Francis Sarpong
Germantown
Summary
Accomplished cybersecurity professional with expertise in network security and Python programming. At Penn State, built a simulated enterprise network and deployed IDS tools. Ranked in the top 10% in CTF competitions, showcasing strong analytical skills. Proven ability in team collaboration and incident response, enhancing security measures through innovative solutions.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Network Intrusion Detection Lab
Penn State
01.2024 - Current
- Built a simulated enterprise network and deployed IDS tools (Snort, Suricata) for real-time monitoring.
- Analyzed hundreds of packets captures to identify port scans, brute-force attempts, and malicious traffic.
- Documented findings and recommended firewall rule updates and detection strategies.
Capture The Flag (CTF) Competitions
TryHackMe & HackTheBox
01.2023 - Current
- Completed hands-on challenges in web exploitation, privilege escalation, cryptography, and forensic analysis.
- Ranked Top 10% in university-level CTF competitions.
- Strengthened skills in Linux enumeration, OSINT, vulnerability analysis, and exploit execution.
Python Security Automation Projects
Penn State University
Media
01.2023 - Current
- Developed Python scripts to parse authentication logs and detect brute-force patterns.
- Automated IP blacklisting and email alerting to notify administrators of suspicious activity.
- Integrated lightweight OSINT lookups for threat enrichment.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Education
B.S. - Cybersecurity
Penn State University
State College05.2026
Skills
- Python
- Threat analysis
- Network security
- Python programming
- Incident response
- Packet analysis
- Team collaboration
- Vulnerability assessment
- Risk management
- Bash
- PowerShell
- Network Security
- Computer skills
- Networking
- Critical thinking
- Supervision and leadership
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Ethical Hacking
- Digital Forensics
- Kali Linux
- Wireshark
- Metasploit
- Burp Suite
- Nmap
- Splunk
- Snort
- Suricata
- Linux
- Windows
- AWS (Basic)
- Teamwork
- Time Management
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
Certification
- CompTIA Security+ (In Progress)
- Splunk Fundamentals 1 (Completed)
- CEH (Planned)
Projects
Network Intrusion Detection Lab, Penn State, 03/01/24, Built a simulated enterprise network and deployed IDS tools (Snort, Suricata) for real-time monitoring., Analyzed hundreds of packets captures to identify port scans, brute-force attempts, and malicious traffic., Documented findings and recommended firewall rule updates and detection strategies. Capture The Flag (CTF) Competitions, TryHackMe & HackTheBox, Ongoing, Completed hands-on challenges in web exploitation, privilege escalation, cryptography, and forensic analysis., Ranked Top 10% in university-level CTF competitions., Strengthened skills in Linux enumeration, OSINT, vulnerability analysis, and exploit execution. Python Security Automation Projects, 01/01/23 - Present, Developed Python scripts to parse authentication logs and detect brute-force patterns., Automated IP blacklisting and email alerting to notify administrators of suspicious activity., Integrated lightweight OSINT lookups for threat enrichment.
Activities
- Collegiate Soccer Athlete, Built leadership, discipline, and communication skills while competing at high level.
- Cybersecurity Workshops & Trainings, Active participant in university cyber labs, security seminars, and technical events.
Personal Information
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Eligible for Security Clearance
Accomplishments
united east 3rd team all conference- soccer
Timeline
Network Intrusion Detection Lab
Penn State
01.2024 - Current
Capture The Flag (CTF) Competitions
TryHackMe & HackTheBox
01.2023 - Current
Python Security Automation Projects
Penn State University
01.2023 - Current
B.S. - Cybersecurity
Penn State University