My professional background, certifications, and the tech stack I work with daily.
Certifications & Qualifications
Professional Core Certifications
BSI IT-Grundschutz Practitioner
CloudHelden GmbH / DEKRA • January 2026
Security management, protection needs analysis, risk treatment, and ISMS fundamentals.
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA • 2025
Networking concepts, infrastructure, operations, security, and troubleshooting.
LPIC-2: Linux Engineer
Linux Professional Institute • July 2022
Advanced Linux administration, kernel, networking, security, and system services.
LPIC-1: Linux Administrator
Linux Professional Institute • May 2022
Linux system administration, command line, file systems, and network configuration.
Cloud & Network Infrastructure
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Foundations Associate
Oracle • 2025
Cloud architecture, security, networking, storage, and identity and access management.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Amazon Web Services • 2025
Core AWS services, security, architecture, pricing, and cloud management.
Cisco Get Connected & Networking Basics
Cisco Networking Academy • October 2023
Network fundamentals, TCP/IP, OSI model, and network troubleshooting.
Linux Server Management and Security
University of Colorado • January 2022
Server administration, security hardening, monitoring, and enterprise Linux management.
Training & Foundation
Cybersecurity Training Completion
US Department of Homeland Security - CISA • August 2021
Cybersecurity frameworks, incident response, and critical infrastructure protection.
Cybersecurity Roles, Processes & Operating System Security
IBM Security Learning • August 2020
Security roles, processes, OS security, and enterprise cybersecurity frameworks.
Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools & Cyber Attacks
IBM Security Learning • August 2020
Cybersecurity tools, attack vectors, threat analysis, and security monitoring.
NDG Linux Essentials
Cisco Networking Academy • December 2023
Linux fundamentals, command line, file systems, and basic system administration.
NDG Linux Unhatched
Cisco Networking Academy • November 2023
Introduction to Linux, open source concepts, and basic command line skills.
Programming with Python
University of Michigan • June 2020
Python programming fundamentals, data structures, and automation scripting.
In Progress
- Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Networking Professional - Oracle (in progress)
- DQR5 Infrastruktur und Vernetzung - IHK / CloudHelden (in progress)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate - Amazon Web Services (in progress)
- GitHub Foundations - GitHub (in progress)
- KCNA: Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate - CNCF / Linux Foundation (in progress)
How It All Started
It all started on a decommissioned 386 — no internet connection, no modem. I installed my first Linux from a CD set: SuSE. The 400-page companion book covered nearly every aspect of the kernel — and because my hardware wasn't supported, I had to build my first custom kernel from scratch.
Later the Fritzbox bored me. So I built my first 4-NIC router and loaded it with pfSense. Suddenly I was fascinated by how much a simple Pi-hole setup reveals about your own network traffic — and it hasn't stopped since.
Certified Professional Competencies
Practical Security Implementation
- OpenBSD pf as Firewall/Router
- Secure DNS (Pi-hole + Unbound)
- OpenBSD Hardening & NSD Configuration
- Self-hosted Privacy Services (SearXNG)
- Gentoo Security Profiles & System Hardening
LPIC-1 & LPIC-2 Linux Expertise
- Linux System Administration & CLI
- Kernel Management & System Startup
- Network Services (DHCP, DNS, SSH, Web, FTP)
- Firewalling, VPN & Authentication Systems
- Performance Monitoring & Capacity Planning
CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Skills
- IPv4/IPv6 Addressing & Subnetting
- VLANs, STP, Trunking & Inter-VLAN Routing
- Network Security & Firewall Configuration
- Cloud Service Models & Virtual Networking
- Network Troubleshooting & Performance Analysis
OCI Cloud Infrastructure
- OCI Compute, Storage & Networking
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Cloud Security & Compliance Policies
- Oracle Database & Data Management
- Infrastructure-as-Code & Resource Management
Cisco Network Fundamentals
- OSI & TCP/IP Protocol Stack Analysis
- Cisco IOS & CLI Configuration
- Routing Protocols (Static & Dynamic)
- Network Security Threats & Countermeasures
- Network Monitoring & Management
AWS Cloud Practitioner Skills
- AWS Core Services (EC2, S3, VPC, Lambda)
- AWS Security & Identity (IAM, CloudTrail)
- Cloud Architecture & Well-Architected Framework
- Pricing Models & Cost Optimization
- Cloud Migration Concepts & Strategies
Professional Career & IT Development
Continuing Education: DQR5 Infrastruktur und Vernetzung, IHK / CloudHelden (part-time, ongoing)
Part-time IHK qualification at German Qualifications Framework (DQR) Level 5, focused on network infrastructure and interconnection. Building on the completed full-time Java DevOps Engineer program.
Professional Training: Java DevOps Engineer, CloudHelden GmbH (completed)
AZAV-certified full-time training program (2300 UE, approx. 1 year) focused on infrastructure, DevOps, and cloud technologies. The program title reflects the DevOps infrastructure focus — no Java programming. Earned during the program: CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) and BSI IT-Grundschutz Practitioner (DEKRA, Jan 2026).
Cloud & Network Security Specialization
Successfully completed CompTIA Network+, Oracle OCI Foundations Associate, AWS Cloud Practitioner. Focus on cloud network security and modern infrastructure architectures. Currently preparing: Oracle Cloud Networking Professional.
Operator Service & Support, Systema Datentechnik
IT support and service operations at a technology company in Potsdam. Practical application of my networking and Linux knowledge in a professional environment.
Linux Professional Certification & Specialization
Successfully completed LPIC-2 Linux Engineer (July 2022) and LPIC-1 Linux Administrator (May 2022). Deepened knowledge in Linux Server Management and Security through University of Colorado course (January 2022).
Cybersecurity Fundamentals & Programming
Intensive continuing education in cybersecurity: IBM Security Learning courses, CISA Government Training, University of Michigan Python Programming. Building structured IT security knowledge.
Furniture Logistics & IT Hobby Deepening
Professional work as furniture logistics specialist at Plischka Umzüge, Potsdam. Parallel continuous deepening of IT knowledge: building own privacy services, pfSense/OPNsense experiments, self-hosting projects.
Staff Editor / Editor-in-Chief, BackJournal Verlag, Osnabrück
Editorial work at a trade publisher for the bakery industry – initially as staff editor, later as editor-in-chief. First professional contact with macOS: article production and editing own reportage photos. CLI and network tools explored in personal time. Own photography at craft businesses using a Pentax K10D.
Linux & Unix Foundation
Decades of experience with Linux systems on laptops and desktop computers, macOS CLI and Unix tools. From desktop Linux to server systems, Gentoo, Linux From Scratch – continuous building of system fundamentals.
My Values
As someone who lives technology from passion and not just uses it professionally, certain principles are paramount to me:
- Privacy by Design: Data protection is not an add-on, but a foundation
- Open Source First: Transparency and community-driven development
- Security from the Ground Up: Security as foundation, not as an afterthought
- Self-Reliance: Own infrastructure for maximum control
- Continuous Learning: Technology evolves - so do I
- Practical Knowledge: Hands-on experience beats theoretical knowledge
Why You Want Me as a Colleague
I bring a rare combination: The curiosity of a career changer, the passion of a tinkerer, and the structured knowledge of a certified professional. While others talk, I experiment. While others buy standard solutions, I build them myself. This hands-on mentality, combined with my fresh perspective on problems, makes me a valuable team member.