BJ

Barry Johnson

COO • IT & Cybersecurity Leader 30+ years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity Leads operations, strategic partnerships, and go-to-market execution Focused on enterprise adoption, business development, and growth strategy Works with customers, investors, and ecosystem partners to scale .

Location

Knightdale, NC, USA

Company

CipherEmpire

Industry

Technology

Top Skills

Information Technology IndustryTroubleshootingIncident Investigation

Barry Johnson

COO • IT & Cybersecurity Leader 30+ years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity Leads operations, strategic partnerships, and go-to-market execution Focused on enterprise adoption, business development, and growth strategy Works with customers, investors, and ecosystem partners to scale .

Location

Knightdale, NC, USA

Company

CipherEmpire

Industry

Technology

Top Skills

Information Technology IndustryTroubleshootingIncident Investigation

Top Skills

Information Technology Industry

Has over 30 years of extensive experience in the broader Information Technology industry.

Troubleshooting

Highly skilled in identifying and resolving complex IT, network, and security problems, from system vulnerabilities to connectivity issues.

Incident Investigation

Led and supported numerous incident investigations, from initial triage to containment, eradication, and recovery.

About Barry

Bio

Summary
Cyber security and Network Specialist with extensive IT background. Effectively identifies problems using advanced troubleshooting skills in order to mitigate vulnerabilities. Enthusiastic team player with the ability to work independently. Professional, very organized with outstanding customer service skills. Passionate about troubleshooting issues to find viable solutions to network and system security issues.

Computer Skills
Software
Windows 11, Arcsight, Splunk, FirePower, FireEye, Netwitness, Palantir, Cuckoo, Kali, CRITS, Remedy. Retina, HBSS, McAfee, Symantec EndPoint Protection , DNS,DHCP, TCP/IP, FTP, SNMP, Wireshark, BigFix, Tanium, Proofpoint, MS365, Azure.

Work Experience
• May 2019- June 2024 Retired GDIT
Cyber Security Analyst
• hands-on experience to analyze high volumes of logs, network data (e.g. NetFlow, Full Packet Capture), and other event/incident artifacts using Splunk in support of incident investigations.
• Provide guidance and work leadership to technical staff members.
• Anticipates security threats that generate alerts, incidents and disasters and recommends controls to reduce their likelihood.
• Analyze message headers and identify actionable indicators for remediation
• Analyze logs from SIEMs, and other sources and be able to identify unauthorized activity.
• Use security tools including IDS, IPS, firewalls, proxies, Web Application Firewall (WAF), etc., to triage events that may lead to incidents.
• Understanding and assess tactics, techniques and procedures utilized by threat actors to target enterprises.
• Understanding and diagnose Snort rules for remediation.
November 2018- January 2019 Metronome LLC
Cyber Security Analyst
• Perform Cyber Security duties at Consumer Boarder Protection utilizing the kill chain-aligned operational model, Provide technical research into targeted attacks, crimeware campaigns, malware and other emerging technologies and techniques to identify and report on cyber-attacks and attackers.
• Coordinate with Intel community on emerging threats and mitigation solutions
• Investigate potential cyber-attacks and intrusion attempts, and lead containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned analysis of actual incidents.
• Perform log analysis regarding individual host logs, network traffic logs, firewall logs, and intrusion detection systems to identify possible threats to network security.


May 2018- October 2018 Metronome LLC
Cyber Security Analyst
• Defense (CND) threat condition and determine which security issues may have an impact on the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) enterprise.
• Perform analysis of log files from a variety of sources (e.g., individual host logs, network traffic logs, firewall logs, and intrusion detection system logs) to identify possible threats to network security.
• Monitor and detect IOC via Arcsight and Splunk SIEM
• Ability to work effectively independently as well as within a team environment.

February 2016 -May 2018 Microsys LLC.
Cyber Security Analyst
• Provide support in the detection and response to all malicious activity
throughout the FBI Enterprise Network for classified and unclassified Networks.
• Hands-on experience in the detection, response, mitigation, and/or reporting of cyber threats affecting Networks
• Hands on experience in computer intrusion analysis, incident response and intrusion detection utilizing network surveillance/monitoring;
• knowledge and understanding of Network protocols, network devices, Window operating systems, Log Analysis, and Computer network forensics.
• Experience monitoring security intrusions via Arcsight and Splunk.

August 2015-February 2016 BAI Inc.
Cyber Security Analyst
• Provide support in the detection and response to all malicious activity
throughout the Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN) , classified and unclassified environments.
• Identify security vulnerabilities related to FortiGate firewalls, EPO,
McAfee Nitro SIEM tool, McAfee Intrusion Protection System (IPS/IDS), Cisco
• Router Access Control List (ACLs), and network infrastructure for United
States Marine Corps tactical networks.
• Analyzes suspected malicious activity, and reports all events and anomalies
accordance with Computer Network directives and reporting discovered
events.
• Perform malware and/or forensic analysis as part of the incident management
process.
• Decipher packet captures to assist in troubleshooting networking problems.
• Use multiple government databases to perform substantive research and
analysis in support of the Marine Corps mission.
• Provides recommended defensive courses of action in order to mitigate the
risk associated with network intrusion attempts.
• Collaborate with Defensive Cyber Operations (DCOS) to ensure Marine Corps
tactical network traffic is being properly monitored and protected via IPS
• Coordinates and advises Tier III administrators on network security
policies, procedures, and standards to enhance the security of the network.
• Provides daily summary reports of network events and activities and delivers metric report.


May 2014-February 2015 Hewlett Packard
Cyber Security Specialist
• Operate and Configure HBSS dashboards
• Configure and create Policies via EPO
• Monitor DLP, VSE, IDS, HIPS, NIPS
• Support HIPS, IDS, IPS solutions
• Trained new employees and explained security protocols
• Conduct technical security tests and evaluations of classified and unclassified networks and /or
systems to determine compliance with appropriate information assurance (IA) or cyber security controls and risk mitigation strategy
• Support local infrastructure /lab cyber security analysis in support of certification and
accreditation. Conduct appropriate network scans/patching and updating as required to gain /maintain accreditation.
August 2008-May 2014 Hewlett Packard
Data Center Manager
• Conduct technical security tests and evaluations of sponsor’s classified and unclassified networks and /or systems to determine compliance with appropriate information assurance (IA) or cyber security controls and risk mitigation strategy.
• Manage data center and related equipment.
• Resolve break/fix repairs in multivariable network environment.
• Resolve complex issues within LAN/WAN environment
• INSTALL, build and configure Windows 2k3.
• Support and troubleshoot IAVA and Antivirus Servers.
• Recommend and advise in large scale projects.
• Apply Patch changes per policy.
• Implement internal projects.
• Lead projects from own responsibility area.
• Balance internal needs with customers and/or internal businesses/end user's needs within defined parameters.
• Proactively and reactively provide solutions to prevent problems from occurring in areas of responsibility.
• Manage customer needs associated with the support, maintenance, and management of the customer’s information systems
• Conduct appropriate network SCANS/patching and updating as required to gain /maintain accreditation.
• Install, and configure VM software
• Configure DHCP, DNS TCP protocols
October 2006-August 2008 SAIC Inc.
Network Support Technician
• Contracting at United State Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for performing installations, repairs and preventative maintenance of personal computer and related systems
• Provide day-to-day technical support remotely and onsite to internal employees for network infrastructure.
• Install, configure and troubleshoots desktop systems, workstations, servers.
• Evaluation of System and Software configuration
• Cisco Administrator for VOIP Servers and Telephones.
• Setup and schedule VTC equipment as well as audio conferencing
• Log calls utilizing tracking system
• Troubleshoot switches/ routers for connectivity issues
• Troubleshoot network cabling connections

January 2006- May 2006 Robert Half Technology
• Network Support Analysts
• Setup and installation of Windows 2003 Server
• Setup and configure workstations and printers
• Connect to network domains
• Created new account, reset passwords and configured access for users.

November 2002-December 2005 Verizon Wireless
Voice/ Data Technician
• Handle internal and external customer calls; research and resolve wireless inquiries, Troubleshoot and configure Bluetooth, Blackberry, PDA's and WIFI cellular equipment.
• Provide desktop support for Broadband connectivity via Laptops and desktops computers via Multiple Operating Systems.
• Worked with customer service supervisor to resolve customer concerns.
• Handled a large volume of phone calls, chat and emails.
• Prioritize and organize daily follow-ups to ensure timely resolution
• Developed and maintained positive customer relationships






Education
Warren National University Sept 2004 – May 2008
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Management Information Systems


Technical Career institute Sept 1984 – May 1986
Degree: Associates of Applied science
Electrical Engineering



Company

CipherEmpire

Elevator Pitch

CipherEmpire™ is building the execution governance layer for AI-driven digital economies.

IAM platforms verify who a user is, but they don’t decide whether every high-value action should execute in real time.

CipherEmpire’s patent-backed triad does:

CipherID™ verifies who is acting.
CipherLaw™ applies the rules.
CipherVault™ controls execution.

We’re starting in gaming, where fraud, digital assets, bots, and AI agents create urgent execution risk.

Bottom line:
IAM verifies access. CipherEmpire governs execution.

Industry

Technology

Location

New York, NY, USA

Company Stage

Launch

Funding Stage

Pre-Seed

Funding Raised

$0 to $100k

Skills

SkillStrengthExplanation
Information Technology Industry
Has over 30 years of extensive experience in the broader Information Technology industry.
Troubleshooting
Highly skilled in identifying and resolving complex IT, network, and security problems, from system vulnerabilities to connectivity issues.
Incident Investigation
Led and supported numerous incident investigations, from initial triage to containment, eradication, and recovery.
Cyber Security
Possesses extensive hands-on experience in various aspects of cyber security, including analysis, threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management across multiple organizations.
Log Analysis
Highly skilled in analyzing high volumes of logs from various sources, including SIEMs, for threat identification and incident investigation.
Cybersecurity Industry
Possesses over 30 years of experience specifically within the cybersecurity industry, encompassing various roles and organizations.
Network Specialist
Demonstrated expertise in network infrastructure, troubleshooting, configuration, and security across various environments including LAN/WAN and tactical networks.
TCP/IP
Strong knowledge and understanding of TCP/IP protocols.
Splunk
Proficient in using Splunk for incident investigations, log analysis, and monitoring security events.
Vulnerability Mitigation
Effectively identifies security vulnerabilities and recommends controls to reduce their likelihood and impact.
IDS/IPS
Proficient in utilizing and supporting Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) for threat monitoring and protection.
Arcsight
Extensive experience monitoring and detecting security incidents and IOCs using Arcsight SIEM.
LAN/WAN
Resolved complex issues within LAN/WAN environments and provided network support.
Information Assurance (IA)
Conducted technical security tests and evaluations to determine compliance with IA controls.
McAfee
Extensive experience with various McAfee products including EPO, Nitro SIEM, and endpoint protection.
Windows Server
Installed, built, configured, supported, and troubleshot Windows 2003 Servers.
Data Center Management
Managed data centers and related equipment, ensuring operational efficiency and security.
Customer Service
Provided outstanding customer service, handled inquiries, resolved concerns, and maintained positive customer relationships in high-volume environments.
Leadership
Provided guidance and work leadership to technical staff members across multiple roles.
Team Player
Consistently demonstrates an enthusiastic ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
Organizational Skills
Maintains a professional and very organized approach to work, ensuring efficiency.
Wireshark
Experienced in using Wireshark for network packet analysis and troubleshooting.
DNS
Proficient in configuring and troubleshooting DNS.
Packet Capture Analysis
Skilled in deciphering packet captures to assist in troubleshooting networking problems and identifying malicious activity.
DHCP
Proficient in configuring and troubleshooting DHCP.
Network Scans
Conducted appropriate network scans for accreditation and vulnerability assessment.
Project Leadership
Led internal projects and provided recommendations and advice for large-scale projects.
Snort Rules
Skilled in understanding and diagnosing Snort rules for effective security remediation.
Malware Analysis
Performed malware analysis as part of incident management processes.
IAVA (Information Assurance Vulnerability Alert)
Supported and troubleshot IAVA servers.
Cisco Router Access Control Lists (ACLs)
Identified security vulnerabilities related to Cisco Router ACLs.
Forensic Analysis
Conducted forensic analysis as part of incident management processes.
FireEye
Experienced with FireEye security platforms for threat detection and incident response.
Wi-Fi
Troubleshot and configured Wi-Fi cellular equipment.
Netwitness
Experienced with Netwitness, indicating expertise in network visibility and analysis for security.
Management Information Systems
Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems.
MS365
Experienced with Microsoft 365, indicating familiarity with cloud productivity and collaboration tools.
Remedy (BMC)
Experienced with Remedy, typically used for IT service management and incident tracking.
McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator (EPO)
Configured and created policies via EPO and identified security vulnerabilities related to it.
Tanium
Experienced with Tanium for endpoint management and security operations.
Azure
Experienced with Microsoft Azure, indicating familiarity with cloud infrastructure and services.
Windows 11
Experienced with Windows operating systems, including configuration and support.
BigFix
Experienced with BigFix for endpoint management and security.
User Account Management
Created new accounts, reset passwords, and configured user access.
Network Cabling
Troubleshot network cabling connections.
CRITS
Experienced with CRITS (Collaborative Research Into Threats), a platform for managing and sharing threat intelligence.
Cuckoo Sandbox
Experienced with Cuckoo for malware analysis, suggesting practical knowledge of threat intelligence techniques.
Proofpoint
Familiar with Proofpoint, indicating experience with email security and data loss prevention.
HBSS (Host Based Security System)
Proficient in operating and configuring HBSS dashboards and supporting HBSS solutions.
Kali Linux
Familiar with Kali Linux, indicating exposure to penetration testing and ethical hacking tools.
Blackberry
Troubleshot and configured Blackberry devices.
FTP
Familiar with FTP protocol.
SNMP
Familiar with SNMP protocol.
Proxies
Familiar with proxies as security tools to triage events.

Experiences

JOBCipher Empire

Title

COO

Position Description

Leading operations for a startup focused on building the enforcement layer for identity, credentials, and access across enterprise systems.

Accomplishment Notes

Working to establish and scale a new cybersecurity company, focusing on innovative identity and access solutions.

JOBSAIC Inc.

Title

Network Support Technician

Position Description

Performed installations, repairs, and preventative maintenance of computer and related systems, provided remote/onsite technical support, and administered Cisco VOIP servers.

Accomplishment Notes

Successfully installed, configured, and troubleshot desktop systems, workstations, servers, and network infrastructure, including Cisco VOIP systems, ensuring day-to-day technical support.

JOBRobert Half Technology

Title

Network Support Analysts

Position Description

Setup and installed Windows 2003 Server, configured workstations and printers, connected to network domains, and managed user accounts.

Accomplishment Notes

Efficiently set up and configured network infrastructure, including servers, workstations, and user accounts, facilitating seamless network connectivity.

JOBMetronome LLC

Title

Cyber Security Analyst

Position Description

Performed analysis of log files to identify threats to network security and monitored/detected Indicators of Compromise (IOC) via Arcsight and Splunk SIEM.

Accomplishment Notes

Contributed to Defense (CND) threat condition assessment for DTRA enterprise by thorough analysis of log files and effective monitoring of IOCs.

JOBGDIT

Title

Cyber Security Analyst

Position Description

Analyzed high volumes of logs and network data using Splunk for incident investigations, provided guidance to technical staff, and anticipated security threats.

Accomplishment Notes

Effectively mitigated vulnerabilities by anticipating security threats and recommending controls; led incident investigations and analysis of event artifacts.

JOBHewlett Packard

Title

Data Center Manager

Position Description

Managed data center operations, resolved complex network issues (LAN/WAN), installed and configured Windows servers, and supported IAVA/Antivirus servers.

Accomplishment Notes

Managed data center equipment and operations, resolved multivariable network environment issues, and led internal projects while balancing customer and business needs.

JOBVerizon Wireless

Title

Voice/Data Technician

Position Description

Handled internal and external customer calls, troubleshot and configured wireless and mobile devices (Bluetooth, Blackberry, PDA's, WIFI), and provided desktop support for broadband connectivity.

Accomplishment Notes

Resolved a large volume of customer inquiries and technical issues related to wireless and mobile devices, consistently maintaining positive customer relationships.

EDUCATIONTechnical Career Institute

Title

Associates of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering

Position Description

Completed an Associate of Applied Science degree program in Electrical Engineering.

Accomplishment Notes

Successfully earned an Associate of Applied Science degree, developing foundational knowledge in Electrical Engineering.

EDUCATIONWarren National University

Title

Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems

Position Description

Completed a Bachelor of Science degree program focused on the intersection of business management and information technology.

Accomplishment Notes

Successfully earned a Bachelor of Science degree, building a strong foundation in MIS.

JOBMicrosys LLC.

Title

Cyber Security Analyst

Position Description

Provided support in the detection and response to malicious activity throughout the FBI Enterprise Network for classified and unclassified networks.

Accomplishment Notes

Utilized hands-on experience in detection, response, mitigation, and reporting of cyber threats affecting FBI Networks, including computer intrusion analysis and incident response.

JOBBAI Inc.

Title

Cyber Security Analyst

Position Description

Supported detection and response to malicious activity across the Marine Corps Enterprise Network, identified security vulnerabilities, performed malware/forensic analysis, and provided defensive recommendations.

Accomplishment Notes

Identified security vulnerabilities in FortiGate firewalls, McAfee SIEM, and Cisco Routers, mitigating risks for MCEN; performed malware/forensic analysis and provided recommended defensive courses of action.