Samuel Wilkerson III
Forney,Texas
Summary
Results-driven cybersecurity engineer with hands-on experience in threat detection, Linux/Windows hardening, cloud security, network defense, BAS/EVP validation, and IR support. Strong background in IDS/IPS tuning, SIEM analysis, vulnerability management, and GRC.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cybersecurity Engineer / Security Operations Specialist
Cymulate
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Executed BAS/EVP testing, Hopper simulations, and LSASS detection.
- Troubleshot Linux/Windows, DNS/LDAP, WAF rules, SIEM ingestion.
- Performed detection validation and collaborated with Cyber/Dev teams.
Cybersecurity Engineer
Imperva
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Conducted WAF/DB security investigations, tuning, and packet analysis.
- Developed custom WAF signatures to detect and block SQLi, XSS, CSRF, RCE, and API abuse attempts.
- Performed SSL/TLS inspection tuning, certificate management, and cipher-suite hardening.
Cybersecurity Engineer / Threat Analyst
GM Financial
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Monitored network traffic for APT behavior and responded to IR events.
- Deployed firewalls, IDS/IPS, and endpoint protection.
- Leveraged SIEM correlation rules to triage high-fidelity alerts and escalate validated threats to IR leadership.
Tier II Network Security Engineer
CDK Global
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Performed advanced network troubleshooting and log analysis.
- Developed and implemented network security protocols to safeguard sensitive data.
- Reduced cyber threats by conducting vulnerability assessments and recommending appropriate mitigation strategies.
Sr. IT Analyst
Real Time Resolutions
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Led system enhancements, security improvements, and AD hardening.
- Managed software deployment projects, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards.
- Evaluated emerging technologies to determine potential benefits and applicability within the organization''s IT environment.
Education
MS - Cybersecurity & Information Assurance
WGU
Dallas, TX05.2020
MBA -
University of Phoenix
Dallas07.2010
BS - Management
University of Phoenix
Dallas07.2008
Skills
- Operating Systems: Linux (RHEL, Ubuntu, Kali), Windows Server
- Networking: DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, VPN, VLANs
- Cloud: AWS IAM, KMS, Networking
- Security Tools: Splunk, Snort, Suricata, Bro/Zeek, Nessus
- Firewalls: Palo Alto, FortiGate, Check Point, SecureSphere
- Forensics: EnCase, FireEye, Wireshark, Tshark
- IAM: AD, LDAP, SSSD, Kerberos
- Scripting: Bash, Python, RegEx, JSON
Websites
CORE EXPERTISE
- Threat Detection & IR
- SIEM/EDR
- Security Architecture
- Linux Administration
- Windows Server Hardening
- AWS IAM, VPC, KMS
- Identity & Access Management
- BAS/EVP Execution
- MITRE ATT&CK
- GRC Risk Assessments
- Network Security
- Firewalls
- IDS/IPS
- Packet Capture
Certification
- CISSP
- CCSP (expected 2026)
- AWS Solutions Architect – Associate (previously certified)
- CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker (previously certified)
- CompTIA Security+ (previously certified)
- CCNA Routing & Switching (previously certified)
- CCNA Security (previously certified)
- Splunk Power User (previously certified)
- Imperva Certification Suite (previously certified)
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
Adjunct & Visiting Professor — Cybersecurity, Forensics, IR, OS Security, Ethical Hacking.
Affiliations
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
- Prince Hall Freemasonry
Timeline
Cybersecurity Engineer / Security Operations Specialist
Cymulate
01.2024 - 01.2025
Cybersecurity Engineer
Imperva
01.2018 - 01.2022
Cybersecurity Engineer / Threat Analyst
GM Financial
01.2017 - 01.2018
Tier II Network Security Engineer
CDK Global
01.2015 - 01.2017
Sr. IT Analyst
Real Time Resolutions
01.2013 - 01.2015
MS - Cybersecurity & Information Assurance
WGU
MBA -
University of Phoenix
BS - Management
University of Phoenix