Brandon J. Trigo
Cloud Engineer | Security+ | AWS Cloud Practitioner
"Brando"
Cloud Engineer 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 infrastructure 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 a production-grade, multi-tier cloud environment on AWS — provisioned in Terraform, deployed through CI/CD, secured and monitored. Documenting everything publicly on GitHub.
> Core Values
Honor | Integrity | Family | Advancement | Legacy
-rwxr-xr-x AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | CLF-C02 | April 2026
-rwxr-xr-x CTF Challenge Developer | SSRD Internship (Jan–May 2025)
Featured Projects
Hands-on builds — cloud infrastructure, networking, and security
Static Portfolio Infrastructure
Built this site's AWS infrastructure through the console first to learn each service, then rebuilt it twice in Terraform to codify it as IaC — practicing the full lifecycle on a separate endpoint to keep the live site untouched.
- Live site runs on S3 + CloudFront + OAC + ACM + Route 53, built via console
- Rebuilt twice in Terraform — single-file version, then refactored into 5 separated modules
- Full init → plan → apply → destroy lifecycle practiced end to end
- → View write-ups on GitHub
OWASP Secure Bank CTF Challenges
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.
- 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
My Learning Journey
Public GitHub repository documenting daily study logs, technical notes, and hands-on projects across cloud, networking, Linux, and security. Built for accountability and transparency.
- 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
Networking
Infrastructure & OS
Security
Development & Automation
Familiar / Self-Study
Building Toward
Experience
Professional journey and key accomplishments
Department Supervisor
- 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
Security Research & Development Intern
- 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
Data Center Support Technician
- 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