Cybersecurity • Networking • Projects
Hi! My name is Nick Hodges, and I’m currently a Cybersecurity major at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) with a minor in Computer Networking.
I’ve had a love for computers for as long as I can remember. I got my first computer when I was just three years old, but really started experimenting and tinkering around the age of eight or nine. My passion for cybersecurity began in high school, where I served as the team captain of my JROTC unit’s cybersecurity team for three years. In my senior year, I passed the captain role to a friend, but stayed deeply involved in competing and mentoring.
I’ve always been a Windows person at heart, and my specialty lies in hardening and securing Windows systems—from Active Directory and DNS to overall system defense. That’s where I thrive: building secure environments, locking down systems, and protecting critical infrastructure.
Developed a set of automated PowerShell scripts used in collegiate cyber defense competitions . These scripts enforce host-based firewall rules, configure system security policies, and generate Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to rapidly harden and secure Windows environments under time pressure.
Built and maintain a two-node Proxmox homelab hosting multiple virtual machines, including Windows Server, various client OSs, and security tools such as Wazuh, Snort, Kali Linux, and Metasploitable. This environment allows me to simulate enterprise networks, experiment with defensive monitoring, and test security workflows in realistic scenarios.
Currently dedicating significant time to preparing for the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) certification. My focus is on mastering security fundamentals, risk management, and network defense principles through structured study sessions, practice exams, and hands-on reinforcement in my homelab. This certification effort reflects my commitment to advancing my cybersecurity knowledge and validating it with an industry-recognized credential.
I’ve always loved remembering when the internet felt simpler — when websites were fun, personal, and full of creativity instead of ads and algorithms. I grew up during that time, and it shaped how I think about technology today.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Windows 7. Its design, smooth gradients, and colorful glass aesthetic remind me of a time when technology felt new and exciting. This website is my little tribute to that era — a blend of nostalgia and simplicity, built to capture the feeling of when computers first started to inspire me.
Email: nahodges02@gmail.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nick-hodges