ALL CYBER WORK

Agency: Office Of Personal Management

Background: As a dedicated members of the Cyber Risk and Cloud team, the contract focused on providing innovative cyber risk solutions to Government & Public Services clients, aligning with the center’s commitment to growth and excellence since 2014 after the data breach.

Scope Of Services: 

Cyber Risk Mitigation for Clients:

• Collaborated with Government & Public Services clients to effectively mitigate cyber risks and threats, employing innovative solutions and strategic planning.

Process Efficiency and Innovation:

• Identified and implemented efficiencies in cyber risk processes, introducing innovative approaches to complete the scope of work while enhancing client service delivery.

Problem-Solving and Client Engagement:

• Engaged in problem-solving efforts with the team, contributing valuable ideas to resolve client issues. Conducted in-depth research, data analysis, and compiled comprehensive reports.

Risk Management and Strategy Development:

• Played a critical role in assessing and developing cyber risk strategies and postures for clients, focusing on data risk management and compliance with industry standards, especially NIST 800-53.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning:

• Led the development and execution of risk assessments and mitigation plans, enhancing clients’ ability to identify, prioritize, and mitigate risks.

Professional Development and Skills Enhancement:

• Actively pursued professional development through training, mentoring, and daily client interactions, significantly enhancing consulting skills and cyber risk knowledge.

Security Strategy and Execution:

• Developed and implemented comprehensive cyber security strategies, ensuring alignment with client’s business needs and industry best practices.

Client Communication and Report Development:

• Delivered key messages with clarity and confidence, developing impactful reports and presentations that supported the achievement of engagement goals.

Large-Scale Engagement Execution:

• Executed large-scale cyber risk and security engagements across global customers, developing security strategies based on risk management and compliance requirements.

Systems Analysis and Development:

• Conducted exhaustive analyses of the agency’s existing technology and information systems.
• Designed and deployed enterprise-class security systems tailored to the agency’s unique operational framework.

Strategic Alignment:

• Ensured the security strategy was fully integrated with the agency’s overall business and technology strategies.
• Identified and communicated evolving security threats to the agency, positioning it to preemptively address risks.

Security Architecture:

• Conceptualized and executed cutting-edge security architecture to protect against emerging threats.
• Directed the planning, research, and design of robust security architectures for various IT projects.

 Vulnerability Management:

• Led vulnerability testing, risk analyses, and security assessments to assess and fortify the agency’s cybersecurity posture.
• Implemented solutions that balanced the agency’s operational requirements with critical cybersecurity needs.

    System Enhancements:

• Identified and resolved security design gaps in the agency’s current and proposed IT architectures.
• Oversaw the installation and approval of key cybersecurity components such as firewalls, VPNs, routers, and IDS scanning technologies.

  Quality Assurance:

• Conducted rigorous testing of security systems to ensure they functioned as intended.
• Utilized contemporary programming languages and technologies to write, test, and debug applications, enhancing system reliability.

  Team Leadership:

• Provided expert supervision and guidance to the agency’s internal security team.
• Defined, implemented, and maintained corporate security policies and procedures, reinforcing the security infrastructure.

  Training and Development:

• Developed and executed comprehensive training programs for agency staff on system implementation, conversion, and security best practices.
• Ensured all users were proficient in new systems, fostering an environment of self-sufficiency and resilience.

  Incident Response:

• Established a rapid response protocol for security incidents, minimizing impact and ensuring swift resolution.
• Delivered detailed remedial solutions and analyses post-incident, enhancing the agency’s incident handling capabilities.

  Communication and Reporting:

• Maintained open channels of communication with upper management, ensuring security needs and priorities were conveyed and understood.
• Regularly updated key stakeholders on security statuses, initiatives, and strategic developments.

Outcome: The contract significantly advanced the Office of Personal Management’s cybersecurity infrastructure, achieving remarkable progress in risk management and enhancing the efficiency of security systems. These efforts were crucial in bolstering the cybersecurity posture of the agency, ensuring that security strategies were not only robust but also aligned seamlessly with the broader organizational objectives. A key aspect of this success was the implementation of a comprehensive risk management approach. This approach involved identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks, followed by the application of resources to minimize, control, and monitor the impact of these risks. As a result, the agency adopted a more resilient and proactive stance in managing and mitigating cyber threats, effectively reducing vulnerabilities and potential impacts. The outcomes of this contract were instrumental in rebuilding trust and fortifying the security framework of the Office of Personal Management, especially in the aftermath of the 2014 data breach. This contract set a new standard for future cybersecurity and risk management initiatives within the agency, showcasing a model for effective cyber risk governance and strategic security planning.

Agency: Drug Enforcement Administration

Background: In a key role within DEA as Security Architecture and Engineering team, the Cloud Security Architect goal was to design, implement, and maintain cloud-based information systems in line with the company’s stringent security standards and requirements.

Scope Of Services:  

Security System Implementation:

• Led the planning, implementation, documentation, and testing of cloud security systems. Successfully integrated advanced security measures across various cloud platforms, including AWS, GCP, and Azure.

Development of Security Standards:

• Formulated and updated security standards, policies, and procedures. These initiatives have significantly strengthened the overall security framework of the company’s cloud infrastructure.

Business Collaboration:

• Partnered effectively with different business units to integrate security into diverse business use cases. Ensured that technological solutions met both business needs and security requirements.

Security Analysis and Risk Assessment:

• Conducted thorough system security analyses and risk assessments. This proactive approach has been instrumental in identifying potential vulnerabilities and mitigating risks.

Security Reporting:

• Prepared detailed security reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and trends. These reports have provided critical insights into the company’s security posture and facilitated informed decision-making.

Professional Development and Industry Engagement:

• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of emerging security practices and standards through continuous education, professional publications, and participation in professional organizations.

Operational Support and Ownership:

• Demonstrated a strong commitment to the department’s success by taking ownership of various tasks and continuously seeking ways to add value to job accomplishments.

Hybrid Cloud Architecture Design:

• Crafted Azure-based hybrid cloud architectures, facilitating the migration of lead management applications. This included comprehensive documentation on low-level design, protocol identification, and port configuration for remote desktop access.

Automation & Security Scripting:

• Authored PowerShell scripts for automated processes, secured data in Azure Key Vaults, and managed permissions on Azure resources.

Cluster Security & Access Control:

• Implemented cluster security using certificates and configured client access leveraging RBAC (Role-Based Access Control).

Solution Estimation & Design Collaboration:

• Estimated solution approaches and provided insights to architectural and technical design teams.

Guideline Implementation & Compliance:

• Enforced technical guidelines during development and deployment phases to ensure consistency and adherence to best practices.

 Architectural Improvements & Methodology Formulation:

• Recommended architectural enhancements and integration solutions, formulating methodologies for optimizing object-oriented software and database development.

Azure IaaS and PaaS Deployment:

• Deployed Azure IaaS virtual machines (VMs) and PaaS role instances into secure VNets and subnets, ensuring scalable and secure cloud environments.

  VNet and Subscription Design:

• Strategically designed VNets and subscriptions, aligning with Azure Network Limits for optimal performance.

  SCCM to Intune Transition:

• Orchestrated the transition from SCCM, SCOM, WSUS to Intune, establishing a Hybrid Cloud as a SaaS Solution.

  Early Phase Cloud Computing Expertise:

• Initially served as a Cloud Computing SME (April 2018 to May 2018), focusing on planning and designing solutions for transitioning from legacy systems to public and private clouds.

   Advocacy for Cloud-Native Architectures:

• Promoted and developed cloud-native application architectures, emphasizing the benefits of containers and microservices.

Outcome: Successfully elevated the DEA’s cloud security infrastructure by developing and enforcing robust security measures, aligning with the organization’s goal of leading in the cybersecurity domain. The role has been pivotal in ensuring the protection and integrity of critical cloud-based information systems. Additionally, this achievement involved a significant focus on risk management, where strategic risk assessment and mitigation strategies were integrated into the cloud security framework. This proactive risk management approach not only identified and addressed potential vulnerabilities but also ensured continuous monitoring and adaptation to emerging threats. As a result, the agency’s cloud environment became not only more secure but also more resilient against evolving cybersecurity risks, thereby maintaining operational continuity and safeguarding sensitive data.

ALL CLOUD WORK

Agency: Office Of Personal Management

Scope Of Services:  

Systems Analysis and Development:

• Conducted exhaustive analyses of the agency’s existing technology and information systems.
• Designed and deployed enterprise-class security systems tailored to the agency’s unique operational framework.

            Strategic Alignment:

• Ensured the security strategy was fully integrated with the agency’s overall business and technology strategies.
• Identified and communicated evolving security threats to the agency, positioning it to preemptively address risks.

           Security Architecture:

• Conceptualized and executed cutting-edge security architecture to protect against emerging threats.
• Directed the planning, research, and design of robust security architectures for various IT projects.

          Vulnerability Management:

• Led vulnerability testing, risk analyses, and security assessments to assess and fortify the agency’s cybersecurity posture.
• Implemented solutions that balanced the agency’s operational requirements with critical cybersecurity needs.

         System Enhancements:

 Identified and resolved security design gaps in the agency’s current and proposed IT architectures.

• Oversaw the installation and approval of key cybersecurity components such as firewalls, VPNs, routers, and IDS scanning technologies.

           Quality Assurance:

• Conducted rigorous testing of security systems to ensure they functioned as intended.
• Utilized contemporary programming languages and technologies to write, test, and debug applications, enhancing system reliability.

          Team Leadership:

• Provided expert supervision and guidance to the agency’s internal security team.
• Defined, implemented, and maintained corporate security policies and procedures, reinforcing the security infrastructure.

         Training and Development:

• Developed and executed comprehensive training programs for agency staff on system implementation, conversion, and security best practices.
• Ensured all users were proficient in new systems, fostering an environment of self-sufficiency and resilience.

         Incident Response:

• Established a rapid response protocol for security incidents, minimizing impact and ensuring swift resolution.
• Delivered detailed remedial solutions and analyses post-incident, enhancing the agency’s incident handling capabilities.

       Communication and Reporting:

• Maintained open channels of communication with upper management, ensuring security needs and priorities were conveyed and understood.
• Regularly updated key stakeholders on security statuses, initiatives, and strategic developments.

Agency: Ensemble

Scope Of Services:

             Technical Architecture & Data Management:

• • Developed and optimized technical architecture to facilitate seamless data ingestion and integration, supporting real-time data requirements.
  • Led initiatives to enhance the quality, consistency, accessibility, and security of data activities across the company.

Architectural Review & Optimization:

• • Reviewed and recommended architectural patterns to enhance data performance and ensure smooth data processing and retrieval.
  • Worked with Database Architect and Engineering Leadership to facilitate consistent data quality control and optimization at the enterprise level.

Automation & Security:

• • Created PowerShell scripts for automated login, secured data into Azure Key Vaults, and set appropriate permissions on Azure resources.
  • Implemented cluster security using certificates and configured client access based on Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).

Guideline Implementation & Design Recommendations:

• • Implemented technical guidelines during development and deployment phases, ensuring consistency and adherence to best practices.
  • Recommended architectural improvements, design and integration solutions, and formulated methodologies to optimize object-oriented software and database development.

Azure Deployment & Network Design:

• • Deployed Azure IaaS virtual machines (VMs) and Cloud services (PaaS role instances) into secure VNets and subnets.
  • Designed VNets and subscriptions to conform to Azure Network Limits, ensuring optimal configuration and adherence to Azure limitations.

Agency: Army National Guard

Scope Of Services:

Financial Advisory & Cloud Management:

• Served as a financial advisor, collaborating with Public Cloud account teams to deliver executive content, including financial business cases, ROI and TCO analyses, and cost optimization strategies.
• Enabled customers with tools and knowledge to manage cloud and IT spend effectively.

Operational Support & High Availability:

• Ensured high availability of production systems, particularly the National Guard applications SMMS & RCMS, by automating and streamlining standard infrastructure operations.
• Managed the support, operation, scale, and architecture of solutions to ensure system high availability.

Network Configuration & AWS Management:

• Configured and supported networking with AWS Route 53, Security Groups, Load Balancers, and Virtual Private Clouds.

Communication & Technical Guidance:

• Communicated technical ideas effectively to software developers in both written and verbal formats.
• Provided guidance throughout the full lifecycle of cloud-based solutions, including development, deployment, and maintenance best practices.

Automation & Deployment:

• Automated, designed, and deployed infrastructure systems on public and private clouds, ensuring manageable CI/CD through deployment methods and automation.

Troubleshooting & Simplification:

• Troubleshot complex deployments across numerous DOD data centers, simplifying and accelerating them.

Containerization & Automation Advocacy:

• Promoted application containerization and infrastructure management automation, presenting benefits to various stakeholders, including application developers, infrastructure managers, and senior leaders.

Security & Compliance:

• Applied best practices and established procedures to safeguard confidentiality, integrity, and availability, ensuring compliance with security standards.

Documentation & Traceability:

• Assisted in developing documents and artifacts to facilitate work activity traceability and problem resolution, producing and updating technical work instructions, SOPs, and checklists to ensure quality and consistent results.

             Cloud Computing Expertise:

• Acted as a Subject Matter Expert in Cloud Computing, planning and designing solutions for transitioning from legacy systems to cloud environments (public, private, or hybrid).

            Cloud-Native Architecture Development:

• Developed and advocated for cloud-native application architectures, emphasizing the advantages of using containers and microservices.

            Automation & Deployment Solutions:

• Engineered solutions for automating the deployment, configuration, and verification of legacy or early-stage technologies to cloud environments, supporting continuous integration of applications.

            Lifecycle Guidance of Cloud Solutions:

• Guided the entire lifecycle of cloud-based solutions, encompassing tools, technologies, and best practices for development, deployment, and maintenance.

            Infrastructure Automation & Deployment:

• Automated, designed, and deployed infrastructure systems on both public and private clouds, creating deployment methods to manage infrastructure via CI/CD.

            Troubleshooting & Simplification:

• Troubleshot complex deployments across multiple DOD data centers, focusing on enhancing speed and simplicity.

           Advocacy for Containerization & Automation:

• Promoted the benefits of application containerization and infrastructure management automation, engaging with application developers, infrastructure managers, and senior leaders.

            Security & Compliance:

• Applied best practices and established procedures to protect data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, ensuring compliance with security standards.

              Documentation & Process Improvement:

• Assisted in developing documents and artifacts for work activity traceability and problem resolution, producing and updating technical work instructions, SOPs, and checklists to assure quality and consistent delivery of results.

Agency: Drug Enforcement Administration

Scope Of Services:   

            Hybrid Cloud Architecture Design:

• Crafted Azure-based hybrid cloud architectures, facilitating the migration of lead management applications. This included comprehensive documentation on low-level design, protocol identification, and port configuration for remote desktop access.

           Automation & Security Scripting:

• Authored PowerShell scripts for automated processes, secured data in Azure Key Vaults, and managed permissions on Azure resources.

          Cluster Security & Access Control:

• Implemented cluster security using certificates and configured client access leveraging RBAC (Role-Based Access Control).

        Solution Estimation & Design Collaboration:

• Estimated solution approaches and provided insights to architectural and technical design teams.

        Guideline Implementation & Compliance:

• Enforced technical guidelines during development and deployment phases to ensure consistency and adherence to best practices.

        Architectural Improvements & Methodology Formulation:

• Recommended architectural enhancements and integration solutions, formulating methodologies for optimizing object-oriented software and database development.

        Azure IaaS and PaaS Deployment:

• Deployed Azure IaaS virtual machines (VMs) and PaaS role instances into secure VNets and subnets, ensuring scalable and secure cloud environments.

        VNet and Subscription Design:

• Strategically designed VNets and subscriptions, aligning with Azure Network Limits for optimal performance.

       SCCM to Intune Transition:

• Orchestrated the transition from SCCM, SCOM, WSUS to Intune, establishing a Hybrid Cloud as a SaaS Solution.

       Early Phase Cloud Computing Expertise:

• Initially served as a Cloud Computing SME (April 2018 to May 2018), focusing on planning and designing solutions for transitioning from legacy systems to public and private clouds.

      Advocacy for Cloud-Native Architectures:

• Promoted and developed cloud-native application architectures, emphasizing the benefits of containers and microservices.