{"id":149,"date":"2023-09-24T21:12:59","date_gmt":"2023-09-24T21:12:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/cyberimpact1\/?page_id=149"},"modified":"2026-05-24T19:21:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T23:21:00","slug":"skills","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/skills\/","title":{"rendered":"Skills"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Technical Skills Overview<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Category<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Skills<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Security &amp; Pen-testing Tools<\/td><td>Nmap \u00b7 Wireshark \u00b7 Metasploit \u00b7 WPScan \u00b7 John the Ripper \u00b7 Kali Linux<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Digital Forensics Tools<\/td><td>Autopsy \u00b7 FTK Imager \u00b7 The Sleuth Kit \u00b7 Disk Imaging \u00b7 Hex Editors<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Programming &amp; Scripting<\/td><td>Python \u00b7 Bash \u00b7 PowerShell \u00b7 SQL \u00b7 Java<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Frameworks &amp; Standards<\/td><td>NIST 800-53 \u00b7 NIST CVE \u00b7 MITRE ATT&amp;CK \u00b7 PTES \u00b7 CIA Triad \u00b7 MFA \u00b7 IAM<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>OS &amp; Infrastructure<\/td><td>Linux (Ubuntu, Kali) \u00b7 Windows 10 &amp; Server \u00b7 Virtual Machines \u00b7 Firewalls<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>AI &amp; Machine Learning<\/td><td>Google Colab \u00b7 ML Model Training &amp; Evaluation \u00b7 Generative AI<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Version Control<\/td><td>Git \u00b7 GitHub<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Offe<\/strong>nsive Security &amp; Operations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The following work samples demonstrate hands-on application of offensive security techniques, malware analysis, and risk management frameworks in real lab environments<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Persistent Access Lab &#8211; CYSE 301<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Implemented a backdoor system across Linux and Windows environments to establish persistent access, demonstrating practical understanding of lateral movement, firewall weaknesses, and attacker methodology. Tools used: Kali Linux, Windows Server<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!selectors.core.file.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-Extra-Credit_-Persistent-Access-CYSE301-1.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of Persistent Access Lab CYSE301.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-63b1ca9a-ff5f-4ba0-9345-15ff6aa00e2e\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-Extra-Credit_-Persistent-Access-CYSE301-1.pdf\">Persistent Access Lab CYSE301<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-Extra-Credit_-Persistent-Access-CYSE301-1.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-63b1ca9a-ff5f-4ba0-9345-15ff6aa00e2e\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Malware Analysis Lab &#8211; CYSE 450<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Analyzed two live malware samples, Mirai and VIPKeylogger, examining their infiltration methods, behavioral signatures, and system interactions. Submitted samples through Any.run for dynamic public analysis to determine methods of attack and persistence. Demonstrates practical malware analysis and threat identification skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!selectors.core.file.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/CYSE450-Lab-4-Alex-K-1-1.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of CYSE450 Lab 4 Malware.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-f99a6335-2ba7-48d5-bc92-301499816996\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/CYSE450-Lab-4-Alex-K-1-1.pdf\">CYSE450 Lab 4 Malware<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/CYSE450-Lab-4-Alex-K-1-1.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-f99a6335-2ba7-48d5-bc92-301499816996\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Risk Management Policy \u2014 CYSE 495<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Developed a comprehensive organizational risk management policy covering Business Impact Analysis, Business Continuity Plan, Disaster Recovery Plan, and Computer Incident Response Team procedures, grounded in NIST frameworks and designed for real-world applicability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!selectors.core.file.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Final-Exam-CYSE-495-Alex-K-2-1.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of The Importance of BIA, BCP, DRP, and CIRTs. CYSE 495.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-640d5a6d-66cc-4368-9717-3b9766bbf491\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Final-Exam-CYSE-495-Alex-K-2-1.pdf\">The Importance of BIA, BCP, DRP, and CIRTs. CYSE 495<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Final-Exam-CYSE-495-Alex-K-2-1.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-640d5a6d-66cc-4368-9717-3b9766bbf491\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Policy, Research &amp; Analysis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The following work samples demonstrate my ability to research, analyze, and synthesize cybersecurity topics into professional documentation and policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cyberterrorism Across the Globe \u2014 CYSE 426<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A social analytical report examining cyberterrorism, its origins, motivations, effects, and real-world case studies. Demonstrates my ability to analyze threat actor behavior and communicate findings in a structured research format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!selectors.core.file.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Project-Paper-CYSE-426-Alex-K-1.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of Cyberterrorism Across the Globe CYSE 426.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-48fe74df-edce-4dc8-9d0c-f3695d8f0687\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Project-Paper-CYSE-426-Alex-K-1.pdf\">Cyberterrorism Across the Globe CYSE 426<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Project-Paper-CYSE-426-Alex-K-1.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-48fe74df-edce-4dc8-9d0c-f3695d8f0687\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Corporate Database Security Policy \u2014 CYSE 300<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A security policy identifying the five most critical database security issues and applying guidance from established frameworks to develop actionable controls. Demonstrates policy development and framework application skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!selectors.core.file.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Corporate-Database-Security-Policy_-Short-Research-Paper-2-09_15-CYSE300-Alex-K-1.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of Corporate Database Security Policy CYSE300.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-e94076ca-1d89-47bd-be1a-7bd318682ee1\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Corporate-Database-Security-Policy_-Short-Research-Paper-2-09_15-CYSE300-Alex-K-1.pdf\">Corporate Database Security Policy CYSE300<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Corporate-Database-Security-Policy_-Short-Research-Paper-2-09_15-CYSE300-Alex-K-1.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-e94076ca-1d89-47bd-be1a-7bd318682ee1\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Equifax Data Breach \u2014 CYSE 300<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A research report analyzing the 2017 Equifax breach, exploring how it occurred, its direct and indirect impacts on affected individuals, and preventative measures that could have mitigated it. Demonstrates forensic analytical thinking and breach response knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!selectors.core.file.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/The-Equifax-Data-Breach_-Short-Research-Paper-1-09_08-CYSE300-Alex-K.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of The Equifax Data Breach CYSE 300.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-7dfe6071-4e84-4afd-a87e-70365c809f46\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/The-Equifax-Data-Breach_-Short-Research-Paper-1-09_08-CYSE300-Alex-K.pdf\">The Equifax Data Breach CYSE 300<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/The-Equifax-Data-Breach_-Short-Research-Paper-1-09_08-CYSE300-Alex-K.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-7dfe6071-4e84-4afd-a87e-70365c809f46\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Development &amp; Scripting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The following work samples demonstrate programming ability across multiple languages, with a focus on security-relevant applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Python \u2014 Secure Online Voting Server \u2014 CYSE 301<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Developed a client-server voting system in Python implementing end-to-end encryption, user authentication, duplicate-vote prevention, and support for simultaneous connections. Demonstrates practical Python development applied to a real security problem: authentication, encryption, and secure multi-user systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!selectors.core.file.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Server-Project-Server-2.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of Server Project (Server).\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-b2af1092-9d13-46e2-985a-f2c2d030f484\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Server-Project-Server-2.pdf\">Server Project (Server)<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Server-Project-Server-2.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-b2af1092-9d13-46e2-985a-f2c2d030f484\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!selectors.core.file.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Server-Project-Client-2.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of Server Project (Client).\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-7d97024f-32a6-47ea-b549-68531658de7e\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Server-Project-Client-2.pdf\">Server Project (Client)<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Server-Project-Client-2.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-7d97024f-32a6-47ea-b549-68531658de7e\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Java \u2014 Average Student Scores Calculator \u2014 CS 151<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!selectors.core.file.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/CS151-Lab-7-Task-3-Code.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of CS151 Lab 7 Average Student Scores Code.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-691be838-3bcf-40d2-9d70-230604e85d61\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/CS151-Lab-7-Task-3-Code.pdf\">CS151 Lab 7 Average Student Scores Code<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/CS151-Lab-7-Task-3-Code.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-691be838-3bcf-40d2-9d70-230604e85d61\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Game Development<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Game development is a personal hobby and creative outlet alongside my cybersecurity work. My interest stems from the overlap between game systems design and security thinking; both require understanding how complex systems interact and where they break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Intro to Game Programming \u2014 GAME 111<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Completed ODU&#8217;s introductory game programming course with an A, building foundational skills in game mechanics, scripting logic, and interactive system design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">C# Speed Math Game<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Developed a timed math game in C# utilizing random number generation and a stopwatch system to challenge the user through a series of arithmetic questions. Demonstrates foundational C# programming skills and basic game loop logic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!selectors.core.file.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Program-2-Speed-Math-Game.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of Program 2 Speed Math Game.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-9965ea3f-4439-4441-bb2a-306b05de8d90\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Program-2-Speed-Math-Game.pdf\">Program 2 Speed Math Game<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34348\/2025\/10\/Program-2-Speed-Math-Game.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-9965ea3f-4439-4441-bb2a-306b05de8d90\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>I am continuing to develop my game development skills independently as a hobby. More projects to come.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Technical Skills Overview Category Skills Security &amp; Pen-testing Tools Nmap \u00b7 Wireshark \u00b7 Metasploit \u00b7 WPScan \u00b7 John the Ripper \u00b7 Kali Linux Digital Forensics Tools Autopsy \u00b7 FTK Imager \u00b7 The Sleuth Kit \u00b7 Disk Imaging \u00b7 Hex Editors Programming &amp; Scripting Python \u00b7 Bash \u00b7 PowerShell \u00b7 SQL \u00b7 Java Frameworks &amp; Standards&#8230; <\/p>\n<div class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/skills\/\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":27611,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/149"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27611"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=149"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/149\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":390,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/149\/revisions\/390"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/alexander-kotzian\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=149"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}