K'DARIUS COOK
Dallas,TX
Summary
Dedicated Cybersecurity Analyst with a proven track record in detecting and analyzing suspicious activity within cloud environments. Experienced across various information security and compliance disciplines, with expertise in the timely identification of security events, mastery of detection, and proper incident escalation for swift response, containment, and recovery. Proficient in cloud technologies, incident management, vulnerability assessment, and threat modeling. A self-motivated professional with a passion for cybersecurity and exceptional organizational skills.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst
Mic Talent Solutions
05.2022 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive IS audits and investigations, identifying vulnerabilities, non-compliance issues, and areas for improvement to enhance system security and integrity
- Achieved and maintained system Authority to Operate (ATO) certifications by ensuring strict compliance with regulatory frameworks and managing security documentation effectively
- Applied expertise in ICD 503, JSIG, and DAAPAM to design and enforce security controls, protecting sensitive information within classified environments
- Leveraged Splunk for auditing and monitoring activities, analyzing security logs and events to detect anomalies, generate actionable insights, and enhance incident response capabilities
- Applied in-depth knowledge of operating system security requirements to configure, monitor, and secure enterprise systems against unauthorized access and breaches
- Utilized Nessus Vulnerability Manager to conduct thorough vulnerability assessments, identifying misconfigurations and outdated patches across enterprise systems and recommending remediation strategies to mitigate risks
- Developed, reviewed, and maintained Risk Management Framework (RMF) artifacts, ensuring compliance with organizational standards while supporting ATO attainment
- Deployed and managed tools like ACAS, Nessus Vulnerability Manager, and McAfee EPO to monitor and address potential security risks, enhancing overall security posture
- Implemented DAAPAM processes to document, manage, and maintain accreditation packages for secure systems, supporting operational readiness and compliance across enterprise environments
- Applied hands-on experience with ICD 503 to develop and implement system security plans, enforce risk management practices, and achieve compliance with Intelligence Community standards
Audit and Compliance Specialist
Nirvana's Solution
01.2020 - 05.2022
- Oversaw day-to-day information system security operations, ensuring compliance with organizational and client-specific requirements to safeguard sensitive data.
- Documented compliance actions and effectively addressed non-compliance issues within established time frames, maintaining adherence to industry and organizational standards
- Ensured systems were operated, maintained, and disposed of securely by enforcing internal security policies and best practices across the system life cycle, achieving a 98% compliance rate during annual audits
- Monitored and analyzed network traffic and security events using advanced tools to identify potential threats, providing rapid response to incidents and minimizing impact
- Delivered actionable recommendations that mitigated 100+ identified risks, enhanced compliance by 30%, and strengthened internal controls, resulting in zero major audit findings for two consecutive years
- Assisted in over 25 investigations of computer security incidents by collecting and analyzing digital evidence, contributing to the resolution of 90% of violations within agreed timelines and enhancing future defense strategies by 40%
- Enhanced organizational security posture by applying the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to develop and refine incident response protocols
- Maintained detailed records for workstations, servers, software, routers, firewalls, and other critical equipment, ensuring accurate asset management throughout the information system's life cycle
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of critical information security risks, focusing on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of technology assets
- Reviewed and evaluated key security processes such as vulnerability management, penetration testing, security logging and monitoring, and incident response protocols
- Led containment, eradication, and recovery efforts for a cybersecurity startup, applying NIST-based incident response methodologies to address a rapidly evolving threat landscape
Education
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity
University of North Texas
Denton, TXSkills
- SQL
- SPLUNK
- Python
- NIST
- SIEM
- Nessus
- JSIG
- ACAS
- AWS Cloud
- IS Auditing
- PCI DSS
- LogRhythm
- EPO
- ICD 503
- Anomaly Detection
- DAAPAM
- Risk Management Framework (RMF)
- Malware Analysis
- TCP/IP
- SOX
Accomplishments
- CompTIA Security+ Scholarship
- I am thrilled to share that I have been awarded a scholarship to pursue my CompTIA Security+ through Cyber Now Labs which allows me to advance my skills in cybersecurity. This allows me to collab with industry giants such as IBM, Crowd Strike, Sentinel One, and Fortinet. Working with these companies provides me with unique hands-on experience.
Certifications
- ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity
- BHIS Active Defense & Cyber
Deception - Certificate of Completion in Cyber Kill
Chain - CompTIA Security +
- Cybrary Certificate of Cloud Security
- CIS Critical Security Control 3: Data
Protection - CIS Critical Security Control 18:
Penetration Testing - Cloud Architecture Foundation
- CIS Critical Security Control 18:
Penetration Testing - Cybrary Course Completion of Malware
Defense - CIS Critical Security Control 16:
Application Software Security - CIS Critical Security Control 13:
Network Monitoring and Defense - CIS Critical Security Control 12:
Network Infrastructure Management
Timeline
Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst
Mic Talent Solutions
05.2022 - Current
Audit and Compliance Specialist
Nirvana's Solution
01.2020 - 05.2022
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity
University of North Texas
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