Gregory Bristow
Jackson,Mi.
Summary
20+ years’ experienced with enterprise network design, implementation, operations and troubleshooting firewall technologies and products providing network and application security, perimeter security, including advanced firewall, VPN's, Web Proxies, Network Antivirus, IDS/IPS, and enterprise routing and switching. This experience has helped develop a wide range of relevant skills such as communication, organization, critical and analytical thinking, creativity, project management, perseverance, problem-solving, resourcefulness including an in-depth knowledge of information technology security, confident project leadership and familiarity with a range of technological applications. Trusted Network Security Engineer with 20 years protecting companies against bad actors who disrupt business operations. Serves as primary safeguard against external threats. Educates colleagues on best practices and network safety protocols. Protects networked assets through both preventive and reactionary measures. Ambitious network engineer committed to formulating innovative solutions to challenges while optimizing processes. Polished in developing and implementing security plans and procedures and developing strategies to respond and recover from security breaches. Logical and analytical leader familiar with security tools and technologies such as firewalls and proxy servers.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Cyber Security Engineer
The Planet Group
03.2023 - 07.2023
- Performed risk and vulnerability assessments and provided results and recommendations to senior management.
- Developed, implemented and documented security programs and policies and monitored compliance across departments.
- Validated and verified system security requirements definitions and analyzed system security designs.
- Performed and reviewed technical security assessments of client applications to identify points of vulnerability and non-compliance with established information security standards and recommend mitigation strategies.
Firewall - Team Lead
Infosys Limited
01.2022 - 03.2023
- Monitored network traffic for security incidents and events with Solar Winds
- Escalation point contact in P1, P2 and P3 alert activities, changes etc
- Created detailed incident response reports in Service now
- Coordinate and execute IT security related PA rules and policies requests for the client
- Troubleshooting network with Wireshark and pcap files
- Worked to safeguard the integrity of enterprise systems, files and data
- Designed and implemented Palo Alto Global Protect VPN project with MFA, completed migration from Invanti vpn subscription saving client monies in budget
- Documented changes in MS Visio files
- Audited and detailed compliance findings with CIS Palo Alto Benchmark hardening requirements for Palo Alto V.9
- Making changes after change mgmt
- Approval
- Focused on Palo Alto web applications security, working with operations teams to complete changes to ensure firewalls secured web applications and APIs by filtering, monitoring and blocking malicious web traffic and application-layer attacks, such as DDoS, SQL injection, cookie manipulation, cross-site scripting (XSS), cross-site forgery and file inclusion
- Identifying vulnerable code using OWASP top 10 guidelines and AlgoSec security reports to mitigate vulnerabilities
- Created a Global Assessment to upgrade all Palo Alto firewalls for planned upgrade in next year’s budget
- (181 Firewalls) Composed playbook for Disaster Recovery with team for cloud failover stimulation testing
- SME on Palo Alto Firewalls, IDS/IPS, Vulnerability Management
- Utilized CyberArk for Identity and access control
- Utilized Panorama for Firewall changes.
- Worked with team to identify areas of improvement and devised solutions based on findings.
- Established open and professional relationships with team members to achieve quick resolutions for various issues.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Developed and updated tracking spreadsheets for process monitoring and reporting.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
- Validated and verified system security requirements definitions and analyzed system security designs.
- Planned and oversaw configuration changes for security infrastructure platforms.
- Provided consultation and technical services on all aspects of information security.
- Delivered network system upgrade on time, under budget and with minimal service interruption.
- Counseled senior-level management on current privacy and security trends and recommendations to mitigate risk.
- Performed network troubleshooting to isolate and diagnose common problems.
- Developed security metrics and technical analysis to give insight into performance and trends.
Palo Alto Team Lead
Infosys Limited
12.2020 - 12.2021
- Infosys team lead on project with Spirit teams in the design, deployment and technical requirement for project Palo Alto and Cisco hardware upgrades
- Assessed network with teams to troubleshoot any network connectivity issues
- Procured the identified security appliances/devices required with hardware accessories and software subscriptions
- Ensure onsite vendors complete installation to mgm to port.
- Port for remote connectivity and configuration
- Serve as liaison between Manufacturing site team members and IT global security
- Project included hardware refresh - Palo Alto firewall perimeter security with PA-3260, PA-850, PA-820 and Internal network security with Cisco Firepower, Core Security - Cisco 4110, Cisco 2130, Cisco 2130, and Cisco ISE – 3655, 3615 at Morocco and Belfast, Ireland sites
- Updated MS Project to keep on track with deadlines
- Documented all changes in MS Visio documents.
- Conducted security audits to identify vulnerabilities.
- Performed risk analyses to identify appropriate security countermeasures.
- Completed vulnerability scans to identify at-risk systems and remediate issues.
- Provided network support services for devices such as hubs, bridges, routers, and other hardware.
- Managed, tracked, and coordinated problem resolution and escalation processes.
- Troubleshot complex multi-vendor network service provider issues.
- Collaborated with vendors to identify best options for optimizing network performance.
- Provided complete end-to-end engineering and installation of route-based IP network solutions.
- Provided detailed network diagrams and procedural guidelines.
- Escalated emergency technical issues beyond knowledge to maintain optimum up-time.
- Liaised with stakeholders to keep project goals and deadlines on target.
- Recommended options for disaster recovery and remote access security.
- Applied tier-isolation best practices to support multi-tier architectures.
- Collaborated with teams in disaster planning, network backup and recovery process monitoring.
- Installed, supported and maintained company hardware and software infrastructure according to best practices.
- Reviewed technical specifications from clients and vendors to confirm adequacy, accuracy and functionality.
- Developed network test and validation processes to maintain alignment with solution design.
- Analyzed and defined network requirements, optimization and support for 2 Palo Alto upgrade projects.
Mid-West Regional Technician
Planet Bingo
11.2019 - 09.2020
- Systems administrator including data management, performance testing, upgrades and advance troubleshooting for Planet Bingo networks and servers at clients’ sites with bi-weekly visits
- Upgraded all sites to Windows 2016 Hyper-V and Meraki firewalls and AP’s for secured mobile application gaming connections
- Regional Engineer traveling to client sites in Canada, Michigan
- Provide clients and account representatives with technical product advice and demonstration support.
- Maintained quality assurance and customer satisfaction objectives.
- Performed troubleshooting and diagnosis on malfunctioning equipment.
- Addressed routine equipment maintenance according to established schedule.
- Researched and implemented new technologies and equipment.
- Diagnosed network problems involving combination of hardware, software, power and communications issues.
- Oversaw patch testing and deployment, script network software pushes and uninstalls.
- Improved overall user experience through support, training, troubleshooting, improvements and communication of system changes.
- Monitored network hardware operations to evaluate proper configuration.
- Set up hardware and software in optimal configurations to meet network performance requirements.
- Supported users in setup and configuration of wireless bridge networks.
AWS Web Application Firewall Engineer
Insight Global
04.2018 - 12.2018
- Conducted proof-of-concept with 3 cloud services, Akamai Kona WAF, Imperva Secure sphere WAF and Amazon AWS WAF incorporating OWASP Top Ten guidelines
- Assisted Information Protection Recovery Management Team creating and documenting security processes and protocols requirements for organizations web application servers to communicate with business partners
- Developed an organizational AMI template for AWS Cloud services
- Utilizing AWS WAF, ELB and API gateway services, and CloudFormation services
- Defined WAF firewall rules and threshold events per organizational requirements and integrated with Splunk reporting services
- Designed AWS cloud architect public and private vpc’s to meet the organizations Security Compliance Policies
- Contract completed.
- Validated and verified system security requirements definitions and analyzed system security designs.
- Provided consultation and technical services on all aspects of information security.
- Counseled senior-level management on current privacy and security trends and recommendations to mitigate risk.
- Performed and reviewed technical security assessment of AWS cloud services and client's business partner software to identify points of vulnerability and non-compliance with established information security standards and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Represented company's technical security interests to partners to provide bi-directional flow of technical information and best practices in information security.
- Applied leading theories and concepts to development, maintenance and implementation of information security standards, procedures and guidelines.
- Created frameworks by designing and developing technical solutions.
SE Regional Presales Systems Engineer
Barracuda Networks Inc.
06.2014 - 02.2018
- Designed and assisted with security solutions for enterprise organizations in u.s. southeast region
- The Sales Team engaged my expertise during pre-sales engagements for sales calls, POC’s and RDP’s
- Technical lead with sales teams presenting lunch and learn events with technical aspects for client meetings
- Traveled onsite assisting clients with installations when required, otherwise remote installations were conducted
- Assisted clients setting up gateway interfaces, routing, vpn’s, certificates, email rules, firewall rules, QOS and application load balancing, etc
- Assisted customers with any troubleshooting activities
- Collaborated with teams to drive the business, Met or exceeded monthly and quarterly quotas regularly for bonuses.
- Collaborated with executive team to define business requirements and systems goals.
- Proposed technical feasibility solutions for new system designs and suggested options for performance improvement of technical components.
- Checked for accuracy and functionality during implementation of new systems.
- Tested and analyzed equipment design and performance feasibility to determine potential ROI.
- Conducted end-user reviews for modified and new systems.
- Assisted employees with resolving network problems at remote locations.
- Designed tailored disaster recovery solutions to maintain uptime.
- Performed cost-benefit and ROI analyses for proposed systems.
- Participated in system development life cycle from requirements analysis through system implementation.
- Designed and implemented system security and data assurance.
- Managed installation, upgrade and deployment projects and provided on-site direction for network engineers.
Senior System Analyst
HCL America Ltd.
01.2012 - 06.2014
- System Protocol Analyst monitoring client’s enterprise network and application performance through protocol analysis & capacity mgmt
- Utilizing NetScout monitoring tools
- Creating weekly and monthly reports for management
- Worked with the IFS team upgrading client’s 300+ sites IDF, MDF rooms & Data Centers throughout the State of Michigan with Juniper EX-series switches and stacks, ensuring high availability from all locations
- Documenting in MS Visio
- Member of Network outage team monitoring network performance until planned or unplanned outages are resolved
- Member of the level 2 offshore HCL network team troubleshooting network anomalies
- Audited all sites to ensure IT fast requirements, NERC requirements, and Federal regulations requirements for an energy company were met
- Provided 24/7/365 systems support as necessary for the diverse needs of the organization
- Managing and troubleshooting tickets (Incident, Change, Problem, Request)
- Received a recognition award from business partner for participation in Disaster Recovery assessment.
- Escalated project-related issues quickly to help rectify problems and avoid delays.
- Worked closely with business users and business analysts to understand functionality and propose creative solutions to meet business needs.
- Balanced multiple projects by completing and updating documentation, managing scope and adjusting schedules.
- Communicated and explained business requirements to team members to understand and implement functional demands.
- Offered input for complex documents to support client-ready final versions.
- Troubleshot incidents reported by end-users to schedule system changes and identify permanent solutions.
- Frequently inspected production area to verify proper equipment operation.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
- Provided reporting for forecast analysis and ad-hoc reporting in support of decision-making.
Network Systems Engineer
Digital Exposure
12.2004 - 01.2012
- Field Engineer installing, configuring and upgrading Cisco ASA firewalls, Cisco Wifi AP’s, switches and routers in retail, hospitality and manufacturing environments
- Windows server upgrades and troubleshooting for HP vendor
- Facilitated consulting services for key customers for a third-party IT service provider.
Education
Applied Cybersecurity Essentials (A.C.E.) - Cybersecurity
Purdue University
Online03.2022
Web Performance Foundations Certification - Web Application Firewall
Akamai
Online05.2018
Security Systems Engineer - Network Security
Barracuda University
Campbell, CA02.2014
Information Security - Information Technology
Baker College
Jackson, MI02.2012
Computer Networking Technology - Network Security
Baker College
Jackson, Mi.01.2012
JNCIS Certified Associate - Juno's Certification
Juniper
Online03.2012
Information Systems - Network Security
Baker College
Jackson, Mi.05.2013
Network Auditing - Network Security
SANS
Orlando, FL02.2003
Security Essentials & SANS Gold Series - Network Security
SANS
San Diego, CA04.2003
How to excel at managing and supervising people - HR
Rockhurst University
Ann Arbor, MI01.2003
Certificate in Computer Technology - Computer Technology
CONTROL DATA INSTITUTE
Jackson, Mi.05.1981
Skills
- People skills
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Networking troubleshooting
- Team leadership
- Interpersonal skills
- Customer service
- Decision-making
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Project management
Timeline
Cyber Security Engineer
The Planet Group
03.2023 - 07.2023
Firewall - Team Lead
Infosys Limited
01.2022 - 03.2023
Palo Alto Team Lead
Infosys Limited
12.2020 - 12.2021
Mid-West Regional Technician
Planet Bingo
11.2019 - 09.2020
AWS Web Application Firewall Engineer
Insight Global
04.2018 - 12.2018
SE Regional Presales Systems Engineer
Barracuda Networks Inc.
06.2014 - 02.2018
Senior System Analyst
HCL America Ltd.
01.2012 - 06.2014
Network Systems Engineer
Digital Exposure
12.2004 - 01.2012
Applied Cybersecurity Essentials (A.C.E.) - Cybersecurity
Purdue University
Web Performance Foundations Certification - Web Application Firewall
Akamai
Security Systems Engineer - Network Security
Barracuda University
Information Security - Information Technology
Baker College
Computer Networking Technology - Network Security
Baker College
JNCIS Certified Associate - Juno's Certification
Juniper
Information Systems - Network Security
Baker College
Network Auditing - Network Security
SANS
Security Essentials & SANS Gold Series - Network Security
SANS
How to excel at managing and supervising people - HR
Rockhurst University
Certificate in Computer Technology - Computer Technology
CONTROL DATA INSTITUTE
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