ERNEST NKANSAH
Canal Winchester
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Network Security Engineer with 5 years of experience in designing, implementing, and managing secure network solutions across diverse environments. Skilled in threat analysis, vulnerability assessments, and incident response. Focus on safeguarding sensitive data through proactive security measures. Specialize in configuring and optimizing firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems. Proven ability to enhance organizational security posture while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Experienced in developing and implementing security policies and procedures aligned with business goals. Actively promote security awareness and best practices. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail for effective risk identification and mitigation. Adaptability to emerging threats and continuous refinement of security strategies. Collaborative mindset to lead cross-functional initiatives for strengthening overall network security and resilience against cyberattacks.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
NETWORK SECURITY ENGINEER
American Regent
04.2022 - Current
- Configured and managed enterprise-level firewall solutions, ensuring robust protection against external threats while maintaining seamless network performance
- Conducted thorough security audits and risk assessments, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending mitigation strategies to enhance overall network security
- Collaborated with IT teams to implement network segmentation and access controls, improving the organization’s security posture and minimizing unauthorized access to sensitive information
- Developed and enforced security policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements while promoting best practices among staff
- Responded to security incidents and breaches, performing forensic analysis and coordinating with relevant stakeholders to implement remediation measures and prevent future occurrences
- Designed and implemented secure VPN solutions, facilitating secure remote access for employees while ensuring data integrity and confidentiality during transmission
- Participated in security awareness training initiatives, educating staff on emerging threats and best practices for safeguarding corporate data and resources
- Configured and managed Palo Alto firewalls and Cisco security devices, ensuring compliance with organizational security standards and improving overall network protection
- Conducted regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests, identifying potential security weaknesses and implementing remediation strategies that enhanced compliance with industry regulations by 25%
- Developed and maintained comprehensive security documentation, including network diagrams, security policies, and incident response procedures, improving team efficiency and response time by 20%
- Monitored network traffic using SIEM tools, analyzing data to detect and respond to security threats, achieving an average incident response time of less than 10 minutes
NETWORK SECURITY ENGINEER
Matrix Technology
04.2019 - 03.2022
- Designed and implemented Palo Alto firewalls, utilizing App-ID, User-ID, Content-ID, and SSL Decryption to bolster network security and prevent unauthorized access
- Managed Palo Alto Panorama for centralized firewall management, streamlining operations and enhancing configuration consistency across devices
- Developed and enforced security policies and procedures to protect network resources and ensure compliance with industry regulations
- Created custom App-ID objects and optimized security policy rules to enhance application functionality and performance within the network
- Conducted thorough troubleshooting and policy setup for Palo Alto firewalls, resulting in improved security posture and operational efficiency
- Collaborated with Cybersecurity and IT teams during incident response, effectively addressing security incidents related to Palo Alto configurations
- Established and maintained Site-to-Site IPSec VPN tunnels to facilitate secure remote connections in compliance with organizational requirements
- Designed and configured security profiles, including Vulnerability Protection, Antivirus, and URL Filtering, to mitigate risks from threats
- Provided 24x7 on-call support for network infrastructure, managing after-hours maintenance to ensure continuous availability and integrity
- Participated in cross-functional meetings to discuss project updates and implement security enhancements, fostering a culture of proactive security awareness
JUNIOR NETWORK ENGINEER
Rocksters Roofing Systems Limited
11.2018 - 02.2019
- Advanced troubleshooting of computer hardware/software/ printer problems
- Create & maintain procedures for the team
- Provide user account administration
- Setup/relocate equipment for new/ transferring employees
- Conduct routine checks and maintenance on computer hardware to ensure optimal performance
- Troubleshoot technical support requests and manage user accounts including permissions
- Created custom URL filtering profiles and attached them to the security policy rules allowing web access
- Configured and resolved complex OSPF issues in a multi-area network
- Collaborated closely with IT support teams, utilizing ServiceNow to manage incidents and requests related to network security
Education
Bachelors (BSc) - Information Studies & Psychology
University of Ghana
07.2015
Skills
- Firewalls & Security Device: Palo Alto ,Cisco ASA Check Point ,Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS/IPS)
- Network Protocols: TCP/IP ,UDP ,DHCP ,DNS ,ICMP SNMP
- Routing Protocols: OSPF ,BGP ,RIP ,Static Routing
- Switching Protocols: LAN: LAN, WAN, VTP, STP
- MPLS Switching: L2 ,L3
- LAN Technologies: Ethernet ,VLANs
- Network Security: ACL ,NAT Policies, SSL Decryption App-ID ,User-ID
- Network Management & Packet Analyzers: Wireshark
- Operating Systems: Windows XP ,7 ,8 ,Windows Server 2003 ,2008
- Applications: Microsoft Word ,Outlook ExcelPower PointVisio
- Security Frameworks & Standards: NISTISO, 27001, CIS Controls ,PCI DSS , GDPR
- Threat Analysis & Management: Threat Intelligence Vulnerability Assessment
- Virtualization Skills: VMware , VirtualBox
- Collaboration & Project Management: JIRA
- Network security design
- Access control management
- Network security management
- Endpoint protection
- Vulnerability assessment
- Encryption techniques
- Virtual private networks
- IP addressing and subnetting
- Security policy development
- Active directory
- Port security
- Network monitoring
- Threat analysis
- Firewall configuration
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
Certification
- CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate
- PCNSA (Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator)
- PCNSE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer)
Timeline
NETWORK SECURITY ENGINEER
American Regent
04.2022 - Current
NETWORK SECURITY ENGINEER
Matrix Technology
04.2019 - 03.2022
JUNIOR NETWORK ENGINEER
Rocksters Roofing Systems Limited
11.2018 - 02.2019
Bachelors (BSc) - Information Studies & Psychology
University of Ghana
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