Brandon S.

About Brandon S.

Accomplished Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) with nearly two years supporting NASA’s mission to protect critical aerospace and research systems. Skilled in developing, maintaining, and auditing System Security Plans (SSPs) and ensuring compliance with NIST, FISMA, and NASA procedural requirements. Experienced in vulnerability management, risk assessment, and the implementation of corrective actions to strengthen system security and maintain Authority to Operate (ATO) readiness.Bringing over 15 years of IT leadership experience, I integrate hands-on technical expertise with a strategic cybersecurity focus, enabling mission continuity across complex hybrid environments. Proven success managing enterprise infrastructure, coordinating with engineers and mission staff, and leading initiatives that improve compliance posture and operational resilience. Recognized for clear communication, disciplined execution, and collaborative leadership, I am committed to advancing NASA’s cybersecurity maturity and safeguarding systems that support national innovation.I have broad knowledge of information technology systems and cybersecurity. My experience includes the protection and administration of desktop, laptops, and server systems in large corporate environments. Secure server infrastructure design, planning and implementation, along with network capacity planning, provisioning and management are among my strongest skills. I have experience in the design and configuration of information cybersecurity measures, including anti-virus, firewalls, and VPN solutions. I have led efforts on CMMC, DFARS, NIST 800-171, NIST 800-53, and FISMA based infrastructure preparedness and certification. My skills are enhanced by a military work ethic and years working in different languages, cultures, and international settings.

Experience

1. Information System Security Officer (Isso)

   NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

   Feb 2024 — Present

   Contract Information System Security Official, ISSO at NASA Ames Research Center, Aeronautics Directorate, maintaining and assessing NIST 800-53 system security plans.Protect NASA the IT infrastructure against unauthorized access, modification, or destruction by taking proactive security measures, assessing risks, and responding to security breaches based on FISMA standards.Work with System Owners and System Administrators to determine security requirements of multiple System Security Plans and streamline protection processes to manage complex cybersecurity technologies.Implement NIST based cybersecurity best practices to improve enterprise security and to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of NASA resources.Document security compliance, perform system security plan updates, coordinate security initiatives, work to attain yearly ATOs.Assess security controls, generate risk status reports, monitor security metrics, and recommend methods to control or reduce risks based on assessment results.Create and manage necessary POA & Ms to satisfy control requirements and attain acceptance of risk by the System Owner through RBDs.Implement cybersecurity mitigation strategies, policies, procedures, practices, and protocols to prevent unauthorized access to NASA assets.Ensure employee training in secure computer practices.

Education

• University of California, Santa Cruz

  Certificate, Program Management and Project Leadership

  1999 — 2000

• Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center

  Military Linguist Certificate, Korean Studies

  1997 — 1998

• Mt. San Antonio College

  General Studies

  1989 — 1990

• Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center

  Military Linguist Certificate, Russian Studies

  1990 — 1991

• University of Arizona

  Architecture

• Pima Community College

  General Studies

• Golden Gate University

  BA, Business Management