user@portfolio:~$ cat about_me.txt

Brandon J. Trigo

Cloud & Network Infrastructure Engineer | Security+ | AWS Cloud Practitioner

user@portfolio:~$ whoami

"Brando"
Cloud & Network Infrastructure Professional in Training

> Background
I love how infrastructure works — not just at the surface level. The fact that there are fiber cables running across the floor of the ocean carrying signals that get translated into readable information in milliseconds. That when you load a webpage, you're probably hitting a CDN edge node, not the origin server. That you can define an entire network topology in code and a cloud provider will go build it for you. That stuff fascinates me. My background is physical; I've racked servers, terminated fiber, managed structured cabling, and handled remote hands operations in a live colocation environment. Now I'm building upward into cloud architecture and network engineering.

> Philosophy
Grit (n.) — the drive, stamina, and fortitude to push through any challenge or obstacle until success is achieved. Life happens for us, not to us.

> Current Focus
Building hands-on cloud and networking projects. Migrating this site to AWS. Studying for AWS Solutions Architect Associate. Documenting everything publicly on GitHub.

> Core Values
Honor | Integrity | Family | Advancement | Legacy

user@portfolio:~$ ls -l current_role
-rwxr-xr-x Department Supervisor @ Dick's Sporting Goods | Huntington, NY
-rwxr-xr-x AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | CLF-C02 | April 2026
-rwxr-xr-x CTF Challenge Developer | SSRD Internship (Jan–May 2025)
user@portfolio:~$

Featured Projects

Hands-on builds — cloud infrastructure, networking, and security

AWS Static Site Migration

IN PROGRESS

Migrating this portfolio site from Hostinger to a fully AWS-hosted static site infrastructure. Designed to demonstrate real cloud deployment skills using core AWS services.

S3 CloudFront Route 53 ACM AWS
  • Static file hosting via S3 with public access policies
  • CloudFront CDN for global edge caching and HTTPS
  • Route 53 DNS configuration and domain management
  • Free SSL/TLS via AWS Certificate Manager

OWASP Secure Bank CTF Challenges

INTERNSHIP

Developed 12+ capture the flag challenges targeting real-world vulnerabilities for SSRD's OWASP Secure Bank project. Built Docker-hosted challenge environments for internal testing and public distribution.

Docker Python Flask React OWASP
  • Simulated XSS, SQL injection, RCE, and privilege escalation attacks
  • Created PCAP analysis challenges using Wireshark
  • Implemented SHA-256 hash cracking scenarios
  • Developed root-level cron job exploitation challenges

GNS3 Network Labs

IN PROGRESS

Building and documenting hands-on networking labs using GNS3 to demonstrate real routing, switching, and network design skills. All labs documented and pushed to GitHub.

GNS3 TCP/IP VLANs Routing GitHub
  • Multi-site VPN and routing protocol configurations
  • VLAN segmentation and inter-VLAN routing
  • Firewall rule design and network security zones
  • Full lab write-ups documenting design decisions

My Learning Journey

ONGOING

Public GitHub repository documenting daily study logs, technical notes, and hands-on projects across cloud, networking, Linux, and security. Built for accountability and transparency.

AWS Linux Networking Security GitHub
  • Daily study logs updated consistently
  • Organized notes across AWS, Linux, networking, and security domains
  • Hands-on project documentation with write-ups
  • → View on GitHub

Technical Arsenal

Tools, technologies, and methodologies

Cloud & AWS

EC2 S3 VPC Route 53 CloudFront IAM CloudWatch ACM

Networking

TCP/IP DNS DHCP VLANs OSI Layers 1–7 Routing & Switching Fiber Optics (SM/MM) Structured Cabling GNS3

Infrastructure & OS

Linux Administration Windows Server Active Directory Group Policy Data Center Ops SolarWinds

Security

Wireshark Burp Suite Metasploit Nmap Netcat OWASP Top 10 CTF Design TryHackMe

Development & Automation

Python Bash Docker Git / GitHub React Flask HTML / CSS

In Progress

Terraform CloudFormation AWS SAA CCNA GNS3 Labs

Experience

Professional journey and key accomplishments

August 2022 – Present

Department Supervisor

Dick's Sporting Goods | Huntington, NY
  • Supervise and develop a team of associates across multiple departments, driving key performance metrics including sales targets, conversion rates, and service scores
  • Serve as a key member of store management, leading shift operations, resolving escalations, and overseeing inventory audits and shrink prevention
  • Provide technical support for store systems including network-connected POS terminals, printers, and handheld inventory devices
January 2025 – May 2025

Security Research & Development Intern

SSRD | Remote
  • Developed and deployed 12+ CTF challenges targeting real-world vulnerabilities including XSS, SQL injection, RCE, command injection, and privilege escalation
  • Built Docker-hosted challenge environments for SSRD's OWASP Secure Bank project for internal testing and public GitHub distribution
  • Created custom scenarios involving Wireshark PCAP analysis, SHA-256 hash cracking, and root-level cron job exploitation
  • Utilized Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nmap, and Netcat throughout offensive and defensive testing workflows
  • Managed all version control via Git; practiced full-stack development using React, Flask, and Python
January 2020 – July 2022

Data Center Support Technician

H5 Data Centers | Denver, CO
  • Provided Tier 1/2 remote hands support in a high-security colocation environment maintaining 24/7 uptime for critical infrastructure
  • Resolved 50+ remote hands requests involving hardware replacements, system reboots, cabling issues, and full rack builds
  • Racked and stacked enterprise servers and terminated structured cabling — CAT5/6, LC/LC, SC/LC, and SC/SC fiber — per industry standards
  • Enforced physical security protocols: badge access management, vendor escorts, scheduled audits, and data center inspections
  • Monitored facility-wide systems via SolarWinds; logged and escalated anomalies per SLA requirements

Certifications

Professional credentials and ongoing education

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Amazon Web Services (CLF-C02)

Issued: April 2026 | Expires: April 2029

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA (SY0-701)

Issued: August 2025

Cybersecurity Bootcamp

Adelphi University / StackRoute

Completed: July 2024

Associate of Arts

Nassau Community College | 4.0 GPA

Summa Cum Laude | 2019

Get In Touch

Let's connect and discuss opportunities