DRAGO Bonacich

Cyber Defense & Compliance

IT Security & Compliance Specialist • CISSP

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Portrait of Drago Bonacich

About

Results-driven professional and Marine Corps veteran with an active DOD Secret clearance and a proven track record of performing under pressure. Known to exceed expectations in fast-paced, collaborative environments and highly skilled in analyzing and solving problems quickly and effectively. Dedicated to continuous personal growth and to developing a broad array of IT & cybersecurity skills and knowledge. A current undergraduate student at the SANS Technology Institute and a team member at the North Carolina Department of Information Technology.

Active Certifications

ISC2 CISSP GIAC GCIH GIAC GSEC GIAC GFACT GIAC GISF CompTIA CySA+ CompTIA Security+ CompTIA Network+ CompTIA A+ Microsoft AZ-900

Experience

IT Security & Compliance Specialist

NC Department of Information Technology Hybrid • Dec 2023 – Present
  • Participate in incident response, triage alerts, and support mitigation.
  • Research and evaluate vendors to enhance the security stack.
  • Drive cross-functional projects, automation, and scripting initiatives.
  • Leverage tools: CrowdStrike, Nessus, ServiceNow, Acunetix, Tanium.
  • Build GUI tools with AI assistance to streamline security workflows.
  • Author Python and PowerShell for automation and RTR operations.

Intrusion Analyst Apprentice

ISG Cyber / NCDPS Hybrid • Apr 2023 – Dec 2023
  • Vetted third-party vendors for compliance with policy and law.
  • Performed internal OS image compliance assessments.
  • Hands-on BCP, forensics, policy writing, and tool testing.
  • Coordinated assessments and collaborated across state agencies.

Endpoint Protection Support Engineer

Microsoft Remote • Sep 2022 – Feb 2023
  • Supported Defender for Endpoint and Antivirus customers.
  • Maintained rapport; ensured timely, empathetic resolutions.
  • Collaborated broadly to solve complex customer issues.

Threat Analytics Support Engineer

Microsoft Remote • Jul 2021 – Sep 2021
  • Supported MCAS, Defender for Identity, and ATA.
  • Performed backend analysis using Splunk, Azure, and Kusto.
  • Resolved issues leveraging documentation and peer collaboration.

Education

SANS Technology Institute

B.S. in Applied Cybersecurity • Oct 2022 – Present

Hands-on program spanning DFIR, IR, pentesting, and security management. Working toward GIAC certs.

Fullstack Academy

Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp • Aug 2022 – Feb 2023

Red/blue team skills, CLI mastery, scripting, frameworks (NIST, ISO-27001, ATT&CK), SIEM and network tools.

Western Governors University

B.S. Cybersecurity & Information Assurance • Oct 2021 – Oct 2022

Dean's List; invited to The Order of the Sword and Shield (Omicron Sigma Sigma).

Covered 6 Security Academy

Cybersecurity Technician • May 2021 – Jun 2021

Core IT, networking, security principles, and hands-on systems exposure (Linux, Windows, wargaming).

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Microsoft Software & Systems Academy • Mar 2021 – May 2021

Windows Server and Azure administration, AD, Hyper‑V, remote access, load balancing, IaaS/PaaS/SaaS.

Projects

Fullstack Academy Cybersecurity Project

Man‑in‑the‑Middle via ARP/DNS spoofing + enterprise defenses

  • Two‑phase attack/defense demonstration with Bettercap and Apache.
  • Defense with DHCP Snooping and DAI in Cisco Packet Tracer.
GitHub Video

Pi‑Hole Project

Private DNS server for network‑wide ad blocking

  • Raspberry Pi Zero build with headless install and LAN integration.
  • Gateway routed to Pi‑Hole as default DNS for all traffic.

Hybrid Cloud Project

Mock enterprise using Windows Server + Azure hybrid

  • Windows Server roles, remote mgmt, and Azure hybrid integrations.
  • Node.js app deployed as Azure Web App from on‑prem repo.

Military Service

USMC uniform photo

United States Marine Corps

Communications Specialist, Scout Sniper Platoon • Feb 2019 – Apr 2021

  • Reconnaissance/surveillance in support of battalion intelligence.
  • Fieldcraft and marksmanship for long‑range precision from concealment.
  • Comms maintenance, crypto updates, and SUAS operations.
  • Diagnostics and repair of Harris radios and antennas.

Infantry Assaultman • Apr 2017 – Feb 2019

  • Urban breaching, demolitions, and anti‑armor rocketry.
  • Risk assessments and mitigation planning across operations.
  • Partnered with NATO allies on tactics and systems.

Volunteering

Saint Paul Kindergarten • South Korea

Food Service Volunteer • Nov 2018

Assisted meal prep and large‑batch kimchi production; supported efficient service.

Naha Kindergarten • Japan

Volunteer Teaching Assistant • Sep 2018

Supported basic English lessons in a cross‑cultural classroom.

Habitat for Humanity • NC

Volunteer Builder • Feb 2018

Contributed to the construction of a Habitat home as part of a supervised crew.

Contact

Email: Drago.Bonacich@Outlook.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dragobonacich

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