Amado Cruz

About Amado Cruz

I’ve spent over 30 years in IT solving real problems for real people – from keeping networks and servers alive to helping non-technical users feel confident with technology. Now I’m channeling that experience into my next chapter: Cybersecurity and Cloud Security, with a focus on blue-team defense and Microsoft/Azure environments.I’m an autodidact and a builder by nature. I learn by doing – spinning up home labs, breaking things on purpose, then figuring out how to harden and monitor them. Right now I’m working through a focused roadmap toward Cybersecurity Analyst → Cloud Security Analyst, combining classic security fundamentals with modern cloud skills.What I’m building toward:Cybersecurity Analyst / Security Operations (blue team, SOC, detection & response)Cloud Security Analyst with a focus on Azure, Entra ID, and Microsoft 365 securityRemote or hybrid roles where I can protect systems, mentor others, and keep learningCurrent focus areas:Re-tooling my fundamentals with ISC² CC and CompTIA Security+, then CySA+Hands-on home lab work: Windows & Linux servers, AD, firewalls, logging, vuln scansLearning SIEM and security operations (log analysis, detections, incident workflows)Building skills in Azure & M365 security: Entra ID, Conditional Access, Defender, SentinelBeyond the checkboxes and certs, I bring something you can’t cram for: decades of context. I understand how users really behave, how systems fail in the real world, and how to communicate clearly with both executives and end users when something breaks or a security incident hits.Over the next 12–18 months I’ll be:Completing Security+ → CySA+ → AZ-900 → SC-900 → SC-200Publishing my lab projects (SIEM detections, incident reports, Azure/M365 hardening)Positioning myself for roles like Cybersecurity Analyst, SOC Analyst, or Cloud Security AnalystIf you’re looking for someone who brings deep IT experience, a builder’s mindset, and a serious commitment to blue-team and cloud security, I’d love to connect—especially with teams working in Microsoft-centric or education environments, or with remote-friendly security operations.

Experience

1. Desktop Deployment Technician

   TMG Global

   Jan 2026 — Present · Miami, FL, US

   Supported large-scale desktop/laptop rollouts: imaging, provisioning, user setup, and go-live support.Troubleshot hardware/OS/connectivity issues; performed device swaps and break/fix for endpoints and peripherals.Managed asset tracking and punch lists (Excel/inventory tools); maintained accurate assignments and documentation.Assisted with basic network tasks during deployments (IDF/MDF patching, cable management, port validation).

Education

• Miami Dade College

  Philosophy

• Florida International University

  Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA, Art

  2008 — 2010