Ryan McPhee

Cybersecurity Analyst | SFS Scholar | Master’s in Computer Science (Security Track) | B.S. in Computer Science (Cybersecurity Concentration) | Eagle Scout

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

About

Graduate student at NC State University pursuing a Masters in Computer Science with a Security Track after previously completing a B.S. in Computer Science with Cybersecurity Concentration through an accelerated program. Interested in working on real-time threats and attacks in the field in order to carry out playbook strategies and execute recovery plans. Motivated by the value of my work and the collective passion of those around me and prefer to take on engaging roles in ongoing projects where I can be an active contributor. Take pride in self-reliance and ability to work independently on major projects, such as my report automation program with PKF O’Connor Davies, with great success. Quickly take on new challenges and operate efficiently to produce the best results. Believe that understanding the psychological perspectives of threat actors is critical to fully comprehending risk. Undergraduate Criminology minor has supported understanding the cognitive side of crime and provides useful insight into a criminals' motives to predict future actions.

Experience

  • Junior IT Security Analyst at Town of Cary
    May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

    • Monitored, investigated, and remediated phishing emails and security alerts using Microsoft Defender and related tools, leveraging sandbox environments to safely analyze threats and ensure system integrity. • Engineered custom alert policies and fine-tuned configurations in Microsoft Defender to improve detection accuracy and reduce false positives. • Led incident response efforts, coordinating across teams to manage and document security incidents in accordance with established protocols. • Reviewed and enhanced incident response runbooks and security policy documents, providing recommendations to improve procedural effectiveness. • Developed and deployed OSINT-based tools to automate the retrieval of updated malware hashes, streamlining threat intelligence gathering and improving response times. • Facilitated the transition of security-related tasks to IT Services via ServiceNow, ensuring efficient ticket management and follow-through. • Supported the integration of third-party cybersecurity tools, including Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services and Splunk, to bolster threat detection and incident response capabilities.

  • Cybersecurity Analyst at The William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation
    May 2023 - May 2026 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    • Supported statewide efforts to improve cyber hygiene and compliance among North Carolina public and charter schools by aligning practices with CIS Controls Implementation Group 1 (IG1) standards. • Monitored multiple dark web forums to identify emerging threats and assess vulnerabilities potentially impacting the state’s K-12 education sector. • Spearheaded a statewide cybersecurity awareness initiative, including the development of a public-facing website to educate students, parents, educators, and IT professionals on cybersecurity best practices. • Contributed to the drafting and implementation of universal Incident Response Plans for K-12 institutions, integrating the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 and NIST SP 800-61r2 guidance. • Designed and deployed automation tools to assist school districts in generating customized Incident Response and Cybersecurity Plans, significantly improving planning efficiency and compliance. • Conducted technical research and assessments of cybersecurity tools for inclusion in a vetted resource repository made available to K-12 institutions across the state. • Represented the Friday Institute at public conferences, presenting program achievements and promoting cybersecurity awareness across the education community.

  • North Carolina State University (Raleigh, North Carolina, United States)
    • Aquatics Supervisor
      Sep 2023 - Aug 2024 · 1 yr

    • Aquatics Lifeguard
      Sep 2022 - Aug 2024 · 2 yrs

      • Collaborated with a team of up to 5 lifeguards to enforce pool rules and standards. • Promoted health and wellness among university students through active engagement. • Maintained a safe swimming environment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

  • Cybersecurity Intern at PKF O'Connor Davies, LLP
    Jun 2022 - Aug 2022 · 3 mos

    • Designed and developed a Java program to increase efficiency in risk assessment report creation by 50%. • Implemented a man-in-the-middle attack framework using GitHub and an AWS VM to extend company phishing test capabilities by 8 additional MFA seizing websites.

  • Lifeguard at Greater Hudson Valley Council
    Jul 2019 - Aug 2021 · 2 yrs 2 mos

    • Supervised up to 30 scouts during recreational and instructional swim periods, ensuring safety and engagement. • Instructed canoeing, kayaking, and rowing merit badge classes, achieving a 90% passing rate among scouts. • Maintained cleanliness and professionalism in aquatics spaces while respecting the natural environment.