Geetha Gnanakannan
Irving,Texas
Summary
Experienced Cloud /AI Security Architect with over 16 years of expertise in designing and implementing secure cloud infrastructure across AWS. Proven track record of developing and executing cloud security strategies aligned with business goals and regulatory requirements. Experienced in securing AI/ML workloads and ensuring safe deployment of AI models in cloud environments. Skilled in risk assessment, security architecture design, identity and access management (IAM), and compliance frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, and CIS. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, advising C-level stakeholders, and driving enterprise-wide cloud security initiatives.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Cloud Security Architect
Guardian Life
NewYork
03.2023 - Current
- Led enterprise-wide cloud security strategy for AWS, aligning with business objectives and mitigating risks.
- Designed and implemented secure cloud architecture frameworks, integrating Zero Trust principles and secure-by-design practices.
- Developed and enforced comprehensive cloud security standards, ensuring compliance with NIST, CIS benchmarks, GDPR, and HIPAA.
- Assessed and integrated cloud-native security solutions to enhance visibility and threat detection across workloads.
- Advised cross-functional teams on cloud risk posture and remediation strategies, promoting a culture of accountability.
Security Architect / Director
DTCC
Coppell, TX
05.2018 - 03.2023
- Supported corporate Enterprise Cloud strategy, establishing standards and best practices for cloud offerings.
- Facilitated adoption of DevOps methodology and Agile project management across teams.
- Provided design and engineering support for successful delivery of IT cloud project portfolio.
- Participated in architectural discussions to ensure secure, cost-effective, and high-availability cloud solutions.
- Developed internal systems and processes to enhance productivity for cross-functional teams.
- Created automation through infrastructure as code for cloud platform deployments.
- Ensured infrastructure components adhered to performance and capacity standards.
AWS Cloud – Solutions Architect
Mattel Inc
Los Angeles, CA
11.2016 - 03.2023
- Ensured uptime of AWS and internal hosted servers through proactive management.
- Configured and managed websites using Akamai and other major tools.
- Managed IIS/Windows servers to maintain optimal performance.
- Automated CI/CD tasks using TeamCity and Jenkins, enhancing deployment efficiency.
- Analyzed current architecture to identify weaknesses and develop improvement strategies.
- Migrated physical data center digital marketing websites to AWS cloud with a well-architected framework.
- Coordinated proof of concept testing to validate solutions before implementation.
- Led delivery of engagements while serving as a technical liaison for clients.
AWS Cloud Solutions Architect
The Creative Texture
01.2013 - 04.2016
- Migrated existing application to AWS cloud, leveraging services like EC2, S3, and ELB.
- Optimized EC2 instances and volumes, creating multiple VPCs for improved performance.
- Designed automated deployment and scaling processes using GitHub and Jenkins across diverse AWS regions.
- Executed DevOps practices for Linux and Windows environments.
- Automated routine AWS tasks, including snapshot creation through Python scripts.
- Monitored AWS instances consistently using OpsView and New Relic tools.
- Configured and maintained web servers (Apache) and application servers efficiently.
- Utilized AWS Calculator to estimate project budgets effectively.
Senior System Executive
Cognizant Technologies
08.2012 - 01.2013
- Configured Nezumi for offshore Wintel security, executing security patching and Active Directory management.
- Collaborated with development team as solution architect for AWS service selection and design approval.
- Evaluated existing architecture to design and configure complex network systems on AWS Cloud.
- Migrated on-premises servers and applications to cloud infrastructure.
- Designed backup solutions and disaster recovery strategies within AWS environment.
- Configured network subnets, routing, and security group IP whitelisting across VPCs in AWS.
- Investigated emerging technologies to align with company's strategic business objectives.
- Managed change, quote, and incident processes using HPSM ticketing tool.
System Executive
Agility Logistics Pvt Ltd.
09.2010 - 07.2012
- Executed AWS Cloud Migration as full-time systems administrator for Wintel server team.
- Migrated servers from physical data center to AWS cloud environment.
- Launched Amazon EC2 instances on Linux/Ubuntu/RHEL and configured applications accordingly.
- Installed applications on AWS EC2 instances and configured S3 bucket storage.
- Configured and maintained Windows 2003 and 2008 servers, including Active Directory and DNS.
- Created and managed user accounts, groups, GPOs, and home directories across multiple domains.
- Conducted regular backups with HP Data Protect Manager and monitored backup status.
- Planned and tested disaster recovery documentation, ensuring effective restoration procedures.
System Executive
Master peace technologies solutions pvt ltd
02.2009 - 08.2010
- Worked as server support engineer and served as first level contact for general server related, desktop issues and other IT network problems.
- Proficient in handling escalated calls and providing level 1 Technical Support to end-users.
- Primary duties included installing and configuring Windows Servers.
- Contributed technical support for all Windows servers and related technologies.
- Provided configuration, technical and administrative support for Windows 2000 and 2003 servers.
- Ensured data protection and high system availability in coordination with strategic engineering team.
- Consulted on a regular basis with management and operations staff on system risk evaluation and maintenance requirements.
- Managed server environment to maximize application deployment and support tool utility.
- Coordinate with multiple teams to fulfill new server build requests to satisfy configuration, storage, backup and monitoring requirements.
- Setup and maintained multiple web sites on IIS that are used by field representatives to access software and documentation.
- Configuring & Managing DNS, DHCP & Active Directory, Managing & Monitoring Network & Coordinate with Vendor.
- Installation of Antivirus, Patches & Updates from Backend side & frontend.
- Experience in installation of Windows, configuration, Technical troubleshooting, support of Server Hardware, operating systems, Microsoft application software and peripherals.
Education
Masters in Information Technology -
Bharathiar University
Coimbatore, India01.2009
Bachelors in Computer Science - Computer Science
PSGR Krishnammal College for Women
India01.2007
Skills
- AWS services and architecture
- Cloud computing expertise
- AI/GenAI Security
- Container Security
- Network management
- Technical support and troubleshooting
- Security solutions and strategies
- Training and mentoring
Certification
- AWS Certified Solution Architect – Associate Level, AWS-ASA-12674
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate Level, AWS-ADEV-2796
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate Level, AWS-ASOA-3464
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional
- AWS Certified Security Specialty
Timeline
Senior Cloud Security Architect
Guardian Life
03.2023 - Current
Security Architect / Director
DTCC
05.2018 - 03.2023
AWS Cloud – Solutions Architect
Mattel Inc
11.2016 - 03.2023
AWS Cloud Solutions Architect
The Creative Texture
01.2013 - 04.2016
Senior System Executive
Cognizant Technologies
08.2012 - 01.2013
System Executive
Agility Logistics Pvt Ltd.
09.2010 - 07.2012
System Executive
Master peace technologies solutions pvt ltd
02.2009 - 08.2010
Masters in Information Technology -
Bharathiar University
Bachelors in Computer Science - Computer Science
PSGR Krishnammal College for Women
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