SUMMARY:

• Integrate strong theoretical knowledge in security and network architecture, and 15+ years of dynamic experience in directing and implementing cutting - edge information security policies and procedures to advance sustainable business performance and organizational stability across numerous IT projects in the Financial and Media industry.
• Thrive in implementing technical directives and security best practices, and mobilizing encryption policies, intrusion detection protocols, and end-user security awareness to prevent data breach incidents.
• Restructure the organization’s compliance with the Information Security Management System to minimize risk and ensure business continuity.
• Excel at handling multiple projects, aligning information services with business needs, and providing prompt and informative guidance to stakeholders.
• Equipped with advanced working proficiency in data security, network systems, hardware and software standards, multiprotocol routers, multilayer switches, business continuity planning and disaster recovery.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

• Fortinet FortiGate 61E,201E,301,501E,2000E Firewalls | Checkpoint NGN Firewall| Palo Alto Firewalls
• IT Security Audit | Threat Assessment & Vulnerability Management | Cybersecurity Solutions & Architecture | ITIL Foundation Authentication Protocols | Core Programming Languages | Client Engagement | Executive Leadership
• Process Improvements | Root-cause Analysis | Conflict Resolution
• Cisco Routing | Security Fabric | Information Security | Technical Security Standards Fortinet FortiGate Firewalls | Checkpoint NGN Firewall| Palo Alto Firewalls Compliance, Governance, and Risk Management

CAREER EXPERIENCE:

Confidential, FRISCO, DALLAS

Information Security Specialist

Responsibilities:

• Deliver outstanding management of cross-functional teams to define security architecture and ensure the protection of data and information systems against any possible threat.
• Advise customers on network security gaps and best practices to address the same.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to identify security requirements and promote cost-saving opportunities in the acquisition of security tools.
• Technical Resource Mediakind Fortinet Fabric Implementation-Deployed FAZ, FM, FAC, FNAC, FortiGate 61E,201E,301E,501,2000E in HA Mode across 13 locations
• Currently support the Fortinet Fabric Installation across Mediakind
• Managed implementation and delivery of the Onetrust Privacy & GDPR solution for Mediakind.
• Performed information security risk assessments of technology enabled projects; activities include vendor reviews, security requirement definition, and facilitation of security testing and management of residual risk.
• Acted as the primary point of contact between IT project teams and IT Security groups to help ensure that appropriate security resources are scheduled, and that security-related project objectives and timelines are met.
• Developed and implemented an efficient security program aligned with business requirements to counter threats ensuring confidentiality, integrity and availability of Mediakind information assets.
• Managed the deployment of endpoint security solution across 26 office location globally covering 2000 endpoints.
• Implemented and oversaw technological upgrades, improvements and major changes to the information security environment.
• Communicated information security goals and new programs effectively with other department managers within the organization.
• Reviewed, implemented, updated and documented companywide information security policies and procedures.
• Managed security audits and vulnerability and threat assessments and directed responses to network or system intrusions.
• Ensured fulfillment of legal and contractual information security and privacy mandates, including providing executive management with compliance reports and audit findings.

Confidential

Head of IT Service Delivery

Responsibilities:

• Advanced from an initial role as Head of Network Security to Head of IT Service Delivery after three years with this financial banking institution.
• Delivered 384M Naira annual savings through the renegotiation of a WAN Links contract.
• Increased compliance with ITSM best practices, achieving the implementation of ISO 20000 and ISO 27001 global standards throughout bank operations.
• Coordinated and led several projects that included the implementation of a new Treasury Dealing Room, F5 application delivery controllers, PCI DSS-compliant security controls, and the deployment and migration of a data center.
• Considered and resolved issues, assisted CIO in presentations, and attained division-level targets.

Head of Network Security

Confidential

Responsibilities:

• Standardized and optimized network security to safeguard mission-critical information and systems from unauthorized access, leading the implementation and management of network security equipment, operating systems, and servers.
• Investigated and resolved incidents involving cybercrime, data theft, hacking, and invasion of privacy.
• Maintained authority over the network engineering and security team. Deploy, Administer, and Manage Checkpoint and Cisco Firewalls, create firewall permissions for new applications, users, and services. Work with technology OEMs (Checkpoint, Cisco) to troubleshoot and resolve connectivity issues.
• Provision firewall policies in line with regulatory standards like PCIDSS. Manage Firewall software Upgrades and Updates.
• Responsible for advanced network and security implementations including HQ campus LAN and WAN connections to branches using DMVPN.
• Advanced Campus Wireless network design and implementation
• Responsible for implementing various technologies and troubleshoot/resolve problems across various platforms including Cisco Nexus7k, Cisco Nexus 5K, Cisco Nexus 2K, Cisco 6500, Cisco 4500, Cisco 3850, Cisco 3750, Cisco 3560, Cisco 2960, Cisco 7600, Cisco 4300 ISR, Cisco 2900, Cisco ASR1002X, Checkpoint 15600, Checkpoint 4800, Checkpoint 12200, Checkpoint Smart-1 & Smart-225, Checkpoint Threat Emulation Appliance 1000 etc.
• Lead and Managed the Network Security team with Responsibilities for advanced Network & Security Designs for the Bank.
• Oversaw a team of network security engineers and technicians; met the company objectives.
• Implemented HQ campus LAN and WAN connections to over 400 branches.
• Installed, configured and maintained network security equipment, operating systems, and servers.
• Accomplished SLA monitoring, resource planning, failover & disaster recovery, capacity planning, network related hardware/software upgrades, and migration.
• Designed, deployed and supported network and security devices like: Cisco ASA firewalls, ISR, Nexus switches; Checkpoint firewalls, IPS and other software blades.
• Prepared and communicated security tips to users within the organization on a regular basis and addressed their individual questions.
• Deployed and maintained security of information stored or transmitted through the corporate network in line with PCI DSS best practices Check Point R77 Firewalls, IPS, Antivirus & Antispam, Identity Awareness software blades; Cisco ASA firewall solutions, ACS, ASR, Nexus, ISR and IOS security features; Imperva DAM and WAF solutions.
• Executed technologies and troubleshot problems; secured information technology infrastructure.
• Tested and evaluated new information security technology before deployment.
• Installed, configured and maintained network security equipment, operating systems, and servers.
• Investigated and prevented network threats (cybercrime, data theft, hacking and invasion of privacy)
• Troubleshot network security incidents and coordinated network and security team’s daily activities and trained and coached new team members.
• Investigated high risk security events while liaising with the organization’s Security Operation Centre team to mitigate operational risks.
• Documented and modified (when necessary) the team’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) following the laid down procedure.

Confidential

Manager, Information Security & Compliance

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all facets of information security and compliance at this state-backed financial organization, with a focus on assessing risks, threats, and security trends to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
• Acted as direct interface between audit groups and the Information Technology Department and responsible for providing guidance to management on critical aspects of external and internal audit initiatives.
• Analyze and interpret audit requests, findings and reports to provide consultation and expert advice on how to formally respond and remediate issues
• Develop and execute compliance reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of general controls and operating processes, including documentation, presentations and action plan remediation assistance
• Provide consultation and expert advice to management on scope and focus of IT compliance initiatives
• Negotiate acceptable timeframes to comply with audit findings by interfacing with auditors, IT management and business personnel

Confidential

Senior Network Security Engineer

Responsibilities:

• Collaborated across department lines to safeguard the systems and information of this leading bank, working with stakeholders in Nigeria and 18 countries in Africa with expertise in Enterprise Architecture, Networking, and IT Risk Management.
• Credited with designing, deploying, and optimizing networking and security infrastructure, while ensuring regulatory compliance in accordance with recommendations from InfoSec, IT Control, and the IT Audit departments.
• Collaborated across department lines to safeguard the systems and information of this leading bank, working with stakeholders in Nigeria and 18 countries in Africa with expertise in Enterprise Architecture, Networking, and IT Risk Management.
• Credited with designing, deploying, and optimizing networking and security infrastructure, while ensuring regulatory compliance in accordance with recommendations from InfoSec, IT Control, and the IT Audit departments.
• Ensured security requirements for all the Bank’s Core Network Security Designs and Implementations.