Carter Thayer

I've been developing my technical skills over the past several years through my time at Skilstak Coding Arts and Western Governors University, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. I'm a 24-year-old cybersecurity professional with a passion for FLOSS, Linux systems, SIEM technologies, InfoSec, and penetration testing. My favorite tools are Bash, Python, and Go. I'm an avid Linux user and a strong advocate for free and open source software.
Currently, I work as a Cybersecurity Consultant at TuckerCybersecurity, where I configure and monitor firewalls, routers, and VPNs using the FortiNet platform. I also provide services for CRTCybersecurity, including cybersecurity consultations, assessments, solutions, network architecture, system administration, and managed IT support. My goal is to continue building on my cybersecurity and network engineering skills to help protect and strengthen critical systems and infrastructure.

Experience

Skills Linux & Windows system administration, infrastructure as code, configuration management, network architecture and segmentation, identity and access management, security automation, software practices (version control, documentation, change management)

Scripting & Automation Bash, PowerShell, Python, Anisble, Git

Security Tools Microsoft Defender, Huntress, BitDefender, Fortinet, WireGuard, OPNsense

Cloud & Identity Microsoft 365, Azure AD, Active Directory, Conditional Access, MFA, RBAC

Infrastructure & Virtualization Proxmox, OPNsense, Active Directory, Azure vittual networks, network segmentation

Employment History

IT Support Specialist, We Handle Tech | Cornelius, NC

June 2025 – Present

• Primary Microsoft 365 administrator for municipal and law enforcement tenants, managing identity environments (Active Directory & Azure AD) conditional access, MFA enforcement, RBAC, and Defender security policies.
• Manage and secure enterprise endpoints using NinjaOne, enforcing patch compliance, monitoring system health, and supporting vulnerability remediation efforts.
• Investigate and remediate security incidents using Microsoft Defender and Huntress, including malware response, phishing analysis, and endpoint alert triage.
• Administer secure remote connectivity using WireGuard VPN and support network segmentation initiatives.
• Conduct security control audits for financial institutions, identifying compliance gaps and recommending remediation.

Cybersecurity Consultant, Tucker Cybersecurity | Remote

May 2023 - April 2025

• Configured and managed Fortinet firewalls for enterprise networks, ensuring optimal security and performance.
• Managed and monitored network traffic using Fortinet’s Security Fabric and FortiAnalyzer for threat detection and reporting.
• Deployed FortiGate firewalls in HIPAA compliant environments.
• Ensured compliance with regulatory standards (e.g. HIPAA) using Fortinet security features.
• Configured security policies, NAT, VPN, and email settings to support business requirements.
• Conducted regular firewall rule audits to enhance security posture.
• Implemented IPSec-VPN solutions for remote workforce enablement and data protection.
• Documented firewall configuration, change management process, and incident response procedures.
• Diagnosed and resolved network issues related to Fortinet firewalls, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Provided technical support along with firmware upgrades and patch management.

Cybersecurity and General IT Consultant, CRTCybersecurity | Owner/General Manager

April 2023 - Present

• Conducted comprehensive security risk assessments for clients, identified risks, and recommended mitigation strategies to enhance overall security posture.
• Designed and implemented robust network infrastructures for enterprise environments.
• Advised clients on regulatory compliance and helped implement security controls to meet audit requirements.
• Managed the installation and configuration of network hardware such as routers, switches, firewalls, and servers, ensuring proper integration with existing I.T. systems.
• Set up VPNs to ensure secure remote access to corporate resources, using protocols such as IPSec and SSL.
• Configured secure Wi-Fi networks, including proper encryption and guest network segmentation.

Certifications

• Comptia Pentest+
• CompTIA Security+
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA CySA+
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Project+
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
• Linux Essentials Certification (LPI)
• IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL)
• Microsoft Technology Associate: Software Development Fundamentals (MTA)
• Cybersecurity Awareness Certification (Fortinet)