officer, operating encrypted Green Gear radio systems to support secure tactical communications.
- Led and mentored sailors in cybersecurity best practices, contributing to consistently successful inspections and superior command performance.
Skills
Awards & Certifications
Career Essentials in Cybersecurity
Learning Path • 5h 36m • Top skills: Cybersecurity, Information Security Awareness, Threat & Vulnerability Management
Fundamentals of Deep Learning
Computer Operator
United Services Military Apprenticeship Program completion
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
USS Sirocco (PC 6) — As Cyber Program Manager, conducted 60+ hours of training and built the ship's cyber program from scratch, enabling first-in-squadron cyber certification; efforts contributed to clearing 10 CASREPs and first‑pass certifications across Intelligence, Communications, and Electronic Warfare.
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Gold Star in lieu of second award)
USS Sirocco (PC 6) — As primary System Administrator, maintained 30 servers across four classified network enclaves and delivered 100+ hours of network training; passed every cyber inspection with the highest scores on the waterfront.
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Gold Star in lieu of third award)
USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS (DDG 95) — As Cyber Security Administrator, installed 360 critical updates across NIPR/SIPR, lowering risk assessment from 9.30 to below 2.45 and keeping the command cyber compliant; earned Bravo Zulu from COMNAVSURFLANT.
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Gold Star in lieu of fourth award)
USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS (DDG 95) — As Leading Petty Officer and Communications Watch Officer, directed 12 sailors and managed seven DMRs, 57 crypto devices, 83 servers, and 143 workstations across six enclaves; ensured communications and cyber dominance during Sixth Fleet deployment and Halifax exercises.
Flag Letter of Commendation
Recognized for superior performance aboard USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS while supporting Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2); contributions to network standardization, installation, and upgrades enabled ahead‑of‑schedule operations and sustained readiness.
AI for Managers
Learning Path • 4h 34m • Top skills: Artificial Intelligence for Business, Cross‑team Collaboration, AI Productivity
Education
ECPI University
- Member: Student Veteran Association
- Honor Society: Golden Key International Honour Society
- Honor Society: Phi Theta Kappa
- Honors: Dean’s List, Perfect Attendance, Golden Key Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa