Welcome to Home Security Operations Center (HSOC) Cyber!

A Cybersecurity Consultation and Training Company

Certified by action, not just paper!

A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

Cybersecurity starts at home!

"HSOC Cyber Skills-First Fellowship - Certifed by Action, Not Just Paper!"

"HSOC Cyber Skills-First Fellowship - Certifed by Action, Not Just Paper!"

HSOC Cyber Skills-First Fellowship

What You'll Need:

  • A modern laptop or desktop computer (minimum 16GB RAM; 32GB or higher preferred)

  • A positive, proactive attitude with a willingness to take on new challenges

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in teams

  • Strong time management skills to meet deadlines

  • Commitment to attend bi-weekly team meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30pm to 8:30pm EST

  • "Skills-first hiring involves valuing and prioritizing a candidate’s demonstrated skills over more traditional hiring factors like education requirements and previous experience in the same field". Read more about Skills-First:

    Skills-first is where the cybersecurity profession is heading. You will immerse yourself in cybersecurity tasks that reflect the responsibilities of various critical roles, such as SOC Analyst, Pentester, Information Systems Security Engineers (ISSEs), Information Systems Security Officers (ISSOs), and more. Unlike traditional internships, this fellowship is an experience where you take an active role in projects, rather than simply supporting professionals.

  • The HSOC Cyber Skills-First Fellowship is designed to provide individuals with opportunities to undertake cybersecurity projects ranging from beginner to advanced levels, focusing on security and resilience. Participants will gain more than just theoretical knowledge; they will acquire workforce experience, mentorship, and the chance to collaborate with industry experts.

    Fellows work within the Research and Development department of HSOC Cyber, with opportunities to also engage with HSOC Cyber clients, further enhancing their practical skills and professional networks.

    1. Proficiency-Based Projects vs. Performance-Based Projects

      In performance-based projects, the instructor guides learners step-by-step to ensure the task is completed as outlined. This method emphasizes strict adherence to instructions, limiting independent decision-making and fostering a controlled environment.

      In contrast, proficiency-based projects position the instructor as a coach, offering support only when needed. Learners are encouraged to problem-solve, explore options, and self-correct, promoting creativity, independent decision-making, and critical thinking. This approach focuses on the process and skill development rather than rigid task completion.

    2. Work Experience
      Fellows will work on live projects that mirror the day-to-day responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. You’ll engage in tasks that range from threat analysis to compliance checks, gaining firsthand experience with the tools and processes used to secure and protect systems.

    3. Cybersecurity Roles
      Fellows will dive into the practical work of SOC Analysts, ISSEs, ISSOs, Pentesters, and related roles. This means contributing to tasks like system security assessments, policy enforcement, incident response planning, and vulnerability management. You’ll get the chance to apply security frameworks and protect against a variety of cyber threats.

    4. Project-Based Learning
      Throughout the fellowship, you'll focus on project-based tasks designed to build your expertise. You may be involved in setting up security architectures, conducting penetration tests, or analyzing system vulnerabilities—all of which are invaluable experiences you can immediately list on your resume.

    5. Mentorship and Guidance
      You’ll receive guidance from seasoned cybersecurity professionals who will mentor you through the challenges of each task. This personalized feedback will help you refine your skills and better understand complex cybersecurity concepts.

    6. Remote Work Flexibility
      All work in the fellowship is remote, giving you the flexibility to gain this valuable experience from anywhere. Fellows can manage their own schedules while completing assignments and collaborating with the HSOC Cyber team.

    7. Immediate Resume-Building
      As a fellow, the work you complete is structured to align with industry roles, allowing you to list this experience on your resume right away. Whether you’re performing the duties of an SOC Analysts, ISSEs, ISSOs, Pentesters, or Threat Analyst, these real-world projects demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.

    This fellowship is designed for individuals eager to learn and grow in the cybersecurity field, without the requirement of a degree. If you're ready to fast-track your career with practical, skills-first learning, the HSOC Cyber Skill-Building Fellowship is an ideal opportunity and the return on investment is real and immediate.

Andre Harris

"The HSOC Cyber Internship Program (now called the HSOC Cyber Skills-First Fellowhip) has had a transformative impact on my career. Thanks to the hands-on experience and invaluable knowledge I gained through this internship, I’ve been offered opportunities in both the commercial and public sectors, and accepted one with a federal agency. Whether you’re looking to break into tech or take your skills to the next level, this program is a must. I highly recommend signing up today!"

Try this Challenge

Can You Decode This? Try It Now!


Cybersecurity professionals, like SOC Analysts, are often tasked with decoding encrypted messages. Think you’ve got what it takes?

Scenario:

"HSOC Cyber uses the U2tpbGxzLUZpcnN0 approach to cybersecurity."

Your Mission:

  1. Copy and paste the unfamiliar word into Google or your preferred search engine.

  2. Type “decode U2tpbGxzLUZpcnN0” in the search bar.

  3. You should see this in your search: https://www.base64decode.org/

  4. What is the answer?

But What Is Base64?

Base64 is an encoding scheme often used to represent binary data in text format, making it easier to transfer over text-based systems like email or web APIs. It's widely used in cybersecurity, especially for safely transmitting or embedding sensitive data. As a SOC analyst or security engineer, knowing how to decode Base64 helps you uncover hidden payloads, analyze malware, and spot phishing links.

Bonus Step:

Use CTRL+F on the homepage and enter the whole sentence. You should be able to find the correct answer hidden somewhere on the homepage!

But This Scenario Isn't Over Yet...

Now that you’ve completed the challenge, dive deeper into encryption. Learn more about Base64, how encoding/decoding works, and why encryption is a fundamental part of protecting data. Try encoding your own message, or research how other encoding and encryption techniques—like AES or RSA—are used in cybersecurity.

If you found the answer, you’ve got what it takes to become a Skills-First Fellow. This is just a glimpse into the work experience you’ll gain with HSOC Cyber. For more advanced challenges and to test your critical thinking, contact us for information on how to join our program.

Click image to download pdf.

Our Services

  • Julie’s small business needs SOC 2 Certification to ensure the security of her clients' data and to build trust with potential customers. She turns to HSOC Cyber’s Cybersecurity Consultation service for expert guidance.

    HSOC Cyber performs a thorough assessment of Julie’s systems, identifying critical vulnerabilities and implementing tailored security solutions. From securing customer transactions to safeguarding sensitive information, the consultation addresses her specific challenges head-on.

  • With continuous monitoring and updates to ensure her business remains resilient against evolving cyber threats. With robust risk management and incident response planning in place, Julie is now confidently moving toward SOC 2 Certification, knowing her business is secure and compliant.

    Ready to take the next step in protecting your home/business? Contact us today to request a free 30-minute consultation. Let HSOC Cyber assess your needs and provide the expert advice you need to safeguard your data. Additional consultations are available at affordable rates—start now and ensure your business stays protected in an ever-changing cyber landscape.

  • Tiana has the cybersecurity knowledge but lacks the practical experience to stand out in the job market. She joins HSOC Cyber’s Cybersecurity Skills-First Fellowship, a virtual internship program designed to give her work experience in roles like threat analysis, incident response, and vulnerability management.

  • But lacks the practical experience to stand out in the job market. She joins HSOC Cyber’s Cybersecurity Skills-First Fellowship, a hands-on, virtual internship program designed to give her real-world experience in roles like threat analysis, incident response, and vulnerability management.

    HSOC Cyber Fellows meet via Zoom and Discord on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), offering flexibility for busy adults and students. Participation up to 7 days a week is optional, allowing for collaboration and project completion on your own schedule. The program is open to participants aged 14 and up, accommodating a variety of experience levels.

    The fellowship offers tiered pricing options based on the duration of the program:

    • 3-month tier: A great introduction to gaining essential cybersecurity work experience.

    • 6-month tier: For those seeking more extensive practice and mentorship in key cybersecurity roles.

    • 12-month tier: A comprehensive experience designed for participants looking to deeply enhance their skills and build a stronger portfolio.

    Tiana takes advantage of this immersive, flexible internship, working on industry-aligned projects she can add to her resume. By the end, she has completed tasks that showcase her skills, boosting her confidence and making her a standout candidate in the competitive cybersecurity job market.

  • A school district is struggling to find qualified educators to teach cybersecurity, even as the demand for these skills skyrockets. Students are missing out on critical knowledge that could prepare them for high-demand careers. HSOC Cyber’s Train the Trainer Program offers the solution.

    This program equips middle and high school instructors, as well as non-profit educators, with the tools, confidence, and the work skills needed to teach cybersecurity effectively. Through engaging exercises and projects, educators learn how to deliver cybersecurity lessons that capture students’ attention and meet diverse learning needs.

  • Comprehensive lessons that go beyond theory, guiding students in applying both defensive and offensive tactics. With these skills, educators are not only preparing students for success in the evolving digital world but also enhancing the district’s reputation for delivering cutting-edge, career-ready education.

    Contact HSOC Cyber today to learn more about how we can help you build a team of confident, skilled cybersecurity educators. Let’s close the skills gap and prepare the next generation for success in the digital age.

Testimonials

  • Amber Whyte

    "I am proud to say that I have made 2 years within the field of Cyber Security."

  • Jonathan Jackson

    "At HSOC Cyber, I didn’t just study theory, I applied knowledge in meaningful and practical ways."

  • Megan Jaindl

    "I engaged in hands-on research and built my own projects from scratch.”

  • Andre Harris

    "Because of the skills and experience I gained in this internship, I was offered jobs in both business and government. I chose to work for a federal agency."

  • Aaron Johnson

    "The hands-on projects gave me real-world practice and helped me feel more confident in my skills.”

  • Tabitha Nelson Giddings

    "The hands-on experience equipped me with the skills I needed to protect my own personal network."

  • Joshua Small

    "The live team meetings helped me build skills that I couldn't have gained from just reading textbooks."

  • Adam Spencer

    “I was able to go from a residential sales job to obtaining a Security+ certification, which helped me get my first job in cybersecurity sales.”

  • Okeezi

    “I enhanced my proficiency in threat detection, incident response, and network defense, solidifying my foundational skills in the field.”

  • Qudus Olugbade

    "On the first day of my job, I was able to provision a Windows server and perform basic configurations before deploying a solution on the server."

Trusted Partners

  • Cyber's Future

    A community-based cybersecurity education program designed for middle- and high-school students interested in protecting and defending against cybercrime. The program instills responsibility, ethical decision-making, confidence, emotional intelligence, and practical knowledge.

    Website

  • Ypifany

    Ypifany's mission is to help you unveil the meaning, unlock the value, then reclaim and secure control of your digital well-being—enabling you to realize your full, unique potential in both the physical and digital worlds.

    Website

  • CYBER RANGES

    Established to develop highly skilled, employable Cyber Security professionals, CYBER RANGES is the leader in Experiential Cyber Security Workforce Development and Cyber Capability Validation

    Website

  • ​Future Kings

    To use education, mentoring, training, practical experiences, and mastery of 21st century technology in order to create a pipeline of young men from underserved communities who excel in STEM related careers and positively influence their communities.

    Website

Request a Fellow

    • Request a Fellow: Need expert cybersecurity support without the cost of full-time staff? Our Fellows are trained in threat analysis, incident response, and vulnerability management, offering your business affordable, on-demand expertise to strengthen your security posture.

    • Complete Critical Projects: Falling behind on cybersecurity projects or audits? Our Fellows can assist with compliance initiatives, system upgrades, and threat mitigation, ensuring your business meets industry standards and stays protected.

    • Enhance Security: Concerned about vulnerabilities or outdated security protocols? HSOC Cyber provides comprehensive security assessments, identifying gaps and implementing solutions to shield your business from evolving threats.

    Don't let cybersecurity challenges hold your business back. Partner with HSOC Cyber today to access the expertise you need or sponsor a Fellow to help both your organization and an aspiring professional succeed.

Amber White

"HSOC Cyber gave me the support in my journey to understand my full potential, allowing me to think bigger, learn new skills, and continuously expand my knowledge within the ever-evolving cyber field."

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Decoded sentence answer: “HSOC Cyber uses the Skills-First approach to cybersecurity.“