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.
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.
We’ve evolved with the industry. While initially focused on certification training, we recognized during the pandemic that experience had become a far more valuable asset than certification alone. In response, we transitioned to a “learning as work” model, engaging fellows and interns in real projects for HSOC Cyber and its clients. This transformation created the HSOC Cyber Skill-Based Fellowship, which provides the practical, in-demand experience employers seek.
Our Fellows build documented portfolios across the four core pillars of cybersecurity:
Defensive Operations
Offensive Maneuvers
Governance & Compliance
Special Programs
Our approach builds critical thinking, problem-solving, documentation, and troubleshooting skills that employers truly value. 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.
LEADERSHIP BIOS
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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. -
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. -
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.