ALLEN HOWARD
The Woodlands,United States
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
4
4
Certificates
Work History
Information Security Analyst
WOODFOREST NATIONAL BANK
The Woodlands, TX
05.2021 - 06.2025
- Orchestrated vulnerability remediation management for on-premises and Azure cloud assets utilizing Tenable and Wiz.io, while conducting monthly breach and attack simulations with Cymulate to pinpoint security gaps, with an average of about 7 gaps found and mitigated per year.
- Reduced monthly Critical and High vulnerabilities, lowering counts from over 2,000 combined to less than 10 Critical and 20 Highs for on-premises assets; cloud assets saw reduction from over 5,000 combined to below 5 Critical and 10 Highs.
- Worked closely with fellow security personnel to ensure 100% compliance with PCI and NIST CSF standards.
- Mentored junior analysts on network and system security procedures, as well as common cloud misconfigurations, while producing user-friendly and detailed process documentation through Microsoft Word.
- Implemented phishing simulations and delivered security awareness training through the KnowBe4 platform, boosting security awareness and lowering phishing click rates by over 70%.
- Implemented scripted automation on network penetration testing to increase efficiency and reduce time spent by over 200%
IT Director
CHEMICALS INCORPORATED
Mont Beliveau, TX
01.2020 - 05.2021
- Oversaw 2 teams of IT specialists spanning 2 different locations.
- Led vendor negotiations to optimize technology procurement and service agreements.
- Collaborated with other departments to develop strategies that leverage IT resources efficiently.
- Designed comprehensive disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity, used during a ransomware attack to contain the infection, clean, and restore systems within a 30-minute time frame.
- Created detailed and easy to read reports on system performance metrics for executive review.
- Conducted research on emerging technologies in support of system upgrades or purchasing decisions.
- Conducted cost analyses and initiated IT infrastructure changes, resulting in annual savings exceeding $150,000 for on-premises network and over $350,000 for Azure cloud configurations.
- Elevated productivity by 30% to over 200% across various departments through network enhancements and optimized software solutions.
Network Security Analyst
Alert Logic
Houston, TX
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Implemented and tuned web application firewalls to secure customer internet-facing websites, tuning out hundreds of false positives during the detection phase.
- Performed regular maintenance checks on firewalls, routers and other network devices to ensure optimal performance. Increased IDS performance by up to 100 times in some cases, for example, where RegEx was used incorrectly.
- Ensured compliance with industry standards such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR.
- Configured IPS and IDS systems to detect malicious activities in real-time.
- Investigated cyberattacks by analyzing log files and identifying malicious activities, escalating an average of about 50 high- and critical-priority incidents daily.
- Administered MS SQL servers for clients, while monitoring SQL servers for vulnerabilities, escalating IDS and WAF alerts for valid SQL attacks, such as SQL injections, and tuning out false positives, such as Mod Status reports from a SQL database within an Apache server. On average, we escalated about 20 true positive SQL injections a week, along with various other true positive attacks.
IT Manager
CHEMICALS INCORPORATED
Houston, TX
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Resolved conflicts between different stakeholders regarding IT projects, such as what type of biometrics solution would be best for the companies' employees to replace punch cards.
- Collaborated with team members to develop IT policies and procedures for efficiency, such as how long certain items should be stored on disk before being archived, to reduce disk usage and increase I/O performance.
- Oversaw and trained team of IT professionals, facilitating constant improvement and delivering advice for complicated scenarios.
- Executed performance evaluations for direct reports and facilitated hiring process for new employees.
- Coordinated numerous IT projects, prominently including a biometrics installation project that enhanced efficiency over the outdated punch card system, allowing the company the efficiency it needed to move forward with direct deposit payments for employees, and increased accounting efficiency by over 200%.
- Received offer for IT Director role due to proven success in managing, analyzing, and addressing intricate network technical challenges.
- Administered MDM for about 30 mobile devices, Intune for Microsoft, and Jamf for iOS and Mac.
Network and Systems Administrator
CHEMICALS INCORPORATED
Mont Beliveau, TX
08.2014 - 12.2015
- Enhanced network security and resiliency through implementation of Cisco security features including HSRP, DHCP Snooping, TACACS, and VPN tunnels.
- Executed deployment of single VMWare server, streamlining infrastructure by eliminating the use for multiple expensive physical server blades
- Managed Sophos EDR solution, incorporating continuous custom rule adjustments and Snort IDS rule configurations.
- Analyzed network traffic and resolved troubleshooting challenges.
- Implemented and administered Elastic Security SEIM alongside Kabana, Snort, and Squill to establish a robust SOC for the company.
- Administered and locked down SQL servers, including network hardening, encryption, and firewall rules, to restrict network access.
Information System Technician
Self-employeed
Crosby, Texas
07.2009 - 08.2014
- Conducted computer troubleshooting through telephone and in-person consultations, with an average of about 10 to 15 customers per week. Had around 1 to 2 major projects from mid-sized businesses per month. Notable customers contain Chemicals Incorporated, and Clark Machine Shop.
- Repaired and built computer hardware to meet client specifications.
- Performed onsite repairs by traveling to customer locations for various computer issues.
- Resolved challenging issues while maintaining exceptional service and prompt turnarounds.
Led to a job offer from a past customer, "Chemicals Incorporated," following demonstrated expertise in system and network administration.
Network and Security Administrator
UNITED STATES NAVY
Norfolk, VA
09.2005 - 07.2009
- Received Good Conduct Medal for three consecutive years of effective team leadership and mentoring, contributing to promotion of all team members to elevated roles.
- Managed and operated Linux, Unix, and Windows systems utilizing PowerShell and Bash Shell.
- Performed network and systems administration for approximately 175 crew members aboard the ship.
- Utilized encryption technologies in conjunction with radio communications
Timeline
Information Security Analyst
WOODFOREST NATIONAL BANK
05.2021 - 06.2025
IT Director
CHEMICALS INCORPORATED
01.2020 - 05.2021
Network Security Analyst
Alert Logic
01.2017 - 01.2020
IT Manager
CHEMICALS INCORPORATED
01.2016 - 12.2016
Network and Systems Administrator
CHEMICALS INCORPORATED
08.2014 - 12.2015
Information System Technician
Self-employeed
07.2009 - 08.2014
Network and Security Administrator
UNITED STATES NAVY
09.2005 - 07.2009
Bachelors - Animation, Web Design
ART INSTITUTE OF HOUSTON
Certification
- CISSP Certified Information Security Professional
- CEH Certified Ethical Hacker
- GCIA GIAC Intrusion Analyst
- AZ500 Azure Cloud Security Engineer
Summary
Cybersecurity expert with 20 years of experience and broad exposure to various facets of cybersecurity, including threat identification, risk mitigation strategies, and security system installation. Showcases strong skills in network monitoring, cloud security, data encryption, and incident response management. Demonstrated success in strengthening existing security systems to protect sensitive information, while reducing the risk of cyber-attacks, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Robust background enhances ability to anticipate potential threats and implement preventive measures effectively.
Education
Bachelors - Animation, Web Design
ART INSTITUTE OF HOUSTON
Houston, TX05-2014
Skills
- Vulnerability management
- Security awareness training
- Risk assessment
- Cloud security
- Compliance standards
- Incident response
- System administration
- Network monitoring
- Mentorship and training
- Data security
- Cybersecurity expertise
- Firewall administration
- Database security
- Team leadership
Memberships
- Held TOP SECRET/SCI Security Clearance in U.S. Navy Information Security
- Member of InfraGard
- Member of ISC2
- Member of EC-Council
References
References available upon request.
Awards
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR SERVICE MEDAL
Memberships
- Held TOP SECRET/SCI Security Clearance in U.S. Navy Information Security
- Member of InfraGard
- Member of ISC2
- Member of EC-Council
References
References available upon request.
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