Chris Brechin
Systems Administrator & Cybersecurity Specialist
Building bridges between technology and security. Specialized in systems administration, security auditing, and infrastructure support with a passion for task automation and workflow optimization.
About Me
Building Bridges Between Technology & Security
I'm Chris Brechin, a systems administrator and cybersecurity specialist with a passion for building bridges between complex technical challenges and practical solutions. With expertise spanning Linux administration, security auditing, and infrastructure support, I specialize in optimizing workflows and automating tasks to drive operational efficiency.
Core Expertise
My background includes hands-on experience with Windows Server, DNS, AD, RADIUS, and NAS deployments, as well as specialized knowledge in Linux administration and security auditing.
Education & Approach
I hold a Cybersecurity Specialist Diploma and am currently pursuing a Master's in Data Science at the University of Colorado Boulder. My approach focuses on practical problem-solving, knowledge sharing, and building robust, secure infrastructure solutions.
Security First
Cybersecurity specialist with defensive architecture expertise
Systems Expert
Linux administration specialist
Automation Focus
Workflow optimization and task automation expert
Professional Experience
Intermediate Systems Administrator
MDA Space Ltd.
2022 - Present
- Serving as Security Auditing and Reporting lead on the Polar Epsilon 2 project
- Supporting satellite surveillance infrastructure in a mixed environment
- Collaborating with Operations and Engineering teams to troubleshoot production issues
- Maintaining MTTR project deliverables and considered the on-site Linux expert
- Sharing Linux administration knowledge with coworkers and focusing on task automation
Systems Administrator
Integrity Design Studios Inc.
2020 - 2022
- Solely responsible for office modernization and infrastructure deployment
- Implemented Windows Server 2019, DHCP, DNS, NAS, AD, and RADIUS solutions
- Troubleshot business applications and fine-tuned web, marketing, and email technologies
- Deployed hardware solutions and managed core IT services
Education
Master of Science in Data Science
University of Colorado Boulder
2023 - Present (Graduating 2026)
Topics include Machine Learning, Database Design, Natural Language Processing, and Statistics.
Cybersecurity Specialist Diploma
CDI College
2020 - 2022
Specialized program covering Defensive Architecture, Linux, Windows Server, Networking, and Ethical Hacking. Tutored peers in Networking and Linux.
Bookkeeping Certificate
University of the Fraser Valley
2021
Comprehensive certification covering Budgeting, Project Reporting, and Procurement Invoicing.
General Studies Diploma
University of the Fraser Valley
2015 - 2020
Focused on Business Applications, Theoretical Mathematics, and Computer Science.
French Language and Québecois Culture
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
2010
Led to extended experiences within the province of Québec in various roles. Topics included History, Linguistics, and Communication.
Professional Certifications
Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
ISC²
Expires: Aug 31, 2027
Advanced security certification for IT professionals implementing, monitoring and administering IT infrastructure
Associate of ISC²
ISC²
Expires: Jul 31, 2026
Professional recognition for cybersecurity professionals working toward CISSP certification
Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
ISC²
Expires: Mar 31, 2027
Entry-level cybersecurity certification covering fundamental security concepts and best practices
CompTIA SecurityX ce Certification
CompTIA
Expires: Jul 22, 2027
Advanced security certification focusing on emerging threats and cutting-edge security technologies
CompTIA CySA+ ce Certification
CompTIA
Expires: Jul 22, 2027
Cybersecurity analyst certification focusing on threat detection and response through continuous security monitoring
CompTIA Security+ ce Certification
CompTIA
Expires: Jul 22, 2027
Cybersecurity fundamentals and best practices for IT professionals
CompTIA Linux+ ce Certification
CompTIA
Expires: Jan 15, 2026
Linux system administration and security fundamentals
CompTIA Network+ ce Certification
CompTIA
Expires: Jul 22, 2027
Network infrastructure and security fundamentals for IT professionals
CompTIA A+ ce Certification
CompTIA
Expires: Jul 22, 2027
IT fundamentals and technical support certification
Networking Associate (MTCNA)
MikroTik
MikroTik Certified Network Associate for network infrastructure management
Inter-Networking Engineer (MTCINE)
MikroTik
Advanced MikroTik networking certification for complex network design
Routing Engineer (MTCRE)
MikroTik
Expert-level MikroTik routing and network engineering certification
Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT)
Fiber Optic Association
Fiber optic installation, testing, and maintenance certification
Professional Associations
Association of Old Crows (AOC) Maple Leaf Chapter
Lifetime Membership
Electronic warfare and information operations professional association
ISACA Vancouver Chapter
Professional Membership
IT governance, risk management, and cybersecurity professional association
Judo Canada
Certified Coach
I host morning and weekend Judo classes.
(ISC)² Vancouver Chapter
Professional Membership
Vancouver-based cybersecurity and information security professional association
Skills & Expertise
Systems Administration
Cybersecurity
Infrastructure & Networking
Automation & Scripting
Business & Communication
Get In Touch
Let's Build Something Together
I'm always interested in new opportunities and exciting projects. Whether you need systems administration, cybersecurity expertise, or just want to discuss technology solutions, I'd love to hear from you.
Available upon request
Phone
Available upon request
Available upon request