James F Koonts III

With over 10 years of experience in Linux-based infrastructure and full-stack development, I specialize in Rust, Java, Python, and JavaScript (React). My expertise extends to Kubernetes, Docker, and Cloud Infrastructure, where I focus on building secure, scalable systems.

Passionate about security and offensive security research, I have a strong understanding of the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, ensuring that the systems I develop are secure by design. My background in Support Troubleshooting, Systems Administration, and Development allows me to bridge the gap between technical proficiency and strong customer relations, making complex problems easy to understand.

Originally from the Great Lakes region of Western New York, my fascination with computers began at a young age. I spent countless hours on security and development forums, absorbing knowledge and experimenting with code. From writing batch scripts and tinkering with the DOS prompt to understanding how operating systems, programs, and even malware functioned, my curiosity drove me to explore technology beyond the surface level.

My journey took a pivotal turn in middle school when a friend introduced me to Linux and the FOSS community. That same day, I wiped Windows entirely from my system, only to realize that this world operated differently. I had to manually compile kernel modules just to get my Nvidia graphics and Broadcom WiFi drivers working (because, of course). My games no longer worked, but Linux felt like a whole new playground—one where I could break things, build things, and truly interact with the operating system. That moment sparked a lifelong passion for Linux, offensive security, and software development.