WELCOME TO MY WORLD

Hi, I’m Rhys Ferris
System Administrator, Security Expert

As an experienced Systems Engineer with nine years of expertise in systems engineering, administration, and help desk support, I bring a wealth of experience to the organization/contract. My journey includes a pivotal 14-year tenure with the U.S. Marine Corps, seven of which were in IT. I navigated diverse data systems from the lowest to enterprise levels, seamlessly integrating with multiple communication frameworks. Notably, while attached to the National Capital Region of the Marine Corps Enterprise Network, my role in vulnerability mitigation significantly bolstered the security posture when my team mitigated over 1 million vulnerabilities in a single year.

My expertise is in automation, where, in my current position, I've been instrumental in developing solutions that mitigate human error and elevate efficiency. My mastery of PowerShell scripting stands as a testament, directly translating into real-world solutions that have revolutionized reporting accuracy and streamlined implementations, consistently delivering heightened efficiency and reduced margin for error.

In case you were wondering, it's pronounced Reese.

About Me

Technology is My Passion

From my start fiddling around with computers all the way to building PowerShell scripts to automate complex and repetitive tasks, I have loved working with computers. My favorite part is the hunt for the perfect solution and the satisfaction of knowing I've found it.

My skills include working with and deploying Windows in a Domain Environment, PowerShell, Advanced Troubleshooting, Advanced Security, applying DISA STIGs, Virtualization Platforms, including Microsoft HyperV, VMware vSphere, and Linux KVM, LXC, and Docker. I have worked with the McAfee HBSS suite and the DISA Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) from Nessus. I also have experience using Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager and HCL BigFix (at the time IBM BigFix).
Please take a look at my ePortfolio for more details!

I built this very site using a tool called Mobirise, and it is self-hosted on my home server on a KVM Virtual Machine with Nginx.

People are the Purpose

The most perfect technology serves no purpose if it doesn't solve someone's problem or if that person doesn't know how to use it. From advanced troubleshooting over the phone or other remote technologies to digital toolmaking to increase the efficiency of tasks and remove human error, technology is centered around people. I excel at working with people to understand their problems and create the most user-friendly, intuitive solutions possible. Most importantly, I provide user education so that everyone gets the most out of it as possible.

Certified
Rest Assured that I have completed the rigorous requirements to be certified in 10 industry areas, including Defensive and Offensive Security, Hardware, Operating Systems, the Cloud, and Linux. You don't have to take my word for it. Follow the link above for links and certificate verification info from the certifying body. View my Certificate Verification here.

-CompTIA Advanced Security
Practitioner+
-CompTIA Security+
-CompTIA Server+
-CompTIA Linux+
-CompTIA Project+
-Microsoft 365 Certified Modern
Desktop Administrator Associate (Inactive)

-ECCouncil Certified Ethical Hacker (Inactive)
-ECCouncil Certified Network Defense (Inactive)
Architect
-CompTIA Cloud+
-CompTIA Network+
-CompTIA A+

Experience

Nov 2022 - Present

System Engineer

Employed by Peraton in support of The U.S. Senate
Washington D.C.

June 2019 - Oct 2022

Data Systems Chief

3d Network Battalion and Combat Logistics Battalion 3
Kailua HI

September 2018

Disaster Recovery

Participated in IT Disaster Recovery team sent to Camp Lejeune, NC, in response to Hurricane Florence
(Received Navy Achievement Medal)

Dec 2016-June 2019

Data Systems Chief

Marine Air-Ground Task Force IT Service Center - National Capital Region
Quantico, VA

Jan 2015 - Dec 2016

Cyber Network Operator

2d Marine Division G-6
Camp Lejeune, NC

Sep 2008 - Jan 2015

Marine Musician

Quantico, VA & Camp Lejeune, NC

Education

Old Dominion University

2023 - Present
Declared Major: Cybersecurity
Norfolk, VA

Data Systems Chief's Course

Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School
Twentynine Palms, CA

Data Systems Chiefs support a myriad of technologies to include Systems, Virtualization, Unified Communications, Cloud Support, and Disaster Recovery

Cyber Network Supervisor's Course

Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School
Twentynine Palms, CA

Advanced training in Data Networks and Systems including BGP, Data Redudancy and Failover protocols.

Cyber Network Operator's Course

Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School
Twentynine Palms, CA

Basic training in Installation, Configuration, and Management of Data Networks and Systems in a standalone or client-server environment.