Liam0nster

Education and certifications

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity. I am working toward a Master of Science in Digital Forensics.

My current certifications are ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity and CompTIA Tech+. I am working toward CompTIA Security+.

Small-business operations

I handle IT, cybersecurity, and part of the accounting and administrative work for a small business. That includes the company device lifecycle, from procurement and setup through troubleshooting and upgrades. Some of those systems are purpose-built computers used for dedicated business tasks.

I am rebuilding the company network and also manage Wi-Fi, ISP negotiations, email, equipment and material purchasing, vendors, and insurance policies. I led the migration from Dropbox to Google Drive.

On the security side, I established mandatory two-factor authentication, selected and implemented a third-party security awareness program, wrote cybersecurity policies, and investigate suspicious and potentially malicious email. My business responsibilities also include bookkeeping, taxes, and some payroll work.

Web hosting and development

I run my own web hosting and development company. I am interested in expanding that work into data recovery because it connects my hardware experience with my digital forensics education.

The part of the work I value most is translating a business problem or a rough idea into a useful product. I am interested in hardware, software, web servers, malware analysis, and understanding how systems behave when something goes wrong.

Current projects

For work, I am building a replacement for BidBoard, a company knowledge wiki, a client complaint tracker, and an HR system. I am also developing an open source network diagram creator.

Recent hardware work includes replacing a laptop display and upgrading the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth card in a mini PC. In the homelab, I designed and 3D printed a 10-inch rack before moving the equipment into a larger off-the-shelf 10-inch rack.

What I write about

This site covers homelabbing, IT systems, cybersecurity, digital forensics, electronics, and 3D printing.

I use my homelab to build applications and infrastructure that are useful to me, my family, and friends. I write after working on something myself, with a focus on what I built, what failed, and what I plan to change.

Outside the lab

I play classical guitar and spend time on 3D printing, woodworking, and practical home projects. I have also built and painted Warhammer miniatures, although that hobby is currently on hold. When I am away from a project, I prefer to be outside.

Why this site exists

I wanted one place for project notes that is useful to me and readable by somebody working through a similar problem. The articles stay available as plain files instead of being locked into a hosted publishing platform.

Code and public projects are available on GitHub. I am also interested in making videos about the work documented here.