Michael Hickson
Menifee,California
Summary
Dynamic IT Security Professional with expertise in designing and implementing robust security solutions in high-availability environments. Proven ability in threat detection, incident response, and risk management, ensuring the integrity of sensitive information and systems. Adept at collaborating within teams to monitor threats and enhance security measures, while continuously evaluating systems for vulnerabilities and improvements. Committed to advancing cybersecurity practices to protect organizational assets.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SOC Analyst (Intern)
DefendEdgeLLC
Menifee, CA
02.2025 - Current
- Remediated 110 security incidents under a defined SLA, completed 5 security audits, and executed over 300 endpoint security monitoring, event triage, and incident response, improving detection and response to advanced threats.
- Coordinated with three other team members and management to investigate, document, and report incidents.
- Collaborated with the Threat Analysis Unit to provide in-depth reports of confirmed security incidents, and produce technical threat advisory broadcasts about new and emerging threats.
- Monitored and analyzed EDR, RDR, Cisco Amp, Forti Analyzer, and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) to identify security issues for remediation.
- Provided recommendations, created, modified, and updated EDR, RDR, FortiAnalyzer, and Security Information Event Management (SIEM) tool rules, and event handlers.
- Implemented best practice security policies for five clients, which addressed 100% of the clients' business needs while protecting their vital corporate assets.
- Engaged in security operations responsibilities such as documentation, basic malware analysis, exceptions tracking, security tool management, tuning, and configuration, along with metrics and reporting.
Cybersecurity Specialist
Space Force
El Segundo, CA
03.2017 - Current
- Developed and implemented security policies, procedures and best practices.
- Installed and configured firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and anti-virus software.
- Delivered technical expertise to resolve user queries on cyber security matters.
- Conducted training sessions to raise staff awareness regarding best practices in cyber security.
- Optimized system performance by integrating the most recent patches and fixes.
- Documented processes for managing access control lists.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and standards.
- Performed routine evaluations of user accounts.
- Coordinated security updates to avoid outages and downtime.
- Conducted audits to pinpoint network and security system weaknesses.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity Technology
University of Maryland - Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD05-2025
Associate of Science - INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL07-2023
Skills
- Disaster Recovery Planning
- Patch management
- Application security
- Cybersecurity frameworks
- Network Security Management
- Reverse engineering
- Excellent Communication
- System Administration
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Attention to Detail
- Professionalism
- Relationship Building
- Interpersonal Communication
Affiliations
- Kids Boxing coach
- Church / School Volunteer
Certification
- Security+ Aug 2017-Aug 2026
Accomplishments
- November 2021-2023: Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge / Section Lead of Atlas Operation Management IT Department
- July 2024: Non-Commissioned Officer of the Month
Languages
2,2,2
Education and Training
true,other
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
SOC Analyst (Intern)
DefendEdgeLLC
02.2025 - Current
Cybersecurity Specialist
Space Force
03.2017 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity Technology
University of Maryland - Baltimore County
Associate of Science - INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY
Community College of The Air Force
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