Brandon Balams
Allen,TX
Summary
Results-driven security specialist with extensive experience in leading security audits, including SOC 2 assessments, and implementing robust threat detection systems to minimize false positives. Expertise in developing automated solutions that utilize AI for vulnerability discovery and leveraging DevOps tools like SonarQube to uphold CI/CD processes and secure coding practices. Proven ability to integrate secure AI methodologies, exemplified by the creation of an automated penetration testing bot that transforms findings into comprehensive, human-readable reports. Proficient in managing security across diverse cloud environments, including AWS and Azure, with a strong track record in large-scale vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cyber Security Analyst
Studio Designer LLC
10.2023 - Current
- Collaborate with team members to assess the company’s security needs and assist in developing project plans.
- Oversee and manage the implementation of security solutions, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, SIEM platforms, and endpoint security.
- Conduct security assessments and vulnerability scans.
- Participate in incident response activities, including identifying, containing, and mitigating security incidents.
- Monitor security alerts and conduct security event analysis.
- Create and maintain documentation related to security policies, procedures, and configurations.
- Stay up to date with industry trends and emerging threats to provide proactive recommendations to the team.
- Provide internal security support and communicate security best practices
- Triaged over 50 high risk security incidents
- Collaborated with IT teams to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Conducted security audits to identify vulnerabilities.
- Analyzed security incidents post-resolution, identifying areas for improvement in both technical controls and incident response processes.
- Reduced risk of cyber attacks by conducting regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
- Improved incident response times by developing and maintaining cybersecurity playbooks for common attack scenarios.
- Enhanced network security by implementing advanced threat detection and prevention systems.
System Administrator
04.2020 - 07.2021
- Installing and configuring: Installing and configuring software and hardware, such as application software and computer hardware
- Managing: Managing network servers, technology tools, and systems
- Setting up: Setting up accounts and workstations
- Monitoring: Monitoring performance and ensuring systems meet requirements
- Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting issues and outages
- Securing: Ensuring security through access controls, backups, and firewalls
- Upgrading: Upgrading systems with new releases and models
- Training: Developing expertise to train staff on new technologies
- Documenting: Building an internal wiki with technical documentation, manuals, and IT policies
- Providing support: Providing technical support to employees
Education
BAT - Cybersecurity
WGU
05-2024
AAS - Information Technology, cybersecurity
Collin College
12-2023
Skills
- I am a dedicated IT professional with a strong foundation in Information Technology and specialized experience in cybersecurity, spanning a combined tenure of 4 years in the field I’m currently serving as an Analyst at a leading SaaS company, adept at leveraging technical acumen to enhance organizational security posture I’m proficient in various aspects of cybersecurity, including penetration testing, to proactively identify and mitigate vulnerabilities I am committed to staying abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices to deliver optimal solutions I’m known for my analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaborative approach to achieving strategic objectives
- I have worked with Javascript, python, and Kali Linux coding platforms and completed skills tests for them I’ve also worked with Microsoft applications like Office and Excel
- I have 4 years of experience with cybersecurity platforms and SIEMS This experience comes in the form of formal education from an accredited college, self-studying from my home-lab, and utilizing free resources such as tryhackme and hackthebox
- Incident response
- Digital forensics
- Risk assessment
- Incident response management
- Penetration testing
- DDoS prevention
- Application security
- Phishing detection
- Network security
- Attention to detail
- Access control
Accomplishments
- Achieved secure coding by introducing Sonarqube for Static Code Analysis tasks.
- Achieved compliance by completing SOC 2 Audit with accuracy and efficiency.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Certification
- Google certificate Cybersecurity
- ISC2 Certified in Cyber Security
- Ec-council Certified cybersecurity technician
Timeline
Cyber Security Analyst
Studio Designer LLC
10.2023 - Current
System Administrator
04.2020 - 07.2021
AAS - Information Technology, cybersecurity
Collin College
BAT - Cybersecurity
WGU