Hi, I’m
Cory Farris
TX
Summary
Dedicated and highly skilled professional with over 10+ years of experience in network engineering, network security, and overall IT. Possess a strong background in designing, implementing, and maintaining secure network infrastructures, conducting vulnerability assessments, and developing robust security solutions to protect against cyber threats. Proficient in using various security tools and techniques to identify and prevent security breaches. Experienced in analyzing and resolving complex network issues to ensure optimal performance and security. Strong problem-solving abilities and a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions to enhance network security and mitigate risks. Adept at working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and providing strategic guidance to improve security posture. Passionate about staying current with emerging technologies and industry advancements to address evolving security challenges effectively.
Overview
10
years of professional experience
Skills
- Information Security Mangement (Cisco ISE/Wireshark/Nessus/Kali Linux)
- Firewalls (Cisco/Meraki/Palo Alto/Fortinet)
- SD WAN (DNA-C/SDA/ACI/Meraki/Palo Alto/Aruba Central/Fortigate/Panorama/UniFi)
- Network Design (Visio/LAN/WAN)
- Network Security (VPN/Flex VPN/GET VPN/IPsec/SSL/TLS)
- Wireless Networking (WLAN/APs/WLC/Site Survey/Ekahau)
- Information Assurance (NMAP/IP SLA/QOS)
- Link Aggregation/Etherchannel (LACP/PAGP/Manual)
- Routing Protocols (EIGRP/OSPF/BGP/IS-IS/MPLS/GRE/VRF)
- Monitoring Tools (Solarwinds/PRTG/SNMP/Netflow/Syslog/IP SLA)
- Automation (Python)
- Hardware Implementation (CIsco/Palo Alto/Meraki/Aruba/Ruckus/Unifi)
- Cloud Technologies (AWS/Azure)
- Redundancy (FHRP/HSRP/VRRP/GLBP)
- Virutalization (VMware ESXi)
- Storage Solutions (iSCSI/Fibre Channel/SAN/NAS)
- Data Center (Fiber/Nexus/VoIP/Servers/DIA)
- Switching Protocols (VTP/STP/8021Q/VXLAN)
Work History
Cloud 5 Communications
Field Network Engineer
06.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Apart of an on-site implementation team that ran take-over/upgrade installations to standard set by clients
- Configured, Installed, & documented WiFi/Access Points along with the network devices on each layer of the hierarchy (core, distribution, & access layers).
- Worked with clients to ensure that the company operated more efficiently with the newly installed equipment
- Managed, provisioned, & tracked inventory utilizing the SD-WAN (Aruba Central/Ruckus SmartZone)
- Coordinated problem resolution and escalation processes among each client to ensure smooth transition to the support team once installation has been completed
- Performed troubleshooting for Aruba, Ruckus, plus site survey coupled with packet analysis on-site to ensure proper traffic flow & network speeds of the end user devices
- Created VPN infrastructure and allowed for secure remote connections with various devices ranging from servers & switches to firewalls & internet gateways to ensure proper security is appropriately placed.
- Diagnosed network problems involving various tools, from utilizing the command line interface (CLI)/console cable to the link runner & fiber testing tools.
- Implemented WAN and LAN designs in multi-datacenter configurations while meeting all specific security measures.
Vaco
Senior Network Engineer
11.2023 - 04.2024
Job overview
- Managed and maintained network security measures, including Palo Alto firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs, to protect the organization's data and sensitive information utilizing Panorama for management.
- Provided expert-level support for troubleshooting complex network issues, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal network performance ranging on various equipment from Cisco, Palo Alto, Meraki, & Aruba.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement network policies, procedures, and standards to ensure adherence to industry best practices and PCI compliance requirements.
- Managed network capacity planning and upgrades to Palo Alto equipment to accommodate company growth and technology advancements
- Monitored network traffic and analyzed security logs to detect and respond to security incidents in a timely manner
- Deployed and managed next-generation Panorama/Meraki firewall technologies to enhance network security and performance
ECCO Select
Senior Network Engineer
05.2023 - 09.2023
Job overview
- Network troubleshooting was needed to trace slowness within the local & vendor networks
- Monitoring the network traffic flows to verify slow points within the network with monitoring tools
- Work with colleagues & vendors to ensure efficient communication on design, support, install, and maintain Cerner’s internal network infrastructure, related technologies and equipment
- Design, support, install, and maintain local area network, wide area network, and wireless network components
- Perform project work to update or replace network equipment coordinate network changes and communicate with impacted stakeholders
- Diverse Networking infrastructure (Cisco, Palo Alto, & Aruba)
- Mentor and support associates in daily tasks and troubleshooting
Suncap Technology
Senior Network Engineer
04.2023 - 04.2023
Job overview
- Member of an emergency response team reacting to a security breach that occurred globally
- Worked with C-Level executives to communicate the process & begin implementing plans immediately to restore network access
- Coordinated with the Emergency Response Team to inquire about the network access needed so my VM team could properly verify how far in the infrastructure the breach occurred
- Needed to consolidate infected network from safe network before restoring communication to the central hub network
- Took inventory of the entire infrastructure & documented the networking devices plus servers
- Met virtually with other teammates daily to track progress & helped other colleagues get up to speed with the rest of the team globally
- Implemented industry best practices and standards to ensure the security, scalability, and reliability of the network infrastructure
Mindtree
Senior Support Engineer
08.2022 - 02.2023
Job overview
- Led a team of support engineers to provide exceptional customer service and technical assistance for complex technical issues and escalated cases
- Developed and implemented new strategies to improve efficiency and productivity within the support team
- Acted as a technical escalation point for challenging customer issues, providing guidance and expertise to end users
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify, address systemic issues impacting customer support experience, and resolve complex technical problems within agreed SLA for clients
- Conducted in-depth troubleshooting and root cause analysis to resolve challenging technical issues in a timely manner
- Managed and maintained documentation of support tickets, resolutions, and system configurations for future reference
Rethinking Consulting Services (RTCS)
Cyber Threat Hunter
05.2022 - 08.2022
Job overview
- Acquire images of the environment to assist with re-creating the environment virtually to locate the threat that is causing the issue
- Be able to rebuild clients infrastructure as needed based on the type of threat that is hindering their environment
- Documentation must be recorded of each step along the process as this information is necessary for all stakeholders to showcase the work completed during remediation
- Being flexible to work within various environments because every client has different variations on how their organization operates
- Utilize various threat intelligence sources and security tools to analyze network traffic, logs, and behavior anomalies for suspicious activities
- Collaborate with incident response team to provide actionable recommendations and remediation plans for detected security incidents
- Stay up-to-date on the latest cyber threats, trends, and TTPs to continuously improve threat detection and mitigation techniques
CommuniCare
Network Engineer
01.2019 - 01.2022
Job overview
- Point of contact for communication with company vendors to create secure lines of communication (VPNs) along with resolving issues in a timely fashion
- During new building sites, I would work with a team to visually build the wifi placement to ensure that the network infrastructure needs were met
- Upon building completion of new site, I would use tools such as visiwave & SolarWinds to find the most optimal locations (heat mapping) to place wireless devices within each building
- Design security architecture to meet business needs to ensure proper placement, installation & configuration of routers, switches, wireless & firewalls
- Collaborated with vendors for procuring new equipment within the network infrastructure to ensure future-proofing for the organization
- Implemented quick turnarounds to ensure readiness for business operations
- Designed, implemented, and managed complex network infrastructures to ensure high availability and security for branch offices
- Conducted network performance monitoring, analysis, and troubleshooting to optimize network performance and uptime
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to plan and execute network upgrades and migrations with minimal service disruption
- Configured and maintained firewalls, routers, and switches to enforce network security policies and ensure compliance with HIPAA industry standards
- Provided technical expertise and support to end users and IT staff to resolve network issues and enhance system functionality.
Muscogee International, LLC
System Administrator
07.2017 - 11.2017
Job overview
- Managed and maintained a network of 100+ servers, ensuring high availability and reliability for critical business operations
- Collaborated with IT team members and vendors to evaluate and implement new technologies that improved system efficiency and scalability
- Conducted regular system backups and disaster recovery planning to safeguard against data loss and ensure business continuity
- Troubleshooted and resolved hardware and software issues promptly to minimize downtime and optimize system performance
- Implemented security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and user access controls to protect sensitive data and systems from cyber threats
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Information Technology Assoicate
09.2016 - 07.2017
Job overview
- Managed and maintained the company's IT equipment inventory, ensuring accurate tracking of assets and timely replacements or upgrades.
- Assisted with troubleshooting and resolving technical issues for end users, such as software problems, network connectivity issues, and hardware malfunctions.
- Provided basic training and support to staff on using various software applications and systems to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Collaborated with IT team to implement and test new software applications, updates, and security measures to protect company data and systems.
- Conducted regular system maintenance tasks, including software updates, virus scans, and system backups to ensure optimal performance and security.
US Army
IT specialist
03.2009 - 04.2012
Job overview
- Assisted in developing and implementing IT policies and procedures to streamline operations and increase efficiency
- Conducted system upgrades and patches to ensure systems are up to date and secure
- Designed and implemented network infrastructure to enhance data security and optimize performance
- Provided technical support and troubleshooting for hardware and software issues for employees
- Managed and maintained IT assets, including servers, workstations, and networking devices
Education
New Horizon Computer Learning Center - San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Network System Adminstration Professional
12-2019
Sullivan University, Louisville, KY
Bachelor degree from Computer and Information Sciences and SupportServices
12-2016
Sullivan University, Louisville, KY
Associate's degree from Computer Science
12-2014
Timeline
Field Network Engineer
Cloud 5 Communications
06.2024 - Current
Senior Network Engineer
Vaco
11.2023 - 04.2024
Senior Network Engineer
ECCO Select
05.2023 - 09.2023
Senior Network Engineer
Suncap Technology
04.2023 - 04.2023
Senior Support Engineer
Mindtree
08.2022 - 02.2023
Cyber Threat Hunter
Rethinking Consulting Services (RTCS)
05.2022 - 08.2022
Network Engineer
CommuniCare
01.2019 - 01.2022
System Administrator
Muscogee International, LLC
07.2017 - 11.2017
Information Technology Assoicate
The University of Texas at San Antonio
09.2016 - 07.2017
IT specialist
US Army
03.2009 - 04.2012
New Horizon Computer Learning Center - San Antonio
Network System Adminstration Professional
Sullivan University
Bachelor degree from Computer and Information Sciences and SupportServices
Sullivan University
Associate's degree from Computer Science
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