CYBERSECURITY PROFESSIONAL // WEST VIRGINIA, USA
DAKOTA
DENNISON
SOC ANALYST · CYBER INVESTIGATOR · THREAT INTELLIGENCE

U.S. Marine veteran. Former Law Enforcement Detective. 10+ years conducting complex criminal investigations including digital evidence collection, electronic surveillance, wiretap operations, and HIDTA task force work.

Now transitioning into cybersecurity — currently enrolled at Western Governors University pursuing a B.S. in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance and working toward industry certifications. Building technical skills to complement an investigative background most analysts don't have.

→ CONTACT ME ↗ LINKEDIN
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01
PROFILE
// WHERE I'VE BEEN //
U.S. Marine. Patrol Officer. Narcotics Detective. AG Investigator. Kanawha County Detective. 10+ years working complex felony cases, federal investigations, and multi-agency operations from start to finish.
// WHERE I'M GOING //
Currently enrolled at WGU pursuing a B.S. in Cybersecurity and working toward my first certifications. Targeting roles where investigative experience is an asset — SOC analysis, cyber investigations, threat intelligence, and fraud detection.
// WHY CYBERSECURITY //
Digital evidence, electronic surveillance, wiretap authorizations, OSINT, HIPAA compliance, chain of custody — I've been doing the analog version of cybersecurity work for a decade. The transition is a natural one.
// TARGET ROLES //
SOC Analyst · Cyber Investigator · Threat Intelligence Analyst · Fraud Detection Specialist · Incident Responder
02
EXPERIENCE
JUN 2023 — MAY 2026 · 3 YRS
DETECTIVE
KANAWHA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE // CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIVE SECTION
Investigated felony cases ranging from violent crimes to financial and property offenses. Processed scenes, conducted interviews, drafted affidavits and warrants, and prepared cases for prosecution. Gained extensive experience handling digital evidence, electronic data analysis, and technology-driven investigations — skills directly applicable to cybersecurity operations, incident response, and threat analysis.
DIGITAL EVIDENCE ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE AFFIDAVIT PREPARATION THREAT ANALYSIS INCIDENT DOCUMENTATION
JAN 2023 — JUN 2023 · 6 MOS
INVESTIGATOR
WV ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE
Investigated Medicaid fraud, criminal abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation involving healthcare facilities. Coordinated with law enforcement and regulatory agencies, compiled evidence for criminal prosecution and civil recovery. Operated under HIPAA and privacy guidelines during sensitive investigations involving vulnerable populations.
FRAUD ANALYSIS HIPAA COMPLIANCE MULTI-AGENCY COORDINATION FINANCIAL CRIMES
JUL 2015 — DEC 2022 · 7 YRS 6 MOS
NARCOTICS DETECTIVE / PATROL OFFICER
SOUTH CHARLESTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
Conducted surveillance, executed search warrants, and coordinated with federal and state partners on joint operations. Drafted detailed investigative reports, affidavits, and supporting documentation for arrests, search warrants, and court proceedings including wiretap authorizations. Collaborated with HIDTA task force operations targeting drug distribution networks.
WIRETAP INVESTIGATIONS HIDTA TASK FORCE SURVEILLANCE OPS FEDERAL COURT TESTIMONY OSINT
MAY 2017 — DEC 2020 · 3 YRS 8 MOS
AUTOMATED LOGISTICAL SPECIALIST
US ARMY RESERVES // MOS 92A
Managed and tracked military equipment using SAMS and GCSS-Army systems. Conducted inventory control, logistics coordination, and warehouse operations. Supported joint operations with USMC, Navy, and Air Force.
SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT JOINT OPERATIONS DOCUMENTATION
MAY 2010 — MAY 2014 · 4 YRS
INFANTRY // 60MM MORTARMAN
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS // MOS 0341
Served as a 60mm Mortarman within a weapons platoon, specializing in indirect fire support, target acquisition, and rapid mortar system deployment. Operated in high-pressure field conditions requiring precision, discipline, and mission focus.
USMC VETERAN TACTICAL OPERATIONS TARGET ACQUISITION
03
CERTIFICATIONS
IN PROGRESS
ISC²
CERTIFIED IN CYBERSECURITY
PURSUING // TARGET: 2025
QUEUED
COMPTIA
CYBERSECURITY ANALYST CySA+
PLANNED // TARGET: 2025
QUEUED
COMPTIA
PENTEST+
PLANNED // TARGET: 2026
OPTIONAL
COMPTIA
CASP+
ADVANCED // UNDER CONSIDERATION
OPTIONAL
ISACA
CISM
MANAGEMENT TRACK // UNDER CONSIDERATION
04
SKILLS
// INVESTIGATIONS & INTELLIGENCE //
Criminal Investigations95%
OSINT80%
Digital Evidence Analysis85%
Intelligence Analysis80%
Surveillance Operations90%
// LEGAL & COMPLIANCE //
Chain of Custody95%
HIPAA Compliance85%
Warrant & Affidavit Prep95%
Federal Court Testimony90%
Multi-Agency Coordination90%
// CYBERSECURITY (DEVELOPING) //
Threat Analysis45%
Incident Response35%
Network Fundamentals30%
Security Operations35%
Fraud Detection75%
05
EDUCATION
// CURRENTLY ENROLLED //
WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
B.S. CYBERSECURITY & INFORMATION ASSURANCE // IN PROGRESS
WGU's cybersecurity program is built around industry certifications — graduates earn 10+ recognized credentials as part of the degree. The curriculum aligns directly with NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework and prepares students for SOC, threat intelligence, and security engineering roles.
// COMPLETED //
FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY
CERTIFICATE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY // AWARDED
Completed a focused information technology certificate program covering foundational IT concepts, systems, and technical skills — establishing the technical foundation for a career in cybersecurity.
06
CONTACT
LOCATION
West Virginia, USA
LINKEDIN
linkedin.com/in/dakotadennison
STATUS
Open to opportunities in SOC Analysis, Cyber Investigation, and Threat Intelligence
CLEARANCE
Law enforcement background — eligible for security clearance consideration
DAKOTA DENNISON // CYBERSECURITY PROFESSIONAL // WEST VIRGINIA, USA //