Brandon Nielson

About Brandon Nielson

Cybersecurity professional with a demonstrated history of success in blue team cyber security defense for federal systems within the DoD/DoJ. Deep expertise in NIST 800 series security controls, FISMA auditing, cross-domain enterprise services (CDES), FedRAMP A&A solutions, vulnerability management, and security assessment tools.Skilled in project management, government cybersecurity compliance, risk management framework, malware analysis, and information assurance/authorization. Recognized as a leader and problem-solver in various cyber roles. A collaborative team player, impassioned by the mission of protecting our nation\'s assets from both foreign and domestic threats.

Experience

1. Lead Mrt-c Cybersecurity Analyst

   Nisga'a CIOPS

   Sep 2025 — Present · Colorado Springs, CO, US

   As a Lead MRT-C Analyst supporting the U.S. Space Force, I lead mission-centric cyber terrain analysis to identify how systems, data flows, networks, and external dependencies enable—or place risk on—space operations. My role focuses on translating complex cyber environments into mission impact and risk insights for operational and senior decision-makers.Key responsibilities include:Mission-Focused Cyber Terrain Analysis – Map and analyze mission-relevant cyber terrain, including system architectures, data flows, trust relationships, and critical dependencies across CONUS and OCONUS environments.Mission Risk & Threat Contextualization – Assess how cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and adversary activity could degrade, disrupt, or deny space mission execution, prioritizing operational impact over isolated technical findings.RMF Risk Interpretation – Review RMF artifacts (SSPs, POA & Ms, control implementations) through a mission lens to ensure documented risks accurately reflect operational realities and mission priorities.Defensive Posture Assessment – Evaluate defensive cyber capabilities, monitoring coverage, and response readiness to determine resilience against mission-impacting cyber activity.Decision-Support Reporting – Produce MRT-C products, mission impact assessments, and executive-level briefings for system owners, program offices, and Authorizing Officials, clearly communicating cyber risk in operational terms.Team Leadership – Lead and mentor MRT-C analysts, driving analytical rigor and consistency while coordinating with cybersecurity, engineering, and mission stakeholders.This position bridges technical cyber data and operational mission outcomes, enabling informed risk decisions and strengthening the cyber resilience of U.S. Space Force missions.

Education

• Western Governors University

  Bachelor's degree, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

• Brigham Young University - Idaho

  Associate's degree, General Studies

• Hillcrest High School

  High School Diploma