Discover Cyber Daisho's Mission
Cyber Daisho is my weekly blog where I explore data science and cybersecurity.
I share hands-on projects, tutorials, and insights from my journey as an aspiring data scientist.
The name reflects a dual focus, blending analytical rigor with security awareness, just like the paired swords of a samurai.
Join the Journey
My name is Sam Villa-Smith and I am a PhD candidate (ABD) at the University of the Cumberlands. I am also a freelance data scientist and cybersecurity expert.
This blog serves as both a portfolio and an invitation to connect. I encourage fellow data enthusiasts to join me on this journey and share insights and try to improve our world.
What I Offer
Leveraging 3.5+ years of security engineering experience with advanced data science capabilities. As a Security+ certified professional and data science-focused PhD candidate, I bring a unique blend of analytical rigor and security expertise to every data challenge.
Security-First Data Analytics
Combining threat analysis with machine learning to deliver insights that are both powerful and secure. Expert in Python, SQL, and statistical modeling with deep understanding of NIST frameworks and MITRE ATLAS for AI security. Specializing in anomaly detection, risk quantification, and predictive modeling for both business intelligence and security operations.
Cloud & DevSecOps Solutions
AWS and Azure professional delivering secure, scalable data pipelines and ML deployments. Extensive experience with SIEM platforms (Microsoft Sentinel), automated vulnerability management, and CI/CD security. Building production-grade analytics solutions that meet compliance requirements while maintaining peak performance.
AI Model Security & Governance
PhD candidate researching AI model security and NIST AI Risk Management Framework implementation. Ensuring your machine learning models are robust against adversarial attacks while maintaining compliance with ISO27001 and OWASP standards.
Technical Training & Mentorship
Proven track record mentoring teams on secure development practices and data science methodologies. Creating comprehensive documentation, conducting tabletop exercises, and building security-aware data science cultures within organizations.
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
Industry-recognized certifications and advanced education combining cybersecurity expertise with data science capabilities. Building secure, intelligent solutions at the intersection of AI and security.
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ certified since 2019, demonstrating mastery of core security concepts including threat analysis, risk management, and secure development practices. This vendor-neutral certification validates my ability to implement security controls across data pipelines and machine learning systems. Valid through April 2028.
CSA CCSK
Cloud Security Alliance Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge holder, confirming expertise in cloud architecture security, data protection, and compliance frameworks. Essential for implementing secure data lakes, ML model deployment, and ensuring GDPR/CCPA compliance in cloud-based analytics solutions.
CSA CCZT
Cloud Security Alliance Certified in Zero Trust principles, demonstrating advanced understanding of modern security architectures. Critical for designing data systems that verify every transaction, protect sensitive datasets, and implement least-privilege access to AI models and analytics platforms.
Experience
October 2024 - Present
Security & Data Solutions Architect @ Freelance/Self-Employed
Designing and implementing secure data pipelines and ML solutions for Texas Panhandle clients. Developing production-grade analytics applications using Python, React, and cloud platforms while ensuring compliance with security frameworks. Providing blue team operations and data-driven security insights.
August 2020 - April 2024
Senior Software & Cloud Engineer - Application Security Lead @ Oasis Systems (Astrion)
Led secure cloud architecture and data processing solutions for a major enterprise client, handling high-volume data while ensuring compliance. Spearheaded AWS migrations, implemented vulnerability scanning with data analysis tools, and developed security metrics dashboards. Mentored teams on secure development practices and conducted incident response using data-driven threat analysis.
August 2021- Present
PhD Researcher - University of the Cumberlands
Conducting research on AI model security and Data Science. Developing novel approaches to detect adversarial attacks on machine learning models and LLMs using statistical analysis and threat modeling techniques.
Get in touch
Telephone: +1 806 440 2215
E-mail: svillasmith2@gmail.com
GitHub: github.com/samvillasmith
Fritch, TX, USA