Lena T.

Jul 22, 2026

CYT open-source surveillance project.

Running inside a briefcase.

BlackHat Arsenal ready.

It's called Chasing Your Tail-NG - a Wi-Fi probe request analyzer that tracks devices trying to track you.

I've been building it in the open. Iterating in public. Posting on Substack every step of the way.

And here's the thing about building in the open -

Someone called me out of the blue last week.

No pitch. No outreach. No cold email. Just content.

They found my work. They needed exactly what I do. We're talking.

That's what happens when you stop hiding your process and start showing your work.

The briefcase goes everywhere with me now. 🧳

Follow the build → https://djlena.substack.com

A: Bluetooth keyboard – now paired to the Pi, so I’ve retired the bulky USB keyboard.

B: Raspberry Pi – the brains of the operation, running CYT and talking to Kismet.

C: Wi‑Fi adapter – in monitor mode, sniffing the air for probe requests and other wireless activity.

D: GPS sensor – tagging logs with location data so you can see where suspicious devices show up.

E: Touchscreen – the GUI window into CYT’s brain.

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Jun 28, 2026

This is a cool idea, certs from Replit.

I used to love getting shiny things, trinkets and trash, when I worked in the automotive industry. This kinda reminds me of that.

I never imagined that I could build the projects that I have built so far.

I am having fun though, mostly. 😝

https://replit-certifications.replit.app/djsirlena

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Jun 7, 2026

As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t fit the typical mold for this industry—and that is exactly why I’m here. My mission is to turn my unique perspective into real-world impact.

In 2025, I volunteered to lead the ISC2 "Safe & Secure Online: Office Hour" as a live YouTube webinar. This training was specifically designed for seniors, a community I am proud to be a part of. Our goal? To provide seniors with the tools they need to defend themselves against a rising tide of digital scams.

The financial toll of elder fraud is staggering. On the dark web, criminals have access to a virtual smorgasbord of exploits specifically targeting the elderly. Without the right knowledge, it is easy to become "ripe for the picking" in a fast-moving digital world. Awareness is the only real shield.

This fight feels familiar to me. Years ago, I learned to fix my own car to avoid being exploited by a predatory automotive industry. I even lost a job once because I refused to sell a useless coolant flush to hide a major engine leak. That experience pushed me to become the best technician I could be, eventually leading me to teach at the community college level.

Seniors deserve that same sense of confidence and autonomy in our increasingly connected lives. Empowerment starts with education, and I am fully committed to the cause.

Check out the mission here: https://senior-safety-academy.replit.app/

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May 22, 2026

I’m far from your typical cybersecurity candidate, but I bring a unique perspective forged at the intersection of mechanical systems and digital security.

With 15+ years of experience navigating complex frameworks in the automotive industry—each with its own rigid rules, permissions, and operational constraints—I’ve learned how to manage intricate systems under pressure. My background as an Automotive Technology professor for a decade allowed me to dive deep into Engine Performance and Electrical/Electronics. I’ve found that the parallels between "motor head" diagnostics and "techie" network troubleshooting are remarkably similar: it’s all about logic, flows, and identifying the point of failure.

Since January 2023, I have transitioned fully into the security space. While I am pivoting careers, my "private network" functions like a mini-SOC, and I’ve dedicated full-time hours to hands-on security projects and academic rigor. I may not have the traditional corporate IT title yet, but my technical aptitude and problem-solving skills are battle-tested.

I just finished resolving a complex Apple bug for a friend—a persistent OS hang that blocked all updates—and the win reminded me why I love this field. It’s about solving the problems others can’t.

I’ll be updating my work log after Memorial Day with more details on my recent projects. Check it out here:

https://lenathompsonllc.com/work_log

#CyberSecurity #CareerPivot #DigitalForensics #TechCommunity #Infosec #AutomotiveTech

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May 19, 2026

[celebration:new_certification]Has successfully verified **GIAC Certified Incident Handler** (GIAC / SANS), **GIAC Security Essentials** (GIAC / SANS) and 2 more certifications

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