ABOUT HSOC CYBER

HSOC Cyber LLC is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) based in Triangle, VA. We provide cybersecurity consulting, training, and workforce development programs for individuals ages 12 and up who want to prepare for real jobs in cybersecurity.

What makes us different is our proficiency-based approach. Instead of step-by-step “performance-based” training where you follow instructions to pass a test, we give learners real projects to figure out—just like they would in an actual job. It’s the difference between learning to cook by watching someone follow a recipe versus being handed a basket of ingredients and figuring out how to prepare a meal that tastes great. Our approach builds critical thinking, problem-solving, documentation, and troubleshooting skills that employers truly value.

Our services include hands-on cybersecurity work, building personal portfolios, setting up home-based Security Operations Centers (SOCs), completing real job tasks, and preparing for both certifications and real-world roles.

We partner with schools, nonprofits, workforce boards, and government agencies to bridge the gap between learning and doing—so our students aren’t just trained, they’re ready.

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LEADERSHIP BIOS

Dr. Wesley Phillips

CEO & FOUNDER
Dr. Wesley Phillips ("Doc Wes") brings over 20 years of elite cybersecurity experience to his role as primary Subject Matter Expert and curriculum designer for the Cyber's Future Program. His distinguished career includes serving as Acting CISO, SOC Manager, and Cyber Program Manager for the Department of Defense. A disabled veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he holds an active government security clearance and is a graduate of the National Security Agency's Technical Surveillance Countermeasures program.

As CEO and Founder of HSOC Cyber, Doc Wes pioneered a groundbreaking cybersecurity fellowship program that transforms beginners into skilled professionals. His expertise spans 25+ certifications, including CCISO, CISM, CRISC, GSLC, CASP+, Pentest+, SEC+, PMP, and TSCM. He currently teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses while leading certification programs in SOC Analysis and Penetration Testing.

Doc Wes's teaching philosophy—"Certified by action, not just paper!"—shapes his innovative approach to cybersecurity education. He specializes in creating practical, accessible learning experiences that strip away technical complexity while building genuine expertise. Beyond cybersecurity, he is an accomplished pianist, organist, vocalist, and martial arts instructor.

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Cheryl Abram

HSOC CYBER CONSULTANT

Cheryl Abram, HSOC Cyber Consultant, transforms traditional approaches to cybersecurity education and practice. Her innovative methods in curriculum design, risk management, and opportunity modeling guide individuals and organizations toward confident control of their digital environments.

As contributing cybersecurity writer for Salesforce Trailhead and lead voice talent and major instructional contributor for Innovation Pathways, Cheryl has guided thousands of learners across Virginia and globally. The founder of Ypifany, Cheryl integrates cybersecurity expertise with her unique background in social work, human resources, and hypnotherapy. This multidisciplinary approach helps clients navigate both digital and personal transformation, engineering their own paths to success.

Known for inspiring learners to embrace their capabilities and direct their own growth, Cheryl serves as an author, speaker, and advocate for challenging conventional thinking. Connect with Cheryl through her LinkTree and her Cybersecurity Portfolio.

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Abdul Edmondson

HSOC CYBER CONSULTANT
Abdul Edmondson is a skillful cybersecurity expert with over 16 years of leadership and technical proficiency across Security Operations Center (SOC) management, cloud architecture, networking, and cyber threat hunting. He is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and spearheading modernization initiatives for enterprises. Additionally, he advocates for widespread cyber resilience, encouraging individuals and organizations alike to adopt strong security practices in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Abdul’s passion extends beyond corporate environments, as he genuinely cares about safeguarding both homes and personal homelabs. He believes that security isn't just about large organizations—it's about empowering individuals to protect their own networks. Whether it's deploying advanced tools in a corporate SOC or helping someone secure their personal devices, his mission is to ensure that everyone has the knowledge and tools to defend against cyber threats. His dedication to fostering a culture of security awareness is reflected in his immersive approach to mentoring and community involvement, where he encourages others to build secure systems at home, ensuring that cybersecurity is a priority for all.

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Vision

A future where cybersecurity talent is grown through resilience, iteration, and authentic problem-solving.

Mission

To provide a proving ground where learners of all ages build portfolios, confidence, and operator identity by solving authentic cyber challenges.

The HSOC Difference

Founded in 2016 as Professional Certifications and Consulting Service (PCCS), later rebranded to HSOC Cyber in 2020 to expand into hands-on, experience-based learning.
Guided learners to earn CompTIA and other industry certifications in as little as 30 days, with an exceptional first-time pass rate.
In 2020, shifted from purely certification prep to the HSOC Cyber Skill-Based Fellowship, combining real client projects with technical training on real systems.
Working with educational institutions, workforce agencies, and private sector clients nationwide.
HSOC Cyber is proud to collaborate with a network of partners who share our mission of hands-on cybersecurity skill development:
- Cyber’s Future
- Future Kings
- The WISH Center
- Advantage Consulting & Solutions (ACAS)
- DoD Training Center
- Cyber Bytes Foundation
- Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (VTOP)
- Go Virginia – Region 6
- Prince William County Public Schools
- ACP (American Corporate Partners) Mentor Program
In addition, HSOC Cyber is actively working with various middle schools, high schools, universities, and other potential partners to expand training opportunities, joint research, and workforce development programs.

Contact Us if you have questions

The HSOC Story

HSOC Cyber is a trusted leader in cybersecurity, delivering customized solutions to over 10 businesses, schools, and non-profits. Guided by the values of protection, innovation, and expertise, we help organizations and individuals navigate the complexities of the digital world. Our services include cybersecurity consultations, managed security, vulnerability assessments, and hands-on training—equipping clients with both open-source and advanced tools to defend against evolving threats.
We’ve evolved with the industry. Initially focused on certification training, we saw during the pandemic that employers valued real-world experience even more. In response, we adopted a “learning as work” model, engaging fellows and interns in real projects for HSOC Cyber. This approach provides the practical, in-demand experience employers seek, bridging the gap between learning and employment.
One of the unique aspects of HSOC Cyber is its ability to evolve with the industry. Initially, we focused on training individuals to earn cybersecurity certifications. However, the demands of the cybersecurity field soon shifted. At the beginning of the pandemic, HSOC Cyber recognized that experience had become a far more valuable asset than certification alone. In response to this shift, we transitioned to a “learning as work” approach, bringing on fellows/interns to work on projects and tasks directly for the company. This transformation allowed individuals to gain the practical experience required by employers for employment.
Hundreds of HSOC Cyber interns have completed impactful projects, gained hands-on experience, and secured industry jobs. Now called the HSOC Cyber Skill-Based Fellowship, the program meets employer demand for candidates with both knowledge and practical expertise. Our mission is to give passionate individuals the opportunity to work on real cybersecurity projects—from home—for HSOC Cyber and its clients.
At HSOC Cyber, we don’t just offer services; we provide partnerships. Our clients receive more than just protection—they gain a cybersecurity partner invested in their growth and long-term resilience in an ever-changing technological landscape. Whether you're a business, school, or non-profit, HSOC Cyber offers a proactive approach to safeguarding digital assets and ensuring that you can thrive, securely.
HSOC Cyber leads by example, fostering growth and protection in the cybersecurity field. Committed to excellence, we help organizations stay secure while empowering them to innovate and succeed.