David L. Hopper
Lake Villa,IL
Summary
Dedicated and results-driven solution provider with a strong ability to thrive under pressure, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes and innovative solutions. Experienced IT professional with proven expertise in the design, architecture, and deployment of security measures within enterprise networks. Committed to leveraging technical skills and industry knowledge to enhance organizational security and efficiency. Passionate about driving continuous improvement and fostering a proactive approach to problem-solving in dynamic environments.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Information Security Architect
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
12.2019 - 08.2025
- Developed and implemented security architecture principles and standards for both on premises and cloud.
- Drove adoption and compliance of these standards across development and infrastructure teams both inside of and under contract with BCBSA.
- Served as a core team member of the security architecture function developed functional and technical security requirements and fostered them through the project lifecycle.
- Provided security consulting including design, reviews and recommendations for various IT projects and initiatives.
- Provided hands-on engineering support for technologies owned and operated by the security organization.
- Environment was primarily on premises data centers, with select projects being targeted for cloud deployment. Foundational cloud environment being developed in AWS.
Enterprise Security Architect
US Cellular
08.2019 - 11.2019
- Optimized the Enterprise Security Architecture management and tracking of projects by developing an Enterprise Security Documentation form in Confluence. This form was used throughout the project lifecycle to centrally manage and record details of the project and for interaction with the IAM, System Account Management, Security Operations, Contract and GRC teams.
- (consultant)
Enterprise Architect – Security
AbbVie
11.2017 - 06.2019
- Established a new role in the organization as an Enterprise Architect focusing on secure computing and worked to build relationships with Information Security and Infrastructure teams to bring together and establish an enterprise strategic approach to security.
- Member of the Network Security Council; attended weekly review meetings to evaluate and approve Network Security Requests for firewall changes.
- Participated in weekly Architecture Review Board meetings including presenting multiple position papers. Participated in weekly Change Advisory Board meetings.
- Established a multi-year security program consisting of 28 projects designed to address shortcomings in the current security posture to make the environment more resilient. 2019 projects included:
- O Expansion of multifactor authentication
- O Privileged account management for servers and infrastructure
- O Privileged account management for workstation
- O Limiting desktop to desktop communications
- O Micro-segmentation
- O Establishment of PKI environment with HSM (linked to separate CASB project to utilize client certificates for conditional access to o365)
- O Next-Gen Antivirus
- Environment was on premises in two geographically diverse data centers and 13 manufacturing facilities, with a growing AWS cloud presence. Multiple new projects were targeted for AWS private cloud deployment, a foundational environment had been established.
Managing Architect, Information Security
Anixter
07.2014 - 11.2017
- Established a security architecture role in the organization independent of security operations and engineering.
- Responsible for Identity and Access Management strategy and managing Identity and Access Management Engineering group responsible for Web Access Management.
- Reviewed business requirements, designed and documented security solutions for both business applications and infrastructure platforms.
- Participated in bi-weekly Architecture Review Board meetings to handle intake and disposition of permission to evaluate and acquire or expand use of products and technologies.
- Established Application Security Architecture, including coordinating training for developers on good coding practices and OWASP top 10, static code scanning and dynamic application security assessment were integrated into the SDLC process utilizing Fortify on Demand.
- Architected network topology changes to further segment critical applications, developed application network communication flows diagrams detailing TCP/IP ports for each data flow.
- Major projects included:
- O Implementation of IBM ISIM Identity Management platform. Initial implementation focused on deployment of adapters to multiple active Directory domains and multiple TAM and ISAM environments, password synchronization and desktop password reset agent for self-service password reset.
- O Migration from multiple mail systems including Lotus Domino and on premises Exchange to cloud based Office 365 platform including directory synchronization and deployment of ADFS environments for identity federation.
- O Divestiture of Anixter Fasteners division ($938 million in annual revenue) and buildout of new infrastructure under terms of a TSA.
- O Acquisition of a business segment from HD Supply ($1.9 billion in annual revenue) which became Anixter Power Solutions and associated infrastructure buildout to onboard this segment onto Anixter’s infrastructure.
- O Acquisition of Tri-Ed ($480 million in annual sales) and integration/migration into Anixter’s infrastructure.
- O Hybris ecommerce project which added B2C and B2B online buying capabilities to the www.anixter.com website.
- O CRM and Sales-desk internal application integration with Web Access Management platform including development of a custom web service built on IBM Security Directory Integrator to make abstracted LDAP directory information available for applications.
Manager, Information Security
Anixter
01.2012 - 07.2014
- Managed IT security for Anixter includes building, designing, and day-to-day operations of IPS, firewalls, security account administration, proxy servers, vulnerability management, penetration testing, data security, SSL VPN, SIEM, incident response, and DMZ infrastructure, application security, and security policies.
- Responsible for the security integration of new acquisitions from project start to full network conversion.
- Produced and maintained budgets for the IS Security department.
- Directly managed and mentored security staff and reported to the VP Information Security.
- Accountable for prioritizing projects and day-to-day work for Security team.
- Reviewed firewall change requests. Analyzed requests for new TCP/IP ports and protocols for adherence to policy.
- Major projects included:
- O Expansion of Web Access Management platform and integration with numerous internally developed and purchased web applications.
- O Implementation of Adobe CQ5 based CMS for the www.anixter.com web site.
- O Acquisition of Jorvex ($115 million in annual sales) and integration/migration into Anixter’s infrastructure.
Senior Information Security Engineer
Anixter
06.2002 - 01.2012
- Responsible for Firewall and IDS configuration, management and monitoring.
- Interfaced with all areas of Information Services on topics including internal application development review and approval, customer or vendor data exchange requirements and authentication and authorization requirements for applications or systems.
- Wrote and published security policies and standards
- Awarded the Anixter Award of Excellence for 2004.
- Other duties included Active Directory administration, PCI compliance, Sarbanes Oxley audits, LDAP administration, vulnerability and penetration testing, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
- Major projects included:
- O Built Web Access Management platform with Tivoli Access Manager and enterprise directory on Tivoli Directory Server for application use. Built synchronization and automatic provisioning and deprovisioning processes with Tivoli Directory integrator and interfaced with numerous internally developed and purchased web applications.
- O Acted as Infrastructure Project Manager for the Clark Security Products acquisition. In this role, I was responsible for the overall IT infrastructure activities in the onboarding and infrastructure integration, reporting to the CTO and VP of Security.
- O Worked with our PeopleSoft HR programmers to implement automation of account disablement for terminated employees in Active Directory and RACF via LDAP interfaces. Also, automated removing access for transferred employees.
- O Architected new security policies for CICS transactions in RACF to address segregation of duties issues and to bring access granting and review in line with Sarbanes Oxley requirements and requirements of our auditors.
- O Designed and implemented a new internet security infrastructure. Consolidated five independent firewalls and five internet provider circuits into a new set of two high availability clustered firewalls with two DS-3 connections utilizing BGP for redundancy and load sharing.
- O Multiple Acquisitions integration/migration into Anixter’s infrastructure:
- 2010 – Clark Security Products and General Lock ($115 million in annual sales)
- 2008 – World Class Wire & Cable ($60 million in annual sales); Sofasrar SA and Camille Gergen ($110 million combined in annual sales); Quality Screws de Mexico SA and QSN Industries ($100 million combined in annual sales)
- 2007 – Total Supply Solutions ($22 million in annual sales) and Eurofast ($22 million in annual sales)
- 2006 – MFU ($66 million in annual sales) and IMS ($36 million in annual sales)
- 2005 – Infast ($287 million in annual revenue)
- 2004 – Distribution Dynamics ($120 million in annual sales)
- 2003 – Walters Hexagon ($60 million in annual sales)
- 2002 – Pentacon ($259 million in annual revenue)
- O Divestiture of Aerospace division ($94 million in annual revenue) providing separation activities and support under TSA.
- Multiple Positions, Information Security
Senior Customer Support Engineer
AT&T
07.2000 - 06.2002
- Performed consultative troubleshooting and diagnoses for complex internetworking issues involving multiple vendors and multiple technologies in a fast-paced, high stress, team environment.
- Level II engineer providing telephone technical support for multi-vendor network products to contract customers, Network Engineers and Sales Engineers
- Resource and escalation point for Level I engineers. Escalated issues with internal level III engineers and vendors as needed.
- Assisted in design and implementation of internal network upgrade and performed ongoing maintenance duties. Assisted in move of the infrastructure and Internet connectivity to a new facility.
- Multiple Positions - Server, Network, Security Engineering
Senior Infrastructure Engineer
AT&T
03.1999 - 07.2000
- Responsible for engineering server, workstation and infrastructure solutions.
- Assisted in network, server and desktop planning and build out for physical moves of 12 ADNS offices to new facilities and an additional 30+ office’s conversion to the Ameritech network This was to fulfill some contractual obligations and to achieve the goal of the business to separate from Anixter.
- Involved in remote access upgrade project to support a Work at Home initiative. Worked with telecom group to provision 4 PRI circuits. Upgraded outdated RAS equipment.
- Infrastructure Planning and implementation for ADNS business unit included planning and implementing a Data Center environment, an NT Domain and its associated services and planning for conversion and integration of desktop and server environments into the Ameritech environment.
- Built out the ADNS Data Center server farm. Worked with Ameritech Integrated Corporate Network (AICN) group for WAN/LAN issues and Anixter’s Technical Services group on IBM Mainframe issues. This included assembling, configuring, installing and troubleshooting routers, switches, servers, operating systems and applications. Worked with a solution provider to have backup software and hardware installed to provide for fast, reliable backups and restores and to provide for disaster recovery. Worked with Anixter personnel to ensure that the appropriate electrical and environmental requirements were met. Configured 12 servers to provide ADNS IS with a platform for applications that the ADNS users utilize to run the business.
- Worked with Ameritech Corporate Network Security and with Anixter’s NCC to coordinate changes to security matrices and allow connectivity to OpenNet applications and services from Anixter’s network.
- Assisted in building and configuring Raptor firewall for CSC Internet connection to replace outdated Borderware firewall.
- Responsible for troubleshooting connectivity and technology issues and assisting in planning for infrastructure issues and connection of ADNS locations to Ameritech’s network as well as the Mt. Prospect CSC QLAN connection.
- Reported to AICN Premises Engineering Group but was dedicated to the ADNS Conversion Project.
- Multiple Positions - Server, Network, Security Engineering
Enterprise LAN Engineer
Anixter
06.1998 - 03.1999
- Responsible for maintaining servers and Enterprise Network Infrastructure for Corporate Headquarters location.
- Maintained Novell 3.12 servers, Windows NT 4.0 and 3.51 servers, DNS, WINS, SQL servers, IIS Servers, SNA servers and Shiva Access Manager server.
- Managed and monitored Shiva LAN Rover Access Switch RAS, Bay Networks System 5000 and 5005 Hubs, Bay Networks Centillion ATM, Token Ring and 10/100 Ethernet Switches and additional networking equipment.
- Participated in project to replace IBM/Novell NetWare servers coming off lease with Compaq Proliant servers running Windows NT to resolve Y2K issues and support the strategic goal of moving to an all Windows NT Network Operating System environment. Built various Compaq Proliant NT Servers for field locations and LAN Center use.
- Participated in project to replace or upgrade hardware, firmware, and software to make it Y2K compliant.
- Participated in disaster recovery planning and testing to prepare for recovery of services for clients in the event of a disaster.
- Multiple Positions – Help Desk, LAN Admin and Engineering
LAN Administrator
Anixter
10.1997 - 06.1998
- Supported 250+ client office with ongoing support, business software and computer installation and maintenance.
- Assisted in administration of Lucent Intuity Phone Switch and Lucent Audix Voice Mail and performed moves, adds and changes.
- Maintained 3 Novell 3.12 servers, 4 Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 servers, Lotus Notes server; performed regular backups to tape.
- Maintained Network Infrastructure, performed moves, adds and changes.
- Assisted Infrastructure Engineering Group with special projects
- Multiple Positions – Help Desk, LAN Admin and Engineering
Help Desk Analyst
Anixter
11.1996 - 10.1997
- Assisted internal clients with troubleshooting operating systems, business applications, business computer hardware, network and Internet issues.
- Worked with Network Control, Enterprise LAN Group, LAN Administration, LAN Management and Infrastructure Engineering groups to manage escalation and ensure closure and completeness of client issues.
- Multiple Positions – Help Desk, LAN Admin and Engineering
Support Engineer
Reeves Data Corporation/Dealer Controlled Financing
05.1993 - 11.1996
- Provided support for external clients with Gold Key System Software.
- Managed internal Ethernet network, Novell server, email gateway and Windows 95 desktops.
- Supported and installed Ethernet network and Windows 95 desktops at 8 locations for a sister company UC-1 Cars, Inc.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT01.2020
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL01.1992
Lewis & Clark Community College
Godfrey, IL01.1989
Skills
- Identity Management and Governance
- Web Access Management
- Application Security
- Network Security
- Firewall/IPS Design and Configuration
- SSLVPN/VPN Technologies
- TCP/IP Ports and Protocols/Packet Capture/Analysis
- Vulnerability Management
- SIEM (Security information and event management)
- Ethical Hacking
- Incident Response/Forensics
- Active Directory
- Virtualization Technologies
- Office 365/Azure cloud Infrastructure
- Cybersecurity strategy
Certification
- AXELOS - ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management - Mar 2018 - ID GR750398559DH
- CompTIA - A+ - Feb 2018 - ID COMP001021261034
- CompTIA - IT Operations Specialist - Feb 2018 - ID COMP001021261034
- CompTIA - Network+ - Feb 2018 - ID COMP001021261034
- CompTIA - Project+ - Apr 2018 - ID 2L04J9CNHC4QQV3V
- CIW - Site Development Associate - Mar 2018 - ID 806870
- CIW Web Security Associate - Mar 2018 - ID 806870
- EC-Council - Certified Incident Handler v1 - Jun 2018 - ID ECC39758958345
- EC-Council - Certified Encryption Specialist - Apr 2018 - ID ECC26424008114
- (ISC)² - Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) - Jun 2018 - ID 103021
- (ISC)² - Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - Jul 2008 - ID 103021
- Certifications acquired but no longer maintained include:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE)
- Microsoft Certified Professional+Internet (MCP+I)
Activities
- BJCP Certified Beer Judge C1059
- Ran the annual THOTCON security conference Hacker Brew Contest 2012-present and frequently attend Black Hat and DefCon security conferences.
- Anixter Award of Excellence - 2004
- Contributing Author: Configuring and Troubleshooting Windows XP Professional, Syngress, December 2001
- Avid Reader
- Tech enthusiast, passionate about exploring the latest advancements and innovations.
- Genealogy
- Home Brewing
Timeline
Information Security Architect
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
12.2019 - 08.2025
Enterprise Security Architect
US Cellular
08.2019 - 11.2019
Enterprise Architect – Security
AbbVie
11.2017 - 06.2019
Managing Architect, Information Security
Anixter
07.2014 - 11.2017
Manager, Information Security
Anixter
01.2012 - 07.2014
Senior Information Security Engineer
Anixter
06.2002 - 01.2012
Senior Customer Support Engineer
AT&T
07.2000 - 06.2002
Senior Infrastructure Engineer
AT&T
03.1999 - 07.2000
Enterprise LAN Engineer
Anixter
06.1998 - 03.1999
LAN Administrator
Anixter
10.1997 - 06.1998
Help Desk Analyst
Anixter
11.1996 - 10.1997
Support Engineer
Reeves Data Corporation/Dealer Controlled Financing
05.1993 - 11.1996
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Western Governors University
Southern Illinois University
Lewis & Clark Community College
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