Karl D. Nichols
Penetration Tester
Alexander,VA
Summary
Logical Penetration Tester polished in infiltrating computer systems to detect and address vulnerabilities and reviewing and providing feedback for information security fixes. Offering 3-year background in [Assessment] paired with excellent insight into computer security, forensics and systems analysis. Meticulous and detail-oriented professional certified in Penetration Testing. Bringing outstanding troubleshooting, problem-solving and documentation abilities.
• Active Top-Secret Clearance with SCI Polygraph
• CompTIA Pentest+ Certification - August 3, 2022
• CEH Certification - July 14, 2020
• Security+ Certification - April 23, 2018
• Successfully completed a Registration Authority/ Local Registration of Authorities (RA/LRA) training program conducted by DISA and CIO/G6
• Excellent Microsoft Office Suites skills (2007, 2010)
• Military Veteran – United States Army: 1983 - 1989
• Team player
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Great communication and interpersonal skills
Overview
5
5
years of post-secondary education
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Penetration Tester
First Information Technology Services
Alexander , VA
05.2022 - Current
- Assessed threats, risks and vulnerabilities from emerging security issues to advise pertinent stakeholders on appropriate measures.
- Recommended IT security improvements to achieve system confidentiality, integrity and availability.
- Support the virtualization and development of the hosting environment and virtual server infrastructure for security assessments and testing.
- Execute penetration testing assessments, including identifying and exploiting security vulnerabilities in hybrid infrastructure using the established methodology and tools.
- Knowledge of fundamental penetration testing methodology and ability to test for OWASP Top 10 Vulnerabilities
- Research and stay current with new threats, attack vectors and techniques, risk, and cloud security trends.
Customer Support Engineer
Leidos
Chantilly , VA
04.2021 - 05.2022
- Support National Geospatial Intelligence.
- Used remote diagnostic tools to identify sources of certain customer issues.
- Delivered exceptionally high level of professionalism and support to each customer, upholding company's commitment to service.
- Answered calls and emails to assist customers with basic support, bug fixes and configuration issues.
- Patched software and installed new versions to eliminate security problems and protect data.
- Executed various techniques, including Monitoring and reboot and sending scripts using Linux system to patch system to maintain servers and systems, keeping networks fully operational during peak periods.
- Broke down and evaluated user problems, using test scripts, personal expertise and probing questions.
- Helped streamline repair processes and update procedures for support action consistency.
- Maintained AWS EC2 Instances check for stop instances and keeping instances fully operational during peak hours.
Help-desk Analyst
Abacus Technology
Quantico , VA
11.2019 - 04.2021
- Manage high levels of call flow and respond to hardware, software, and accounts for technical support needs.
- Conduct in-depth product and issue resolution research that addresses customer concerns.
- Install, modify and repair software and hardware to resolve technical issues.
- Identify and solve technical issues using variety of diagnostic tools and tactics.
- Create support documentation that empower and enable user community to extend skills, leverage system features and find resolutions to questions without intervention from support team.
- Perform tests of functionality, security and performance of different workstations and devices.
- Provide customer support and technical support to 100 customers daily.
- Gather pertinent data, identify and evaluate options and recommend effective course of action to solve hardware, software, NIPR Account and SIPR Account issues.
- Load software, grant permissions and configure hardware for new employees as part of onboarding process.
- Prepare references for users by writing clear operating instructions.
- Coach and train end-users on functions, features and basic troubleshooting of software such as Microsoft Products and Websites.
- Install and update hardware, software and applications on PC devices.
- Devise solutions to operations issues related to computer system and software; working closely via phone, email, live chat and web teleconference.
- Develop plans to safeguard computer files against modification, destruction or disclosure.
- Monitor use of data files and regulate access to protect secure information.
- Encrypt data and erect firewalls to protect confidential information.
- Monitor computer virus reports to determine when to update virus protection systems
- Maintain outstanding attendance record, consistently arriving to work ready to start immediately.
Help Desk Analyst Lead
Innovative Reasoning
Quantico , VA
08.2019 - 11.2019
- Conducted in-depth product and issue resolution research to address customer concerns.
- Managed high levels of call flow and responded to technical support needs.
- Installed, modified and repaired software and hardware to resolve technical issues.
- Maintained and updated Active Directory customer service database.
- Managed customers' expectations of support and technology functionality in order to provide positive user experience.
- Maximized use of hardware and software by training users and interpreting instructions.
- Provided Tier 1 IT support to non-technical internal users through desk side support services.
- Loaded software, granted permissions and configured hardware for new employees as part of onboarding process.
- Compiled and accurately entered data for each customer encounter to record in system.
- Resolved technical issues by troubleshooting.
- Built and provided basic end-user troubleshooting and desktop support on Windows systems.
- Followed up with clients to verify optimal customer satisfaction following support engagement and problem resolution.
- Logged support tickets and closed when issues were resolved.
- Installed and updated hardware, software and applications on PC devices.
- Trained and supported end-users with software, hardware and network standards and use processes.
- Coached and trained end-users on functions, features and basic troubleshooting of software such as Outlook.
- Use Remedy ticketing systems to manage and process support actions and requests.
- Activated accounts for clients interested in new services.
- Performed tests of functionality, security and performance of different workstations and devices.
Public Key Infrastructure Registration Authority
ISYS Technology
Ft Belvoir , VA
04.2019 - 08.2019
- Monitored the RA Operations in accordance with DoD PKI RA-LRA CPS RPS, to ensure RA Operations are aligned with DISA Audit requirements.
- Supported the Army CIO/G6 Cyber Security Directorate and the NETCOM G3/5/7 in addressing audit findings to include migration and correction of findings in accordance with DoD PKI CPS and RPS. Develop,maintain OJT package.
- As an RA, was responsible for ensuring that subscribers were appropriately presented with the necessary credentials for ensuring that subscribers were appropriately presented with the necessary credentials for registration into PKI in DoD PKI.
- Enrolled devices into the PKI, revoked user certificates, authorized LRAs to enroll individual subscribers.
- Supported revocation suspension of certificate on Unclassified or Classified networks.
- Supported restoration of suspended certificates.
- Supported registration or termination of LRAs.
- Added, modified, deleted directory entries.
- Performed third party key recovery.
- Approved issuance of certificates to network NPEs.
- Produced, delivered Issuance report.
- Approved issuance of certificates to network NPEs.
- Supported duties as assigned through NSS/PKI RPS and DoD/PKI CPS.
- Provided support to LRA, TA, and ETAs in accordance with DoD PKI RA-LRA CPS.
- RPS to ensure RA Operations are aligned with DISA Audit requirements.
Service Desk Technician Tier II
ECS IT Service Management Company
Fairfax , VA
04.2018 - 04.2019
- Removed malware, ransomware and other threats from laptops and desktop systems.
- Broke down and evaluated user problems, using test scripts, personal expertise and probing questions.
- Patched software and installed new versions to eliminate security problems and protect data.
- Configured hardware, devices and software to set up work stations for employees.
- Loaded software, granted permissions and configured hardware for new employees as part of onboarding process.
- Responded to support requests from end users and patiently walked individuals through basic troubleshooting tasks.
- Helped streamline repair processes and updated procedures for support action consistency.
- Activated accounts for clients interested in new services.
- Built and provided basic end-user troubleshooting and desktop support on Windows.
- Provided Tier 1 IT support to non-technical internal users through desk side support services.
- Installed, modified and repaired software and hardware to resolve technical issues.
Jr Help Desk
Focused Management Inc
Alexandria , VA
10.2017 - 04.2018
- Responded to support requests from end users and patiently walked individuals through basic troubleshooting tasks.
- Assessed system hardware and software and suggested modifications to reduce lag time and improve overall speed.
- Configured hardware, devices and software to set up work stations for employees.
- Explained technical information in clear terms to non-technical individuals to promote better understanding.
- Processed over 100 support requests weekly for technical assistance on wide range of issues related to software and hardware
Budget Analyst II
Focused Management Inc
Alexandria , VA
05.2016 - 10.2017
- Provided support to the National Capital Region (NCR) Army Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Team. Responsible for resolving the tracking of PCS orders. Provided reliable cost estimates and reconciled disbursements with obligations for a $1.9 billion-dollar budget, that served 152 installations worldwide. Successfully worked within compliance of Army Budget Office (ABO) rules and policies. Coordinated with installations and daily provided guidance to internal controls to ensure guidelines were followed for audit readiness. Conducted weekly briefs to team lead and provided updates on orders processed and trends.
- Assisted with the creation of standard operating procedures to ensure the process followed government controls and policies. Received recognition for outstanding work from company Vice-President, Division Director, Project Manager, Team Lead, and Deputy Lead for implementing new internal control tools, reducing average monthly error rates by 92.5%.
- Other duties setup desktops computers configured printers.
Administrative Support Assistant
BAI Inc.
Alexandria , VA
04.2016 - 05.2016
- Developed and updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze and report on performance, sales data.
- Supported the United States Marine Corps by performing standard and advanced office administrative duties, such as utilizing SharePoint for scheduling conferences, configuring VOIP equipment for teleconferences, along with opening and adjourning meetings.
- Strong use of the Microsoft Office Suite for the collection of information needed for conference reports. Maintained the highest level of effective communications between high-level officials. Able to multitask with attention to detail, while performing tasks that included maintaining regular files, follow-up files, confidential data. Coordinated meetings, as directed. Screened telephone calls, incoming mail, publications, other correspondence
- Acted as main point-of-contact for over 200 employees, supporting administrative needs and tasks efficiently.
Piano Instructor
Keys Of Life
Fredericksburg , VA
04.2009 - 04.2016
- Conducted individual and group music lessons lasting from 30 to 60 minutes each.
- Arranged lessons to accommodate each student's unique goals and interests.
- Maintained daily student records and evaluated student progress.
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time.
- Duties also included creating and maintaining database; installing, configuring, and upgrading computer hardware and software for the daily operation of the business; identified desktop problems and investigated causes; provided troubleshooting support, as well as installed and configured printers.
PC/LAN Analyst
Focused Management Inc
Alexandria , VA
10.2008 - 10.2009
- Worked on Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12). Position
consisted of enrolling United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
employees in need of Personal Identity Validation (PIV) cards to replace outdated cards. This position required travel to various USDA sites across the US. - Installed, configured hardware, software; maintained, fixed, assembled
- Computer equipment, captured pictures, fingerprints for government ID's
Education
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, CO 04.2009 - 05.2014
Skills
Wireshark software
undefinedTimeline
Penetration Tester
First Information Technology Services
05.2022 - Current
Customer Support Engineer
Leidos
04.2021 - 05.2022
Help-desk Analyst
Abacus Technology
11.2019 - 04.2021
Help Desk Analyst Lead
Innovative Reasoning
08.2019 - 11.2019
Public Key Infrastructure Registration Authority
ISYS Technology
04.2019 - 08.2019
Service Desk Technician Tier II
ECS IT Service Management Company
04.2018 - 04.2019
Jr Help Desk
Focused Management Inc
10.2017 - 04.2018
Budget Analyst II
Focused Management Inc
05.2016 - 10.2017
Administrative Support Assistant
BAI Inc.
04.2016 - 05.2016
Piano Instructor
Keys Of Life
04.2009 - 04.2016
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
Colorado Technical University
04.2009 - 05.2014
PC/LAN Analyst
Focused Management Inc
10.2008 - 10.2009
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