HSOC Cyber: Company Profile

Background

Overview

HSOC Cyber LLC is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) based in Triangle, Virginia. Established in 2016, the company specializes in cybersecurity consulting, training, and workforce development programs for individuals aged 12 and up, aiming to prepare them for real-world roles in cybersecurity.

Mission and Vision

HSOC Cyber's mission is to provide a proving ground where learners of all ages build portfolios, confidence, and operator identity by solving authentic cyber challenges. Their vision is a future where cybersecurity talent is grown through resilience, iteration, and authentic problem-solving.

Primary Area of Focus

The company focuses on delivering immersive, applied training through Fellowship, Internship, and Registered Apprenticeship pathways. Participants gain hands-on experience by building, securing, monitoring, and defending real systems in environments modeled after modern Security Operations Centers (SOCs).

Industry Significance

HSOC Cyber addresses the critical need for skilled cybersecurity professionals by offering practical training that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Their programs are recognized as Eligible Training Providers in the Commonwealth of Virginia, supporting alignment with workforce development initiatives and approved funding pathways.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Hands-On Training: Provide real-world experience through live systems and projects.

Portfolio Development: Enable learners to build professional portfolios demonstrating their capabilities.

Confidence Building: Foster proficiency and judgment through practical challenges.

Areas of Specialization

Defensive Security: SOC alert triage, threat hunting, and cloud security monitoring.

Offensive Security: Penetration testing, capture the flag challenges, and cybersecurity escape rooms.

Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC): Policy development, risk assessment, and cyber consulting.

Key Technologies Utilized

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Tools like Splunk and Wazuh for monitoring and analysis.

Cloud Platforms: AWS and Azure for deploying and securing cloud environments.

Penetration Testing Tools: VulnHub and internal labs for simulated attacks.

Primary Markets Targeted

Individuals: Career changers, students, veterans, and working professionals seeking to enter or advance in cybersecurity roles.

Organizations: Employers looking for job-ready cybersecurity talent.

Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges aiming to integrate practical cybersecurity training into their curricula.

Financials and Funding

As a privately held SDVOSB, HSOC Cyber does not publicly disclose detailed financial information. The company has secured funding through various grants and partnerships to support its training programs and operational expenses. Specific details regarding total funds raised, recent funding rounds, and notable investors are not publicly available.

Pipeline Development

HSOC Cyber offers several training programs designed to equip individuals with practical cybersecurity skills:

Skills-First Fellowship Program: An immersive training program that evolved from the Internship Program, delivering certification-aligned, applied training with employer-trusted portfolios.

Cyber Internship Program: A reintroduced program in partnership with the Cyber Bytes Foundation and WIOA, offering paid, grant-funded training on real systems and projects.

Homeschool Cyber (HSSOC): A curriculum-aligned program designed to help homeschool students spot scams, strengthen digital hygiene, and integrate cybersecurity into daily life.

HSOC CyberKids: After-school and summer challenges where teens learn to spot threats, think like defenders, and prepare for cyber careers.

HSOCReset: A second-chance pathway for justice-impacted learners, building resilience, portfolios, and a future in cybersecurity.

HSOC Tutor: One-on-one cybersecurity and IT tutoring in real systems, providing personalized sessions led by seasoned professionals.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

HSOC Cyber employs a proprietary Cyber Research & Confidence-Building Model that turns objectives into demonstrated, repeatable skills. This model emphasizes hands-on cybersecurity operations across various environments, including Windows, Linux, cloud, and networked systems.

Significant Scientific Methods

Applied Training: Learners engage in real-world projects, building portfolios that demonstrate their capabilities.

Mentorship: Direct access to HSOC Team Leads and Mentors provides guided, supported learning at every step.

Confidence Building: The proprietary model grows proficiency and judgment through practical challenges.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, HSOC Cyber integrates advanced technologies to enhance training effectiveness and learner engagement.

Leadership Team

Dr. Wesley Phillips – CEO & Founder

Dr. Phillips 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, Dr. Phillips 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.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The cybersecurity training market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats. Organizations across various sectors are investing in workforce development to enhance their security posture. This trend underscores the demand for practical, hands-on training programs that equip individuals with real-world skills.

Competitor Analysis

HSOC Cyber operates in a competitive landscape with several organizations offering cybersecurity training and workforce development programs. Key competitors include:

Cyber Bytes Foundation (CBF): A partner organization that collaborates with HSOC Cyber to deliver training programs.

Virginia Cyber Range: Provides virtual labs and training resources for cybersecurity education.

CyberPatriot: Hosts national youth cyber defense competitions and training programs.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

HSOC Cyber collaborates with various partners to enhance its training offerings:

Cyber Bytes Foundation (CBF): Partners in delivering the Cyber Internship Program and other training initiatives.

Future Kings: Collaborates on programs like Cyber's Future, focusing on youth engagement in cybersecurity.

Advantage Consulting & Solutions (ACAS): Strategic partner in delivering accredited programs.

American Corporate Partners (ACP): Provides mentorship opportunities for veterans transitioning to civilian careers.

Operational Insights

HSOC Cyber differentiates itself through its proficiency-based approach, emphasizing real-world projects and hands-on experience. This method ensures that learners are job-ready upon completion of the programs, meeting the immediate needs of employers seeking skilled cybersecurity professionals.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

HSOC Cyber is well-positioned to expand its impact by: