Ali Sadr

Seasoned Cyber Security and Technology Consultant with extensive experience at the University of Southern California, specializing in risk management and cybersecurity implementation. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute robust security strategies that enhance compliance and system integrity. Expertise in technical leadership has resulted in significant risk mitigation, contributing to a secure IT environment. Career aspirations include advancing innovative security solutions to further strengthen organizational resilience.

• Lead a team of Cybersecurity and IT professionals, fostering and mentoring a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Built and led talented team of skilled IT professionals, overseeing efforts in supporting endpoint and users.
• Established and enforced information security policies and standards, ensuring compliance, and safeguarding critical data and systems.
• Developed expertise in utilizing cutting-edge endpoint technologies such as CrowdStrike, and BigFix infrastructure, ensuring top-notch information, threat hunting, security, data protection, digital assets and integrity in daily operations.
• Successfully delivered key programs on time and within budget by effectively managing escalations and resolving critical issues under tight deadlines.
• Leadership, negotiation, and change management abilities.

Upon Request

• Cyber Security and Technology Consultant, 03/2023, Present, Collaborate with clients to assess their existing cybersecurity posture, identify vulnerabilities, and develop comprehensive risk mitigation strategies., Conduct thorough security assessments, including penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and security audits, to identify potential threats and weaknesses in systems and networks.
• Chief Security & Technology Officer, University of Southern California, 04/2010, 01/2023, Established and enforcing security policies, procedures, and guidelines ensuring compliance with regulatory standards such as GDPR, ISO 27001, and NIST frameworks., Performed a yearly internal audit, conduct frequently penetration testing and vulnerability assessments., Oversee identity and access management services, ensuring secure and compliant access controls., Develop and implement policies, incident response and crisis management plans for security incidents and breaches., Oversee security tools, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption technologies., Provide periodic reports to management, presenting key security metrics and initiatives., Migrate on promise infrastructure to Microsoft Azure cloud, ensuring robust cloud security measures., Collaborated and communicated with executives and stakeholders to ensure that the IT strategy aligns with the overall business strategy., Communicated complex technical information to both technical and non-technical leaders with highly advanced written and verbal communication skills., Developed and managed the technology budget, allocating resources effectively to support key projects and initiatives while maintaining cost control successfully.
• Director of Security Information Technology, University of Southern California, 02/2008, 04/2010, Defined robust security and disaster recovery strategies that supported business continuity goals by partnering with key stakeholders, such as lead representatives and IT security experts., Implemented streamlined processes for procuring and implementing new IT equipment/services, in alignment with best industry practices, in close collaboration with senior leadership., Designed and implemented a comprehensive disaster recovery plan that ensured continuous system operations during emergencies., Performed quarterly disaster response tests to audit response protocols., Managed and deployed Enterprise Content Manager (ECM) system to capture, store, preserve, and deliver content and documents Preserve materials for departments archives, ensuring the security and integrity of historical data.
• Information Technology Manager, University of Southern California, 08/2004, 02/2008, Planned and deployed the migration of existing system to the VMware environment, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations., Conducted regular assessments of the deployment to identify areas for improvement and optimization, installation, and maintenance of software applications and hardware components, ensuring that all systems are up-to-date, secure, and functioning properly., Successfully managed and negotiated with hardware and software vendors to ensure best pricing.