Maryam Ashraf

IT support professional with hands-on experience assisting users, maintaining system performance, and troubleshooting network issues. Skilled in supporting academic environments and committed to delivering reliable technology solutions with a focus on service, communication, and continual growth.

Network Infrastructure Design & Implementation (CS100 Final Project)

Cascadia College | December 2024

• Designed and implemented a two-LAN network for a simulated enterprise client using Cisco Packet Tracer and physical lab hardware to model both wired and wireless infrastructure.
• Configured Class B and Class C IP networks using subnetting best practices and built a logical addressing table to assign static and dynamic IPs across all devices.
• Set up a WPA-secured wireless access point with a custom SSID and configured DHCP services to support client device connectivity within the LAN.
• Applied knowledge of routing, DNS, and gateway configuration to ensure end-to-end communication between LANs; validated setup with ping tests and DNS resolution tools.
• Captured and documented network topology, IP configuration, and connectivity test results to demonstrate successful implementation and troubleshooting skills.

Social Site Stoppage 

Peninsula College | January 2025

• Configured and administered Microsoft DNS Server in a virtualized enterprise environment to block user access to high-traffic websites (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram) at the domain level.
• Created and managed custom DNS zones and A (Host) records to redirect traffic to 0.0.0.0, simulating a network-level web filter.
• Validated configuration by analyzing system behavior and interpreting challenge status indicators in a real-time monitoring interface.
• Applied DNS filtering techniques commonly used in corporate network security to enhance productivity and enforce acceptable use policies.

USB Malware Threat Detection & Response 

February 2025 | Peninsula College

• Investigated and neutralized malware from a suspicious USB drive using ClamWin Antivirus in a virtual enterprise environment, ensuring critical HR files remained intact during remediation.
• Customized antivirus scan settings to detect threats non-destructively, analyzed infection reports, and manually located malicious files using both File Explorer (with hidden files revealed) and Command Prompt.
• Executed safe removal of infected files via command-line tools, resolving visibility issues with hidden/system-level threats while maintaining full file system integrity.
• Conducted post-removal validation through secondary scans and dashboard checks, successfully restoring the device to a clean state and completing all challenge objectives.

PostgreSQL Server Deployment 

March 2025 | Peninsula College

• Installed and configured PostgreSQL on a Windows Server VM to support legacy applications requiring custom port access and database roles.
• Modified pg_hba.conf to allow subnet-specific remote connections and verified secure connectivity over port 1801.
• Created and managed user roles and databases using pgAdmin III, ensuring proper access control and database ownership.
• Applied prior networking knowledge to configure Windows Firewall rules, enabling secure inbound connections without compromising the system.