Think Positive Cyber

      Pivoting Toward Federal Work: My Strategy This Week

      📅 Weekly Job Search Plans and Updates (8/2/2025)
      📍 Logged from: R86C6F1FF-T2Phal-002-70 at 5:11PM

      This week, I’m focusing my efforts on applying to roles that align with Plan A, which gives me a specific advantage in the federal hiring process. My priority agencies are:

      Federal and state jobs.

      One position I’m actively looking into is a federal position at VA San Diego Healthcare System. This GS-5 job and is open until 10/1/2025. The responsibilities include inventory management, supply receiving and rotation, and detailed documentation work—all tasks I’ve had direct experience with or training for.

      🛡️ Security+ 701 Study Log: Asset Management (4.2)

      As part of my cybersecurity training, I watched Professor Messer’s lecture on asset management. Here are my key takeaways in detailed format:

      📦 Asset Purchasing and Approval
      The process begins with an end-user request that flows through IT, management, and purchasing. These departments coordinate to verify the need, ensure compatibility, and negotiate pricing and licensing. Common terms like Net 30 or Net 60 define payment windows.

      🖥️ Asset Tracking and Assignment
      Purchased assets are logged into an asset management system, categorized (e.g., laptop, desktop, hardware, software), and linked to a specific user or department. Each device gets an asset tag, helping the help desk access detailed specs like CPU, mouse, or peripherals. Hardware is considered a capital asset (depreciates), while software is an operating expense (taxed differently).

      🗑️ Asset Decommissioning and Disposal
      Before reassignment or disposal, storage drives are securely wiped using software tools. Physical destruction methods include shredding, drilling, hammering, degaussing, or incineration. Certified vendors provide a Certificate of Destruction for accountability.

      🗂️ Data Retention and Backup
      Even post-decommissioning, data may be legally required to be retained. Retention policies vary by data type (e.g., emails) and may integrate with backup policies to ensure compliance.

      📝 I’m open to feedback and suggestions—especially if you’ve walked this road or know someone in these departments. Let me know what you think or if you spot any opportunities I should jump on.

      —Jeremiah

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