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Homelab Infrastructure

TL;DR: Realistic “mini-SOC” lab: built and segmented a network, deployed monitoring tools (Security Onion/Wazuh/Nessus/TheHive), and tested Zero Trust access (Tailscale/Twingate/Netbird). Shows end-to-end security ops with plain-English notes for non-technical reviewers. Outcome: full lab stood up and documented in <3 days.

A Proxmox-based homelab designed as a practical testbed to build, break, and secure enterprise-like systems. This environment delivers hands-on experience with the same tools and architectures used in modern SOCs and IT operations. The following sections highlight key competencies developed and how they translate into professional value for an organization.

💡 Core Features

  • Virtualization with Proxmox VE for agile deployment of VMs
  • SOC Tools → Security Onion, Wazuh, Nessus, TheHive + Cortex
  • Red Team Tools → Kali Linux, Metasploit, DVWA, Caldera
  • Network Segmentation → pfSense firewall with VLANs
  • Zero Trust Pilot → testing Tailscale, Twingate, Netbird
  • Self-Hosted Services → Nextcloud, n8n, Kasm Workspaces

🌐 Lab Topology

Homelab Network Diagram
Homelab Network Diagram — Proxmox, pfSense VLANs, SOC & red team tools, self-hosted services, and Zero Trust pilots.

🛠️ Infrastructure & Tools

  • Firewall: pfSense with VLAN segmentation
  • Targets: Windows AD lab, Ubuntu/Docker services, web apps (bWAPP, DVWA)
  • SOC Stack: Security Onion, Wazuh, Nessus, TheHive + Cortex
  • Red Team Stack: Kali Linux, Metasploit, DVWA, Caldera
  • Zero Trust: Tailscale, Twingate, Netbird pilots

🧩 Key Competencies Developed

  • Infrastructure Management → secure VM administration, system hardening, resource optimization
  • Security Implementation → SOC deployment, vulnerability scanning, and incident response
  • Vulnerability Management → identify and remediate weaknesses with enterprise-grade tools
  • Zero Trust Principles → applied in segmented networks using modern access control models
  • Professional Skills → leadership, mentoring, and disciplined execution under pressure, shaped by service as a USAF Veteran and corporate leadership experience

💼 Professional Applications

The competencies gained through this homelab translate into measurable value for organizations:
- Resilient Infrastructure → design and maintain secure, segmented environments that reduce attack surface
- Operational Security → deploy SOC tools to detect, investigate, and respond to incidents effectively
- Continuous Vulnerability Management → identify and remediate weaknesses before they impact business operations
- Zero Trust Implementation → apply granular access controls and modern security models to safeguard systems and data