Joseph Newkirk
Cyber Security Analyst
San Diego
Summary
Cybersecurity professional with 8+ years of U.S. Navy experience specializing in defensive cyber operations and network security. TS/SCI clearance with hands-on expertise in CANES, RedSeal, Xpanse, PowerShell, and SOC/Blue Team operations. Certified in Security+ and CySA+, with proven experience in vulnerability management, incident response, system hardening, and mission-critical network protection. Seeking Cyber Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, or Information Security Analyst roles to apply operational discipline and technical expertise in safeguarding enterprise and DoD networks.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Cyber Security Analyst
US Navy
12.2017 - 01.2026
Cyber Defense Analyst (Navy Blue Team) | US Navy | Jan 2023 – Present
- Conduct defensive cyber operations and vulnerability assessments across Navy enterprise networks.
- Utilize Microsoft Mandate Security Validation (MSV), RedSeal, and PowerShell to identify misconfigurations, automate tasks, and validate security controls.
- Perform incident response support, produce detailed technical reports, and collaborate with system owners to implement mitigation strategies.
- Contribute to improving cybersecurity posture and ensuring compliance with DoD and Navy cybersecurity standards.
System Administrator / Information Systems Watch Officer (USS Iwo Jima) | US Navy | Dec 2018 – Dec 2022
- Managed shipboard information systems, networks, and communications to ensure operational readiness.
- Monitored and maintained secure communications channels during daily operations and deployments.
- Coordinated with IT, communications, and command teams to troubleshoot and resolve system issues.
- Trained junior sailors on system monitoring, troubleshooting procedures, and best practices.
Global Command and Control System Maritime School | US Navy | 2019
- Configured, maintained, and troubleshooted GCCS‑M servers, workstations, and network infrastructure.
- Performed system administration tasks including account management, software updates, and secure configuration.
- Applied DoD cybersecurity standards, including STIGs and RMF controls.
Consolidated Afloat Network Enterprise System (CANES) School | US Navy | 2019
- Configured, maintained, and troubleshooted CANES servers, virtualization stacks, and enterprise networks.
- Applied secure baseline configurations, patching, and system hardening across multiple enclaves.
- Trained in monitoring system performance and supporting mission-critical communications and operational systems.
IT C School (Sysadmin) | US Navy | Mar 2018 – Dec 2018
- Managed Windows Server environments, Active Directory, Group Policy, and user accounts.
- Performed virtualization, patch management, system imaging, and secure baseline implementation.
- Supported mission-critical Navy networks, ensuring uptime and operational readiness.
IT A School | US Navy | Jan 2018 – Mar 2018
- Completed intensive training in networking, cybersecurity, system administration, and communications infrastructure.
- Gained hands-on experience with Windows and Linux operating systems, Active Directory, and network troubleshooting.
- Learned fundamentals of satellite communications, radio systems, and secure shipboard IT operations.
Education
High School Diploma -
Steele Canyon High School
Spring ValleySkills
- Security Operations Center (SOC)
- Incident Response & Threat Analysis
- Vulnerability Assessment & Risk Management
- CANES (Consolidated Afloat Network Enterprise System)
- RedSeal & Xpanse
- PowerShell & Scripting
- Palo Alto Networks technologies
- Microsoft Mandate Security Validation (MSV)
- Endpoint Protection & Monitoring
- System Hardening & Configuration Management
- Network Security & Enterprise Defense
- Cyber Kill Chain & MITRE ATT&CK
- SIEM tools: Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, IBM QRadar, AlienVault
- Active Directory & Group Policy Management
Accomplishments
- Conducted vulnerability assessments and defensive operations across Navy enterprise networks, improving overall security posture.
- Automated repetitive tasks and validated security controls using PowerShell and RedSeal, increasing team efficiency.
- Supported incident response efforts, producing detailed technical reports and mitigation strategies.
- Contributed to compliance with DoD and Navy cybersecurity standards, strengthening mission-critical system resilience.
- Maintained secure shipboard communications and networks, ensuring operational readiness during deployments.
- Trained junior sailors on monitoring, troubleshooting, and cybersecurity best practices.
- Coordinated with IT and command teams to resolve system issues, reducing downtime and enhancing mission performance.
- Led CANES network upgrade and hardening project, improving system continuity and Navy cybersecurity compliance.
- Upgraded Xpander (Palo Alto Networks) from V1 to V2, enhancing threat detection and firewall management.
- Documented procedures and trained junior analysts, increasing team operational readiness and efficiency.
Cyber Defense Analyst (Navy Blue Team)
System Administrator / Information Systems Watch Officer (USS Iwo Jima)
CANES & Xpander Projects
Certification
CySA+ ce Certification, Comptia
Timeline
CySA+ ce Certification, Comptia
09-2024
Security+ ce Certification, CompTIA
05-2023
Cyber Security Analyst
US Navy
12.2017 - 01.2026
High School Diploma -
Steele Canyon High School