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 and Safe Breach to pinpoint security gaps.
- Reduced monthly Critical and High vulnerabilities, lowering counts from over 2,000 combined to less than 10 Criticals and 20 Highs for on-premises assets; cloud assets saw reduction from over 5,000 combined to below 5 Criticals and 10 Highs.
- Worked closely with fellow security personnel to ensure 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%.
- Created comprehensive reports using Excel, Power Point and Visio for management on vulnerability status, security awareness, NIST CSF 2.0, and PCI 4.0 compliance.
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.
- 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.
IT Manager
CHEMICALS INCORPORATED
Houston, TX
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Resolved conflicts between different stakeholders regarding IT projects.
- Collaborated with team members to develop IT policies and procedures for efficiency.
- 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 biometrics installation project enhancing efficiency over outdated punch card system, and EDR replacement from Sophos to Cisco AMP.
- Achieved promotion to IT Director due to proven success in managing, analyzing, and addressing intricate network technical challenges.
Network and Systems Administrator
CHEMICALS INCORPORATED
Mont Beliveau, TX
08.2014 - 12.2016
- 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 multiple 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.
Information System Technician
Self-employeed
Crosby, Texas
07.2009 - 08.2014
- Conducted computer troubleshooting through telephone and in-person consultations.
- Repaired and built computer hardware to meet client specifications.
- Performed onsite repairs by traveling to customer locations for various computer issues.
- Performed network and system administration duties for small and mid-sized companies, as needed.
- Resolved challenging issues while maintaining exceptional service and prompt turnarounds.
Led to job offer from 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
IT Manager
CHEMICALS INCORPORATED
01.2016 - 01.2020
Network and Systems Administrator
CHEMICALS INCORPORATED
08.2014 - 12.2016
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
ADDITIONAL
- 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
ADDITIONAL
- 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.
Similar Profiles
Caitlin WilliamsCaitlin Williams
Retail Banker II at Woodforest National BankRetail Banker II at Woodforest National Bank
Hunter MeredithHunter Meredith
Retail Banker II at Woodforest National BankRetail Banker II at Woodforest National Bank
Julia VenegasJulia Venegas
Retail Banker II-Bi at Woodforest National BankRetail Banker II-Bi at Woodforest National Bank
Maxine EaleyMaxine Ealey
Bank Teller at Woodforest National BankBank Teller at Woodforest National Bank
Liubov KysilLiubov Kysil
Club Janitorial Attendant Part Time, 16h, Evening at 24 Hour FitnessClub Janitorial Attendant Part Time, 16h, Evening at 24 Hour Fitness