Aspiring Cybersecurity Specialist and Penetration Tester

Kristy Murphy

*** ***** *** ****, ***** Grove, AL 256-***-****

Email: ***********@*****.***

Highly motivated Computer Science graduate with a 3.5 GPA and a passion for network security. Seeking to apply hands-on experience in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment gained through university lab simulations to contribute to the proactive defense team.

Education & Credentials

Bachelor of Science in Computer Sciences Expected: March 08, 2026

Bellevue University GPA: 3.7

Comp TIA Security + Certification in Progress

Cybersecurity Projects

Group Cybersecurity Project – Breach Detection and Incident Response

Fall 2025

Course: CYB 410 – Cybersecurity Capstone

Collaborated with a 3-member team to research and analyze real-world data breaches, identifying root causes and vulnerabilities in network infrastructures.

Conducted simulated attacks using Kali Linux, Metasploit, and Wireshark to model potential breach scenarios and test detection methods.

Documented breach of response protocols and developed an Incident Response Plan (IRP) aligned with NIST Cybersecurity Framework standards.

Presented findings and mitigation strategies to faculty and peers, highlighting preventative controls, risk reduction methods, and compliance considerations.

Delivered a final written report with actionable recommendations to strengthen system security posture and reduce organizational risk.

Security Awareness Analyst – Cybersecurity Job Simulation

September 2025 - present

Mastercard Virtual Experience (Forage)

Designed a phishing email simulation to test employees’ ability to recognize and respond to potential threats, applying realistic attack techniques such as urgent language, spoofed domains, and disguised links.

Analyzed phishing campaign results to identify vulnerable groups and assess organizational exposure, interpreting data such as click-through rates and reporting patterns.

Developed a targeted training presentation to educate employees on recognizing phishing attempts and applying best practices to mitigate social engineering risks.

Practiced skills in cybersecurity awareness, incident simulation, and stakeholder communication through a real-world scenario-based exercise.

Additional Work Experience Month Year - Present

Claims Supervisor, Day Receiving 10/3/2001-08/13/2022

Served as a key operational backbone of the Walmart backroom, supporting inventory accuracy, Vendor accountability, and loss prevention

Managed all claims department functions, including processing damaged, defective, and returned merchandise for vendors and Walmart distribution centers.

Coordinated outbound shipments through FedEx and UPS, including preparing documentation, track shipments, and filing carrier claims when necessary.

Processed DO (purchase order) numbers, ensuring accurate check-in, scanning, and reconciliation of vendor shipments.

Food & Consumables TA Walmart 08/13/2022-07/20/2023

Managed high-volume food and consumables inventory, ensuring accurate stocking, rotation, and presentation in fast paced retail environments.

Led seasonal candy merchandising, overseeing setup, replenishment, and sell through during peak promotional periods.

Executed price changes with precision, ensuring compliance with corporate pricing strategies and maintaining price accuracy across departments.

Preformed pinpoint inventory audits, verifying hand counts to improve inventory accuracy, reduce shrinking, and support replenishment planning.

Fitting Room Associate 07/20/2023- Present

Served as a core operational support for the Apparel Department, helping to maintain inventory accuracy, flow, and organization across multiple apparel areas.

Managed apparel inventory, including monitoring hands, handling cases, and ensuring merchandise was properly located, scanned, and available on the sales floor.

Executed price changes accurately and on schedule, including seasonal and promotional updates.

Performed Viz Pick inventory processes, locating, picking, and staging merchandise to support timely replenishment.

Technical Skills and Competencies

Cybersecurity Tools: Kali Linux; Metasploit; Wireshark; Splunk SIEM; Nmap

Frameworks & Standards: NIST CSF; MITRE ATT&CK; Incident Response Planning

Technical Skills: Network Security; Log Analysis; Vulnerability Scanning; Python; Bash

Professional Skills: Security Awareness Training; Risk Assessment; Data Analysis; Team Collaboration

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