ABIGAIL TORDSEN
Rapid City
Summary
Highly analytical risk professional with experience identifying, assessing, and monitoring evolving enterprise risks. Strong ability to translate complex issues into actionable insights, determine root cause, and implement targeted, risk-based solutions aligned with organizational objectives. Dependable and self-directed, with a consistent track record of supporting effective risk governance, control design, and continuous improvement.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
IT Security Analyst II
Black Hills Federal Credit Union
05.2025 - Current
- Led continuous monitoring and detection efforts, correlating activity across network, endpoint, and cloud environments to identify enterprise-level threats and unauthorized use.
- Analyzed complex alerts and telemetry, producing formal incident reports that articulated root cause, business impact, and residual risk.
- Designed and executed phishing simulations, using results to quantify human risk and inform enterprise risk mitigation strategies.
- Partnered with threat intelligence and threat hunting teams to maintain continuous threat awareness and proactively identify emerging risks.
- Performed focused information risk assessments on new and existing technologies, aligning findings with business objectives, regulatory expectations, and risk appetite.
- Collaborated with business units to identify and implement risk mitigation strategies, ensuring effective control design and alignment with enterprise risk tolerance.
- Evaluated control effectiveness and recommended enhancements to strengthen overall risk posture, including identifying compensating controls where necessary.
- Managed and tuned SIEM detection capabilities, developing and maintaining detection content aligned to key risk scenarios and indicators.
- Coordinated incident response efforts, including containment strategy, stakeholder communication, and forensic analysis support.
- Supported enterprise risk governance activities, including annual IT security procedure reviews and recommendations for updates based on evolving threats and regulatory guidance.
IT Security Analyst
Black Hills Federal Credit Union
05.2023 - 05.2025
- Conducted network monitoring and intrusion detection across endpoint, network, and cloud environments to identify suspicious activity.
- Reviewed alerts and security telemetry, documenting incidents with clear technical analysis and escalation when necessary.
- Supported simulated phishing exercises to assess user awareness and reinforce security education efforts.
- Assisted in incident response activities, including initial triage, containment support, and coordination with senior analysts.
- Participated in security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify control gaps and recommend remediation actions.
- Performed foundational risk analyses to support identification of appropriate security controls.
- Monitored SIEM alerts and contributed to basic tuning efforts to improve detection accuracy.
- Reviewed change management tickets to verify adherence to established procedures and identify potential control weaknesses.
Fraud Specialist
Black Hills Federal Credit Union
01.2021 - 05.2023
- Supported development and execution of the fraud risk management program, aligning practices with regulatory requirements and internal risk frameworks.
- Developed and enhanced fraud detection and prevention strategies using data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and emerging risks.
- Coordinated fraud investigations and incident response activities, documenting outcomes and driving risk mitigation actions.
- Evaluated and optimized fraud detection tools and SIEM use to improve monitoring effectiveness and reduce loss exposure.
- Produced and streamlined fraud reporting to support risk visibility and decision-making.
- Delivered fraud and cybersecurity awareness resources, strengthening organizational risk awareness and control effectiveness.
Vault Teller
Black Hills Federal Credit Union
08.2018 - 01.2021
- Processed member transactions in compliance with regulatory and internal control requirements.
- Managed vault operations, including cash balancing, inventory oversight, and reconciliation to ensure accuracy and accountability.
- Identified and escalated suspicious activity in accordance with fraud prevention and reporting procedures.
- Trained new tellers on procedures, controls, and service expectations.
- Educated members on financial products and services while maintaining a strong service focus.
Grounds Leader
Reptile Gardens
02.2015 - 08.2018
- Maintained safe, well-controlled grounds for guests and animals, proactively identifying and mitigating safety risks.
- Oversaw handling of animals during guest interactions, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
- Managed landscaping operations and responsible chemical use in alignment with environmental and safety standards.
- Supported a positive guest experience while serving as a knowledgeable resource on park operations and wildlife.
Education
High School Diploma -
Central High School
Rapid City, SDBachelor of Science - Cyber Operations With A Minor Digital Forensics
Dakota State University
03-2028
Emerging Leaders Program
Black Hills Federal Credit Union
Rapid City, SD12-2023
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Incident response planning
- Risk modeling
- Program design
- Critical thinking skills
- Collaborative talent
- Emotional intelligence
- Networking
- Governance, risk, and compliance software
- Root-cause analysis
- Trend analysis
Certification
- Certified Financial Crimes Specialist ACFCS | December 2022
- Certified in Governance, Risk, and Compliance ISC2 | December 2023
- Certified Information Systems Auditor ISACA | March 2026
Timeline
IT Security Analyst II
Black Hills Federal Credit Union
05.2025 - Current
IT Security Analyst
Black Hills Federal Credit Union
05.2023 - 05.2025
Fraud Specialist
Black Hills Federal Credit Union
01.2021 - 05.2023
Vault Teller
Black Hills Federal Credit Union
08.2018 - 01.2021
Grounds Leader
Reptile Gardens
02.2015 - 08.2018
High School Diploma -
Central High School
Bachelor of Science - Cyber Operations With A Minor Digital Forensics
Dakota State University
Emerging Leaders Program
Black Hills Federal Credit Union