Years of professional cybersecurity experience
Samuel McCool
Websites
Summary
Highly motivated and disciplined cybersecurity professional with a solid educational foundation and exceptional interpersonal skills. Holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Cyber Security from ECPI University. Has been working as a Network Security Analyst at Pitt Community College since July 2022, with significant success in planning, analyzing, and implementing security plans and initiatives for the College.
Overview
2
2
4
4
Certificates
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Network Security Analyst
Pitt Community College
Winterville, NC
07.2022 - Current
- Enhanced network security by proactively identifying threats and respond to security incidents such as phishing attacks, malware infections, and anomalous network events, using Fortinet Firewall, Microsoft Sentinel SIEM, Microsoft O365 Defender, and Akamai DNS, significantly reducing vulnerability to cyber-attacks.
- Secured a $90,000 grant through meticulous proposal writing, enabling the IT department to implement cutting-edge SIEM and SOAR solutions. Currently awaiting results for the year two application, seeking $180,000 for updated security hardware for the college.
- This strategic enhancement significantly improved our cyber threat detection and response capabilities, positioning the college at the forefront of educational institutions in cybersecurity defense.
- Led the development and execution of comprehensive security awareness training, both in-person and virtual, achieving a reduction in phish-failure rates among staff and faculty. Resulting in a reduction in clicks and an increase in users reporting the phishing emails.
- Proactively engaged in the cybersecurity community by attending multiple key conferences and delivering a presentation on MFA (NCLGISA 2023).
- Additionally, played a role in the National Guard's 'Operation Tobacco Road 2023' Red Team - Blue Team exercise, where our team had to defend against simulated cyber threats.
- Information security policy development and implementation, Incident Response and Business Continuity plans, procedures, and documentation to reflect the current threat landscape for the College.
- Performed system audits to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
- Analyzed firewall configurations and recommended changes to improve performance and security.
- Collaborated with IT teams to design and implement robust network security solutions, achieving 100% compliance with CIS IG 1 controls.
- Implemented encryption protocols such as SSL and TLS for secure communication between systems.
- Ensured compliance with industry standards such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, FERPA.
- Researched emerging threats and vulnerabilities related to networks and applications.
- Conducted vulnerability assessments using various tools such as Nessus, Nmap, Metasploit.
Door-Dash Courier
DoorDash
Greenville, NC
09.2020 - 03.2022
- Demonstrated exceptional time management and organizational skills as a DoorDash Courier through the pandemic, consistently meeting delivery deadlines and achieving high customer satisfaction ratings.
Bartender and Server
Outback Steakhouse
Durham, NC
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Developed strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities by handling diverse customer needs and resolving conflicts promptly.
Bartender and Server
Blackened Kraken
Greenville, NC
05.2019 - 08.2019
- As a Bartender and Server, I mastered the art of customer service, communication, and multitasking in fast-paced settings
- Developed strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities by handling diverse customer needs and resolving conflicts promptly.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
Bartender and Server
Babalu Tapas & Tacos
Chapel Hill, NC
03.2019 - 05.2019
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts, and maintained an accurate cash drawer.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Tracked bar stock levels and promptly replenished low materials to prevent shortages.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
Nightshift at Sainsbury's Supermarket
Sainsbury's
09.2015 - 08.2018
- During my time at Sainsbury's Supermarket, I upheld high standards of organization, customer service, inventory management, and operational efficiency, contributing to optimal store functionality.
Education
Master of Science - Cybersecurity Cyber Operations
ECPI University
Virginia Beach, VA 05.2022 - 08.2023
Bachelor of Science - Computer And Information Sciences With A Concentration in Cyber And Network Security
ECPI University
Virginia Beach, VA 05.2021 - 05.2022
Associate of Science - Computer And Information Sciences With A Concentration in Cyber And Network Security
ECPI University
Virginia Beach, VA 01.2020 - 05.2021
Skills
- Fortinet Firewall configuration
- Network Security Management
- Incident Response
- Encryption
- Data Security
- Protecting networks
- TCP/IP
- HIPAA/ FERPA/ PCIDSS/ GDPR
- Tenable Nessus
- Wireshark
- Nmap
- Ethical Hacking
- Linux/ Windows/ OSX
- Forensic analysis
- Digital Forensics
- Intrusion Detection
- Business continuity planning
- Access Control
- Disaster Recovery
- Compliance Management
- Microsoft Sentinel SIEM
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Defender
- Microsoft Azure
- KnowBe4 Phishing
- Genetec Security System
- Akamai DNS
- Security Onion
- Virtual Machines
- Virtualization
- Cryptography
- Penetration testing
- Public Speaking
- Team Player
- Independant worker
- Technical Writing
- Customer Service
- Multi-Tasking
Certification
- CompTIA Network+ 008
- CompTIA Security+ 601
- CompTIA CySA+ 003
- NIST Certified Security Professional (NCSP)
Key Coursework
- Cloud Security
- Advanced Networking
- Security Architecture & Design
- Hardening Enterprise Cybersecurity
- Cyber Forensics
- Disaster Recovery
- Network Scripting
- Virtualization Security
- Ethical Hacking
- Python
- Applied Cryptography
- Cybersecurity Strategies
- Wireless and Mobile Security
- Advanced Defense and Countermeasures
Timeline
Network Security Analyst
Pitt Community College
07.2022 - Current
Master of Science - Cybersecurity Cyber Operations
ECPI University
05.2022 - 08.2023
Bachelor of Science - Computer And Information Sciences With A Concentration in Cyber And Network Security
ECPI University
05.2021 - 05.2022
Door-Dash Courier
DoorDash
09.2020 - 03.2022
Associate of Science - Computer And Information Sciences With A Concentration in Cyber And Network Security
ECPI University
01.2020 - 05.2021
Bartender and Server
Outback Steakhouse
09.2019 - 05.2020
Bartender and Server
Blackened Kraken
05.2019 - 08.2019
Bartender and Server
Babalu Tapas & Tacos
03.2019 - 05.2019
Nightshift at Sainsbury's Supermarket
Sainsbury's
09.2015 - 08.2018
References
References available upon request.
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