Mario A Zuniga
Edinburg,TX
Summary
To leverage my knowledge and experience to create meaningful impact within an organization that values growth and integrity.
Cybersecurity Lead with a strong foundation in network and Windows server administration. Progressive experience marked by continuous contributions above and beyond requirements. Responsible for securing and optimizing network and server infrastructure. Skilled at balancing robust cybersecurity measures with operational performance to ensure a secure, efficient IT environment. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Network Security Administrator
Workforce Solutions LRGV
01.2019 - Current
- As Cybersecurity Officer, led NIST 800-53 Rev. 5 cybersecurity assessments on three occasions over six years, conducted by AT&T Cybersecurity on behalf of the Texas Workforce Commission, consistently achieving Level 3 compliance.
- Implemented a Network Access Control (NAC) solution to strengthen secure access at the network level and proactively detect non-compliant devices.
- Also configured and managed Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) with Okta at the desktop level, deploying YubiKey FIDO2 phishing-resistant authentication to enhance identity assurance across the organization.
- Upgraded network infrastructure across seven sites by configuring and deploying Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless controllers, alongside Meraki cloud-managed devices for parallel networks.
- Identified, researched, and recommended infrastructure improvements targeting enhanced security, system reliability, and overall performance optimization.
- Managed/Configured Office 365 E5 services, including Teams, InTune, Exchange, email encryption, and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies, ensuring secure and compliant collaboration environments.
- POC with our MDR service with ArcticWolf for advanced security to monitor access and protect critical data and services from internal and external threats.
- Conducted firewall administration, including policy updates, firmware upgrades, configuration backups, and full system deployments.
- Configured and maintained backup systems on premises and Cloud to ensure reliable recovery of files and entire virtual machines (VMs) in case of data loss or system failure.
- Coordinated with third-party security information and event management (SIEM) providers to maintain protections and predict threats.
- Planned and implemented upgrades to system hardware and software.
- Developed and documented network policies, procedures and standards.
- Diagnosed and executed resolution for network and server issues.
Network Specialist
Workforce Solutions LRGV
01.2011 - 01.2019
- Served as Tier 1 support for network and Windows Server infrastructure, promptly identifying issues and taking corrective actions to maintain optimal system performance.
- Collaborated with IT teams and external vendors to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems.
- Maintained and supported a distributed environment of 390 Windows virtual machines (VMs) and zero clients across three locations, including the administration of six ESXi hypervisors.
- Configured, deployed, and maintained DNS-layer protection and web filtering solutions to enhance security and enforce acceptable use policies.
- Utilized network monitoring tools to proactively detect issues, optimize performance, and maximize network uptime.
- Led the deployment and ongoing maintenance of a cloud-based VoIP phone system across six remote locations, ensuring consistent communication capabilities.
- Keep network infrastructure firmware and server infrastructure up to date to improve security.
- Troubleshot and maintained networking devices and infrastructure across enterprise.
- Performed configuration and troubleshooting of Cisco routing/switching platforms.
- Communicated with vendors to resolve network outages and periods of reduced performance.
- Configured and installed wireless controllers, routers and switches.
JAVA Developer
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Participated in the initial phase of a Bioinformatics project developed in Java, contributing to project planning, relational database design, and development of core software modules.
Education
Bachelor’s degree - Computer Systems Engineering
Institute of Technology
MexicoMaster of Science - Information Technology
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, Texas12.2013
Skills
- Cybersecurity Compliance: NIST 800-53, DLP, NAC, MFA, Endpoint Protection
- Network Infrastructure: Cisco/Meraki, Firewalls, VPN, VoIP
- Systems Management: Windows Server, VMware ESXi, Active Directory
- Cloud & SaaS: Office 365, Teams, Exchange, OneDrive, OKTA, ArcticWolf MDR
- Security Tools: OKTA, Yubikey FIDO2, DNS/Web Filtering, PenTest (CISA, Port53)
- OnPrem Backup&Replication, DRUVA Cloud
- Disaster recovery planning, Vulnerability assessment, Incident Response
- Scripting & DB: PowerShell, SQL, Java (Bioinformatics Project)
Websites
Accomplishments
Achieve Level 3 compliance with NIST 800-53 Rev 5 framework, a requirement for local state agencies by the state of Texas (TWC).
Certification
- Cisco Certified Specialist - Enterprise Core
ID#CSCO11894537
- Cisco DEVNET Associates ID#CSCO11894537
- (ISC)2 SSCP Certified ID#1508089
- (ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity #1508089
- CompTIA SECURITY+ Certified (ID COMP001020174412)
- CompTIA NETWORK+ Certified
- Management Development Training(TexasLBJ School - The University of Texas at Austin)
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Network Security Administrator
Workforce Solutions LRGV
01.2019 - Current
JAVA Developer
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
01.2012 - 01.2013
Network Specialist
Workforce Solutions LRGV
01.2011 - 01.2019
Bachelor’s degree - Computer Systems Engineering
Institute of Technology
Master of Science - Information Technology
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Similar Profiles
Jesus Adrian GarciaJesus Adrian Garcia
Real Estate Associate at Keller Williams Realty-LRGVReal Estate Associate at Keller Williams Realty-LRGV
IRA GRIGGSIRA GRIGGS
Program Assistant to the Directors of Interfaith at Texas Workforce Commission/Workforce SolutionsProgram Assistant to the Directors of Interfaith at Texas Workforce Commission/Workforce Solutions
Brenda ListerBrenda Lister
RESEA Case Manager at Dynamic Workforce SolutionsRESEA Case Manager at Dynamic Workforce Solutions
Christian WallChristian Wall
Licensed Specialist III at Department of Public SafetyLicensed Specialist III at Department of Public Safety
Yusuf OrabyYusuf Oraby
Senior Project at Dr. Li ZhangSenior Project at Dr. Li Zhang