Azure - Azure Functions, Azure VMs, NSG, Azure Firewall, Azure Web App, Azure Container Instances
Years of Experience in Information Technology
Hi, I’m
Mike Molenda
Cybersecurity Professional / Systems Engineer / Leader / CISSP / CCSP
Nassau Bay,TX
The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones that do.
Steve Jobs
Summary
Trusted IT Security Engineer and Leader with extensive experience protecting companies against bad actors who disrupt business operations. Chief designer and educator of multi-layered safeguards against internal and external threats. Leader via peer relations or management, setting the example to colleagues and clients on best security practices, both real-world and technical. Defender and architect of cloud and physical assets through security-focused design, periodic review, and preventive and reactionary measures, to protect against both seen and unseen threats. Recognized as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP). Continuous seeker of knowledge, currently preparing for CISM, CISSP-ISSAP, GCP/AWS certifications in security, GIAC Security Practitioner, and others.
Overview
22
5
Years of Experience in Cybersecurity
2
(ISC)2 Certifications
2
Microsoft Azure Security Certifications
Work History
New Charter Technologies / Cyber74 LLC
Security Engineer - Deployment/Infra/Architecture
07.2022 - 01.2024
Job overview
- Provided leadership, budgeting, guidance and best practice support for growing team across multiple platforms, including macOS, Linux, Windows, and cloud-based services (AWS/Azure)
- Worked closely with team to work on initial build of cybersecurity program across New Charter companies (appx 30 Managed Services Providers with nationwide reach), including SSP, WISP, tool selection and optimization, IR, SOC operations, initial/ongoing risk assessments and POA&Ms, and migration/update of existing cybersecurity clients to new model
- Implemented robust access controls for sensitive data repositories, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
- Optimized existing security tools by configuring custom rule sets tailored to the clients' specific needs, enhancing threat detection capabilities
- Work with dedicated SIEM engineers, penetration testers, and other experts to determine and document new risks, implement risk mitigations, and provide continued peer and user education across multiple skillsets to increase overall security posture based on MITRE ATT&CK framework
- Worked in partnership with local operating companies to rollout and maintain CMMC, NIST, ITAR, and other controls as appropriate
- Performed risk assessments on new projects and initiatives, identifying potential threats early in the planning process to ensure proper mitigation strategies were implemented from the outset.
- Authored security and vulnerability reports, detailing logged incursions and suggesting remediation efforts.
- Applied Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmarks to verify performance of ongoing security measures.
- Developed comprehensive security policies and procedures for the organization, resulting in improved protection against potential threats.
- Developed in-house disaster recovery and business continuity plans based on BIA analysis, MTTR, business needs, and cost
New Charter Technologies / Apex Technology Mgmt
Senior Systems Engineer
04.2021 - 06.2022
Job overview
- Delivered top-tier hardware engineering and troubleshooting, including design of new systems and processes for new security-focused endeavor (see Cyber74 above)
- Provided leadership, budgeting, guidance and best practice support for growing team across multiple platforms, including Mac OSX, Windows desktops/servers, and Azure-based services.
- Optimized system performance by identifying and resolving complex technical issues.
- Enhanced security measures by designing and deploying effective firewall configurations.
- Developed comprehensive disaster recovery plans to minimize downtime in the event of a crisis.
- Delivered high-quality documentation to support project requirements, enabling smooth hand-off to stakeholders.
- Mentored junior engineers in advanced concepts, fostering professional development within the team.
- Performed root cause analysis to provide resolutions for production issues.
- Analyzed security logs to determine and alleviate network threats.
- Implemented robust network infrastructure for improved connectivity and reliability.
- Conducted risk analyses on security clients to determine areas of risk and remediation steps
Houston Mechatronics Inc
Director of Information Technology
03.2019 - 03.2021
Job overview
- Provided leadership, budgeting, guidance and best practice support for engineers across multiple platforms, including Mac OSX, Ubuntu, and Windows desktops/servers
- Transformed company infrastructure from disorganized, decentralized environment to centralized management and resources, while providing insight on best practices to accommodate site security plans, including cloud technologies.
- Streamlined IT operations by implementing efficient processes and automation tools, leading to reduced downtime and improved productivity.
- Enhanced cybersecurity measures for the organization through regular system audits, vulnerability assessments, and employee training programs.
- Managed technology vendor relationships effectively, ensuring timely delivery of products and services while maintaining cost controls.
- Implemented an effective data backup and disaster recovery plan to minimize potential losses due to unforeseen events or security breaches.
- Oversaw the selection, implementation, and integration of new enterprise software applications that streamlined business processes across multiple departments.
- Worked with Security Officer to design and implement NIST 800.171/800.53, DFARS, ITAR, CMMC (v1) controls in accordance with DoD requirements
eXcellence in IS Solutions
Windows HPC Analyst
04.2016 - 03.2019
Job overview
- Provided guidance and best practice support for multiple SMB clients in the Houston area, as well as global Windows HPC clients at major manufacturers, universities, and actuaries, including Global Foundries
- Provided input and direction on multiple internal infrastructure projects to focus on minimizing downtime and maximizing throughput, including cloud technologies.
- Increased efficiency by streamlining data analysis processes and implementing automation tools.
- Developed new analytical models that improved forecasting accuracy and reduced risk exposure.
- Assisted in decision-making processes with Windows HPC by presenting accurate, data-driven recommendations to stakeholders.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction rates through detailed analysis of customer feedback data and subsequent improvements in service offerings.
- Improved internal knowledge sharing by developing comprehensive documentation outlining standard operating procedures for various tasks.
NJT Inc.
Technical Operations Manager
01.2013 - 03.2016
Job overview
- Provided leadership and guidance for all major areas of business, including sales, marketing, technical operations, client management, and project management/development across 20 clients (approximately 800 endpoints) with a four-tech team
- Drove focus for business development and cost-cutting initiatives, focusing on SMB clients in the Houston area, and provided leadership for networking, server deployment, virtualization, and cloud-based initiatives.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and processes in technical operations.
- Optimized system performance through proactive monitoring and troubleshooting of technical issues.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for technical infrastructure upgrades, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts and ensuring timely delivery of products and services.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
- Oversaw daily operational activities within the technical department, including resource allocation, workload distribution, and priority setting.
- Updated and published standard operating procedures (SOPs) using stakeholder, customer and employee input and feedback resulting in clearer and more useful instruction for users.
- Assessed expected technical challenges and developed proactive solutions.
The Computer Hospital / Phoenix Solutions
Technical Manager - Managed Services / Senior Network Engineer
05.2012 - 01.2013
Job overview
- Manager / founder of MSP initiative for traditional break-fix computer repair center
- Provided single-source contact of support for IT and telecom services for a wide variety of SMB clients, ranging from single-user home offices to 100+ user enterprises, and provided leadership for networking, server deployment, virtualization, and cloud-based initiatives.
- Developed technical strategies to align with business objectives, driving growth and innovation within the organization.
- Built trusted relationships with stakeholders through clear communication and collaborative problem-solving efforts.
- Oversaw vendor selection and negotiations, securing favorable terms and high-quality products or services at competitive prices.
- Introduced automation tools to streamline processes and increase efficiency across multiple projects simultaneously.
- Developed suggestions for technical process improvements to optimize resources.
RSA Corp / Technology Transfer Inc
TAC Analyst / Technical Account Manager
03.2010 - 05.2012
Job overview
- Provided single-source contact of support for IT and telecom services for thirty SMB clients
- Introduced detailed VoIP and Linux support to network support offerings, including troubleshooting of multiple VoIP services.
- Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
- Improved internal knowledge sharing by developing comprehensive documentation outlining standard operating procedures for various tasks.
- Performed system analysis, documentation, testing, implementation, and user support for platform transitions.
- Researched and adopted new technologies to add value to existing offerings.
Frazer Ltd
System Administrator
08.2009 - 01.2010
Job overview
- Administrator for 60-user, 140-employee EMS vehicle manufacturer
- Provided single-source contact of support for IT and telecom services
- Managed 100-node network including VoIP, 15 physical and virtual servers, and various video services.
- Reduced downtime by proactively identifying and resolving potential issues through thorough system monitoring.
- Streamlined network operations by automating routine tasks using advanced scripting techniques (Bash/PowerShell)
- Evaluated emerging technologies for relevance within the organization's infrastructure, making recommendations based on potential benefits or risks involved with adoption/integration processes.
- Installed important security and functionality patches to maintain optimal protections against intrusion and system reliability.
Tredroc Tire Services
IT Manager / Systems Operations Manager
04.2002 - 08.2009
Job overview
- Administrator for 250-user, 500-employee commercial/retail/wholesale tire distributor and retreader
- Provided on-site and 24-hour remote services for 5-state, 22-location company
- Managed 15 physical and virtual servers running a wide array of applications.
- Improved network efficiency by implementing new server configurations and optimizing system operations.
- Reduced downtime by promptly addressing hardware and software issues, ensuring minimal impact on business operations.
- Implemented robust backup strategies to safeguard critical data against loss or corruption, minimizing potential risks.
- Optimized helpdesk performance through process improvements, enabling faster response times and increased user satisfaction levels.
- Established a robust IT service management framework based on industry standards such as ITIL, driving quality improvements and operational excellence.
- Customized and repaired technology based on staff requests.
Education
Roosevelt UniversityChicago
Bachelor of Science from Computer Science
09.2001
University Overview
- Honor Roll (all semesters)
- Relevant Coursework: Database design, Network design, Programming (C++ and Java)
- Research Project: Development of automation of Project Maintenance via SQL / MS Access / freely available tools
Wm Rainey Harper CollegePalatine, IL
Associate of Science from Computer Science
05.1998
University Overview
- Phi Theta Kappa
- Relevant Coursework: Computer programming and design
- 3.5 GPA
Skills
- Fluent in Windows, macOS, Linux (RHEL and Debian/Ubuntu)
- Experienced in Azure, including Azure Functions, WAF / Front Door, Azure Kubernetes, Azure Container Instances/Apps, Azure Web Apps
- Identity and Access Management - including 2FA implementation on multiple platforms (Duo, MS Auth, Okta)
- Operating System Hardening and Network Security
- Security Architecture Design, with a balance between practical needs and security standards
- Firewall Configuration and Management
- Mobile Device Security (MDM) - Company owned and BYOD - Android/iOS - MS Intune, AirWatch
- Security Compliance Auditing, Risk Assessment and Mitigation
- Virtualization platforms - Microsoft Hyper-V Server, VMware vSphere to 80U1, RHEL KVM
- Client Relations with end users and C-level executives
- Business Continuity Planning and Incident Response
Certification
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
- Microsoft Azure Cybersecurity Expert
- Microsoft AZ-500 and SC100 (due for renewal)
- A+, Network+, IT Project+
Software
AWS - S3, EC2
Microsoft 365 - Entra ID (Plan 12), Power Automate, Teams management and development (including voice)
Microservices and IaaS - Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform
Firewalls/Networks - Cisco, Sonicwall, Watchguard, Palo Alto, Fortigate
Security tools - Apptega, Tenable Nessus, CyberHawk, CYRISMA, ThreatLocker, DNSFilter, CIS-CAT
SIEM - Stellar Cyber, Alienvault, Graylog, Splunk, Nagios
EDR - Trend, AVG, ESET, SentinelOne, MS Defender (Cloud and Endpoint)
Virtualization - VMware, Hyper-V, RHEL KVM, VirtualBox
SQL - MS SQL Server, Postgres, MySQL, MongoDB
Development - Gitlab, Github, Artifactory
RMM - Connectwise Automate/RMM/Asio, GLPI, N-Central, Kaseya
Documentation - Hudu, ITGlue, Confluence
Ticketing - Connectwise Manage, Autotask, Jira, Azure DevOps
Scripting - API, PowerShell, Bash (Linux and macOS), Python
Availability
See my work availability
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Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Security Engineer - Deployment/Infra/Architecture
New Charter Technologies / Cyber74 LLC
07.2022 - 01.2024
Senior Systems Engineer
New Charter Technologies / Apex Technology Mgmt
04.2021 - 06.2022
Director of Information Technology
Houston Mechatronics Inc
03.2019 - 03.2021
Windows HPC Analyst
eXcellence in IS Solutions
04.2016 - 03.2019
Technical Operations Manager
NJT Inc.
01.2013 - 03.2016
Technical Manager - Managed Services / Senior Network Engineer
The Computer Hospital / Phoenix Solutions
05.2012 - 01.2013
TAC Analyst / Technical Account Manager
RSA Corp / Technology Transfer Inc
03.2010 - 05.2012
System Administrator
Frazer Ltd
08.2009 - 01.2010
IT Manager / Systems Operations Manager
Tredroc Tire Services
04.2002 - 08.2009
Roosevelt University
Bachelor of Science from Computer Science
Wm Rainey Harper College
Associate of Science from Computer Science
References
References available upon request.
References
References available upon request.
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