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PauleyMcCoy
Paranoid Data Wrangler
1536 / 28266 XP to level 56
*Rankings computed based on core modules (74086 pts).
Joined in November, 2024
PauleyMcCoy earned 7 badges
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HHC2024
This analyst successfully investigated a complex series of challenges in the "The Great Elf Conflict" for the 2024 SANS Holiday Hack Challenge. Leveraging Kusto Queries to guide their investigation, demonstrating skills in leveraging advanced tools and integrating threat data to uncover and understand security threats.
Issued on: Nov 19, 2024
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Titan Shield
This analyst successfully investigated two highly sophisticated cyberattacks against TitanShield’s sensitive projects, demonstrating advanced investigative skills in identifying social engineering tactics, malicious file execution, and data exfiltration strategies. Using Kusto Query Language (KQL), they unraveled Moonstone Sleet's phishing campaign targeting Project Omega and Crimson Sandstorm’s romance scheme aimed at harvesting critical system and user information. This exercise reinforced skills in threat actor profiling, recognizing social engineering-based reconnaissance on social media, and assessing the broader security implications of protecting intellectual property in a high-stakes defense context.
Issued on: Mar 27, 2025
Rap Beef
This analyst investigated a themed scenario involving rival hip-hop artists. They used key cybersecurity skills to identify suspicious communications and activities, analyzing internal messages to track unauthorized exchanges and uncover patterns. This exercise reinforced critical skills in data analysis, threat detection, and the application of cybersecurity principles in unconventional contexts.
Issued on: Mar 29, 2025
Virustotal Fundamentals
This analyst completed the "VirusTotal Fundamentals" module, which focused on using VirusTotal for comprehensive threat analysis. They demonstrated the ability to pivot around datasets, utilizing file hashes, domains, and IP addresses to uncover and correlate threats. This exercise reinforced their skills in leveraging VirusTotal's capabilities for detecting malicious activity and understanding the interconnections between various threat indicators.
Issued on: Mar 29, 2025
Valdorian Times
This analyst investigated an email phishing attack in Valdoria that uncovered a politically motivated influence campaign. Using Kusto Query Language (KQL), they analyzed employee roles, email communications, and computer process events, revealing evidence of data exfiltration and manipulation. This exercise reinforced skill in querying data and understanding data integrity within a cybersecurity context.
Issued on: Mar 30, 2025
World Domination Nation
This analyst completed the "World Domination Nation" module, investigating a sophisticated cyber attack on WDN Consulting. They used Kusto Query Language (KQL) in an investigation that covered lateral movement, credential dumping, system configuration modifications, and full domain compromise. This exercise reinforced their ability to effectively detect, analyze, and respond to complex cyber threats.
Issued on: Mar 30, 2025
A Storm in Brewing in the Lab
This analyst investigated a complex scenario in the "Storm in Brewing in the Lab" module using Synapse, a platform from The Vertex Project. They utilized threat intelligence and Storm Query Language to guide their investigation, demonstrating skills in leveraging advanced tools and integrating threat data to uncover and understand security threats.
Issued on: Mar 31, 2025
PauleyMcCoy played 14 games
Level 1: A Scandal in Valdoria 2430/2430
Level 1: A Rap Beef (START HERE) 950/950
Level 1: Titan Shield (with Microsoft Defender XDR) 4000/4000
Level 2: HopsNStuff 11965/14265
Level 3: DAILY7 🌎 14/7017
Level 3: A Storm Is Brewing In the Lab 5670/5670
Level 3: System Shutdown at Azure Crest! (Short Version) 2100/4800
Level 3: VirusTotal Fundamentals 2620/2620
Level 4: World Domination Nation 8220/8220
Level 4: Sunlands 5137/8437
Level 4: Spooky Sweets 2690/7640
Level 5: MCJ Walker 9280/15265
Level 5: A Rap Steak 19010/19010
Pattern of Life
Issue Badge to PauleyMcCoy
| # | Image | Badge | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Advanced Persistent Analyst | Someone who failed, got up, and tried again! | |
| 2 |  | Helping Hand | This award is community-nominated! Someone in the KC7 community has recognized this user for their contributions to others! | |
| 3 |  | Notre Dame Challenge | Completed the cybersecurity challenge event at Notre Dame in June 2023 | |
| 4 |  | KC7 Top 10 (2023) | Awarded to top 10 KC7 players in 2023 | |
| 5 |  | Cyber Challenge Series: Team Winner | This badge is issued to KC7 players who were members of a team that placed top 3 in a Blue Team Cyber Challenge event! | |
| 6 |  | Super Fan | This badge is issued to any KC7 player who has completed 3 modules or more! | |
| 7 |  | Most Improved | Someone who really improved over the course of a KC7 event! | |
| 8 |  | Cyber Challenge Series: Winner | This badge is issued to KC7 players who placed top 3 (as an individual) in an Blue Team Cyber Challenge event! | |
| 9 |  | 30 day hot steak | Awarded to a user who has answered a question for 30 days in a row. | |
| 10 |  | 90 day streak | Awarded to a user who has answered a question for 90 days in a row. | |
| 11 |  | Inside Encryptodera - Event Participant | Participant in the February 2024 monthly event featuring the Encryptodera module | |
| 12 |  | The Teacher | Someone who really helped lift up their peers and enabled others to learn! | |
| 13 |  | Bright Future | Someone who shows a lot of potential as a future cyber analyst! | |
| 14 |  | Azure Crest | This analyst investigated a ransomware attack, where cost-cutting measures led to a single point of failure in their systems. This exercise highlighted the risks associated with prioritizing cost over security and reinforced skills in identifying vulnerabilities and understanding the broader implications of inadequate security measures in a healthcare context. | |
| 15 |  | 2024 SANS New2Cyber CTF Participant | This badge has been awarded to those who took part in the 2024 SANS New2Cyber x KC7 Capture The Flag (CTF) challenge, which involved investigating a ransomware attack on a hospital. | |
| 16 |  | 60 day streak | Awarded to a user who has answered a question for 60 days in a row. | |
| 17 |  | 120 day streak | Awarded to a user who has answered a question for 120 days in a row! | |
| 18 | | Intro Master | ||
| 19 |  | Wiccon25 | You've participated to the WICCON25 workshop! You've successfully uncovered the full attack chain of a zombie themed ransomware. |