Hi, my name is

Samuel Johnson.

Cybersecurity Consultant

A security-focused technologist passionate about building resilient systems, maintaining home labs, and continuous learning. I specialize in cybersecurity, systems administration, and helping organizations strengthen their security posture through practical solutions and documentation.

Resume

About Me

I’m Samuel Johnson — born in Austin, raised in Greece, and now based in Houston since 2008. I’m a cybersecurity professional, IT manager, and home lab enthusiast who’s passionate about building secure, resilient systems and continuously learning new things.

My career has taken me through some great experiences. I started at Chevron, where I wore multiple hats as a helpdesk analyst, systems admin, project manager, and asset inventory manager. From there, I moved to EY as a cybersecurity consultant, focusing on data protection, network security, and cloud security assessments. Currently, I’m the Helpdesk Manager at Municipal Accounts & Consulting, where I lead IT operations for a busy accounting firm.

Outside of work, I run my own home lab where I experiment with Linux systems, Docker containers, security tools, and networking. This site — ssld.io — is my personal space to document what I’m learning, share technical projects, and explore everything from penetration testing to self-hosting infrastructure. The name reflects both my initials and my interest in secure systems and layered defense strategies.

Right now, I’m pursuing my CISSP certification, studying for my Amateur Radio General Class license, and always looking for the next thing to break and fix. I believe the best way to learn is by doing — and documenting the journey along the way.

Here are a few technologies and areas I've been working with:
  • Linux Administration
  • Docker & Containerization
  • NGINX & Reverse Proxies
  • Cybersecurity & Pen Testing
  • Network Security
  • Citrix Administration
  • Cloudflare & SSL/TLS
  • Hugo & Static Sites
  • Bash/Shell Scripting
  • Python Automation
  • Third-Party Risk Management
  • Systems Documentation

Experience

Helpdesk Manager - Municipal Accounts & Consulting
February 2025 - Present

Lead IT operations and infrastructure management for an accounting firm, focusing on automation, system reliability, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities & Achievements:

  • Engineer and maintain automated infrastructure deployment processes for hardware and software systems, reducing deployment time through streamlined provisioning workflows
  • Architect and administer enterprise ticketing and monitoring systems to track incidents, system health metrics, and workflows, implementing automated alerting to improve MTTR and ensure SLA compliance
  • Design and implement infrastructure-as-code principles for managing enterprise telecommunications systems, including VoIP infrastructure, inventory automation, and configuration version control
  • Orchestrate CI/CD pipelines for business-critical applications including QuickBooks file server infrastructure with automated upgrade procedures and rollback strategies
  • Lead technical evaluation and vendor management processes, conducting cost-benefit analysis, capacity planning, and budget forecasting to optimize technology investments
  • Manage high-availability file sharing platforms (FTP/portals) with automated backup strategies, disaster recovery documentation, and continuous monitoring
  • Drive operational excellence through advanced troubleshooting methodologies and root cause analysis, collaborating with cross-functional teams to maintain system uptime
Senior Cybersecurity Consultant - Ernst & Young (EY)
August 2024 - October 2024

Provided advanced cybersecurity consulting services with focus on cloud security assessments and compliance.

Key Responsibilities & Achievements:

  • Conducted comprehensive security assessments of Microsoft Azure and Office 365 environments across six client organizations, evaluating controls against NIST and CIS benchmarks
  • Analyzed Azure security processes and identified gaps compared to industry standards, resulting in approximately 15 observations and improvements per client, significantly enhancing security posture
  • Provided post-review support to help clients implement proper controls and ensure compliance with complex technical security requirements, improving overall cyber resilience
Cybersecurity Consultant
August 2022 - July 2024

Delivered cybersecurity consulting services for major financial institutions, focusing on data protection, cloud security, and governance.

Key Projects & Achievements:

  • Developed and implemented a CASB process flow leveraging Zscaler to enhance Shadow IT visibility and control for a major national bank, reducing security risks and improving compliance with GLBA and PCI DSS
  • Contributed to Shadow IT analysis report providing consolidated view of SaaS application web domains from Zscaler logs, empowering informed decisions on application whitelisting/blacklisting and license optimization
  • Developed detailed governance and remediation process for unsanctioned applications, enabling the bank to balance business needs with security requirements
  • Created communications plan and socialization templates supporting governance adoption, resulting in clear stakeholder communication and improved collaboration between security teams and business units
  • Performed current state analysis of sensitive data inventory capabilities, delivering comprehensive assessment highlighting gaps in data discovery, classification, and security
  • Developed future state data inventory management process flows leveraging OneTrust and Azure Purview for data governance, providing roadmap for enhanced data protection aligned with CIS Controls and NIST Cybersecurity Framework
  • Developed sensitive data usage inventory questionnaire in OneTrust, integrating with Azure Active Directory and Azure Information Protection for comprehensive data mapping and risk assessment
L3 Infrastructure Lead - Chevron (via HCL)
December 2011 - July 2022

Led infrastructure operations and managed large-scale cloud migration projects for a major energy company.

Key Responsibilities & Achievements:

  • Conducted in-depth troubleshooting of complex Microsoft Azure Active Directory issues, leveraging Azure AD Connect Health and Azure Monitor for comprehensive diagnostics
  • Managed implementation of comprehensive ITAM governance framework leveraging ServiceNow’s CMDB for asset discovery and compliance management
  • Developed and maintained processes, policies, and standards within Chevron’s asset management department
  • Architected and executed migration of over 5,000 employees from on-premises Active Directory to Microsoft Azure IAM, utilizing Azure AD Connect for hybrid identity management and implementing Conditional Access policies
  • Administered and conducted regular audits of user and group memberships within Gulf of Mexico Business Unit IAM infrastructure using Azure AD Privileged Identity Management (PIM) and Access Reviews
  • Deployed Microsoft Cloud technologies across all Deepwater drillships, including Azure Virtual Desktop for remote access and Azure Site Recovery for business continuity
  • Defined and implemented corporate and personal mobile device configuration policies in Microsoft Intune, integrating with Azure AD for identity-based access control
  • Actively participated in offshore Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery tabletop exercises, leveraging Azure Site Recovery and Azure Backup
Board Vice President - ACMI Group HOA
January 2020 - Present

Volunteer leadership role managing community operations and stakeholder relations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Analyze annual budgets, including net income, cash balance, and reserve allocations
  • Collaborate with local businesses, evaluating and selecting optimal service providers for community maintenance and restoration projects
  • Interact with residents, actively addressing concerns and resolving issues
  • Develop and regularly update the community website and newsletter

Education

Graduated
Associate in Applied Science - Cybersecurity
Lone Star College

Completed Associate in Applied Science degree with focus on Cybersecurity.

Areas of study included:

  • Network Security Fundamentals
  • Information Security
  • Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
  • Security Operations and Incident Response
  • Risk Management and Compliance
Expected 2025
CISSP Certification
In Progress

Currently studying for Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.

Focus areas include:

  • Security and Risk Management
  • Asset Security
  • Security Architecture and Engineering
  • Network and Communications Security
  • Identity and Access Management
Expected 2025
Amateur Radio License
General Class (In Progress)

Preparing for General Class amateur radio license exam.

Current equipment and focus:

  • Operating with Baofeng UV-5R
  • RF principles and components
  • Safe operating practices
  • Emergency communications

Achievements

Self-Hosted Infrastructure
Built and maintain personal web infrastructure including this site, using NGINX reverse proxy, Cloudflare SSL, and Docker containers.
Home Lab Environment
Designed and operate comprehensive home lab for testing security tools, practicing penetration testing in controlled environment, and learning new technologies.
Print Job Tracking Implementation
Successfully deployed and configured PaperCut print management system, improving cost tracking and resource management.
Automated Backup Solutions
Implemented Restic-based backup strategy with automated scheduling and monitoring for critical systems.

Get in Touch

My inbox is always open. Whether you have a question, want to discuss a project, or just want to connect about tech, cybersecurity, or home labs — I’d love to hear from you!
Email Me