Owen James Engebretson Bentz

Phone: 612-701-4335

DoB: 01-24-2003

Objective

Highly motivated aspiring cybersecurity student seeking to leverage my skills and passion in a real-world, relevant job setting.

Experience

Spark DDI Delivery – Casper, WY (2021-2025)

Package Delivery Personnel

Demonstrated reliability and time management in a fast-paced delivery environment.
Ensured timely route completion and customer satisfaction.

Pizza Ranch – Casper, WY (2019-2020)

Cook, Kitchen Staff

Enhanced teamwork and communication skills in a collaborative kitchen setting.
Upheld high standards of cleanliness and food safety compliance.

Technical Skills & Proficiencies

Operating Systems: Extensive experience managing and securing Linux, macOS, and Windows, including user security policy configuration.
Virtualization: Proficient in VMware and VirtualBox for VM management and testing.
Security Tools: Hands-on expertise with Wireshark, Ettercap, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Metasploit for network analysis, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment.
Networking: Strong knowledge of routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, RIPv2), VLANs, NAT, DHCP, and ACLs; skilled in configuring and troubleshooting routers and switches.
Programming & Scripting: Basic proficiency in C++ and Python; experienced with Notepad++, Visual Studio, and Visual Basic.
Web Technologies: Familiar with HTML and CSS fundamentals.
Productivity Suites: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Access).
Multimedia: Advanced skills in Photoshop; basic proficiency in 3D rendering and video editing.

Certifications

TestOut Security Pro (Issued: 12/11/2024)
- Skills: Identity Management and Authentication (Manage Identity, Harden Authentication), Physical and Network Security (Harden Physical Access, Harden Network Devices), Host and Application Defense (Harden Systems, Implement Application/Virtualization Defenses), Data Security (Protect Data, Implement Encryption), Audit and Security Assessment (Logging, Auditing, Assessment Techniques).
Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching: Scaling Networks (Completed: 04/06/2020)
- Capabilities: Configure and troubleshoot STP, EtherChannel, HSRP, inter-VLAN routing, and OSPF/EIGRP for IPv4/IPv6.
Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching: Routing and Switching Essentials (Completed: 05/22/2019)
- Capabilities: Configure routing, switching, VLANs, NAT, DHCP, ACLs, and troubleshoot network devices.
Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching: Introduction to Networks (Completed: 04/15/2019)
- Capabilities: Explain network technologies, design IP schemes, configure initial settings, and ensure basic network connectivity.

About Me

Location History:

Born in Burnsville, Minnesota
Raised in Morristown, Minnesota
Moved to Faribault, Minnesota in 2015
Moved to Casper, Wyoming in 2017
Currently a student at Casper College, pursuing an associate's degree in Computer Security

My attraction to this field stems not only from my experience as the go-to IT support for family and friends, but also from just enjoying troubleshooting. Getting side tracked with something technical, refusing to let it beat me, and then digging in to try to solve it. I genuinely enjoy helping others resolve their technical issues and find the troubleshooting process to be rewarding.

I'm a highly motivated aspiring cybersecurity enthusiast with a lifelong passion for technology. From building my first gaming rig at 14, to mastering network configurations, my passion for the digital world is unwavering.

My strengths include:

Possessing a solid understanding of operating systems, network security, and proactive threat detection.
Background in creative software and analytical troubleshooting providing a unique and valuable perspective to the cybersecurity landscape.
Eager to contribute a dynamic approach to protecting digital assets and infrastructure.
Seeking to leverage my proven work ethic and IT passion into a dedicated IT role.

*

While the majority of my knowledge is self-taught, driven by curiosity and desire to learn, my family has been a constant source of encouragement, wholeheartedly supporting my interests. I also owe significant credit to both my Kelly Walsh CCNA instructor, Duane Reimer, and my Casper College CCNA instructor, Jeffrey Brewster, for their invaluable contributions. I am currently preparing to take the CCNA exam upon completion of my CCNA prep course at Casper College.

AI

In my opinion, AI is a powerful tool with vast potential for automating tasks and enhancing various processes. I believe it is crucial to learn how to effectively utilize these tools while maintaining an awareness of their distinction from human-generated content. (In fact, this website was built using contributions from Gemini 2.0). Effective cybersecurity execution starts by making sure your friends and family are protected. Unlike other fields, AI is accelerating cybersecurity. With the advancements of technology, EVERYONE should have at least a basic understanding of cybersecurity.

Projects

Hobbies

Building PCs
Cybersecurity News
Jailbreaking
Operating Systems, Virtual Machines
Network Configuration
Common IT Troubleshooting
Tech Advances (CRISPR, Neuralink, Nvidia, AI, etc.)
Hardware & Software
Home Labs/Self-Hosting

PC Timeline