Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Affiliations
• Successfully led multiple high-profile IT audits, identifying critical vulnerabilities and recomme
Interests
Timeline
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Uwem Essien

Bossier City,USA

Summary

Cybersecurity professional with over 5 years of experience in IT security and compliance. Proficient in Security Operations, Privacy, Vendor Risk Management, and IT Risk Management. Holds a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology with a focus on Network Security and Risk Management. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and CompTIA Security+ certified. Well-versed in compliance regulations such as NIST, PCI-DSS, SOX, CCPA, and GDPR. Adept at developing risk assessment plans and methodologies, with hands-on experience in risk management software like OneTrust and Navex IRM. Proven ability to conduct vendor risk assessments and manage multiple projects in fast-paced environments. Excellent communicator and collaborator, capable of conveying technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Overview

1
1

CISA

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1

COMPTIA SECURITY +++

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1

AWS SAP C02

Work History

IT Auditor/Information Security

Gelson's Corporation
  • Drive the execution and evolution of the information security risk management program
  • Work closely with functional teams to assess existing and new processes, providing guidance on control design and risk mitigation
  • Conduct targeted risk assessments to identify strengths and weaknesses related to privacy, security, and compliance frameworks
  • Execute risk-based operational audits focused on Cybersecurity and IT systems according to the internal audit plan
  • Oversee the implementation and maintenance of the Enterprise GRC tool
  • Collaborate with leads across the Information Security team to measure and plan remediation for security risks
  • Document and maintain workflows and procedures to identify gaps in risk posture
  • Create and present risk posture reports and recommendations to leadership
  • Perform ad-hoc assessments as needed

Junior IT Auditor/Information Security

Air Tech Solutions
  • Perform quantitative security risk analyses and recommend security enhancements to management
  • Manage the Vendor Risk Management Program, evaluating third-party vendor risks
  • Collaborate with the Compliance team to ensure the accuracy of IT SOX documentation during process redesigns and system implementations
  • Conduct risk assessments of applications and technology vendors based on defined frameworks
  • Execute risk-based operational audits focused on IT systems and compliance with security requirements

Education

Associate of Science - Cyber Security

University of Phoenix
10-2025

Bachelor of Science (BS) - Information Technology

Ogun State University
Ogun State, Ogun State
01.2017

Skills

  • Problem-solving abilities

  • Proficiency with auditing tools

  • Risk assessment

  • Compliance expertise

  • Internal controls evaluation

  • Data analysis

  • Microsoft Excel

  • GRC Platforms (Vanta, Drata, Secureframe, HIPAA)

  • Desktop publishing tools (Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress, Scribus)

  • Network security monitoring

  • Cybersecurity industry standards (COBIT, PCI-DSS, SOX, ISO 27001, NIST CSF, 800 series)

  • Strong communication skills

  • Attention to detail

  • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools

  • Firewalls

  • Vulnerability scanning

  • Scripting languages (Python, PowerShell)

  • Intrusion detection systems (IDS)

  • Penetration testing

  • Log analysis

  • Malware analysis

  • Compliance reporting

  • IT governance

  • Access control

  • Security policies

  • Security awareness training

  • Vulnerability assessment

Accomplishments

  • Successfully led multiple high-profile IT audits, identifying critical vulnerabilities and recommending solutions that saved the organization 60% in potential financial losses.
  • Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
  • Played a key role in reducing audit turnaround time by 37%, streamlining the audit process through improved methodologies and enhanced collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].

Certification

  • Certified Information Systems Auditor, ISACA, 01/01/18
  • CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701), CompTIA, 01/01/21
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert, Microsoft, 01/01/23

Affiliations

  • Gelson's Corporation

• Successfully led multiple high-profile IT audits, identifying critical vulnerabilities and recomme

Planning and Scoping the Audit:

Before beginning any audit project, I start by defining the scope, objectives, and key areas to be reviewed, such as databases, applications, systems, or networks. I also analyze existing documentation, policies, and controls to get a comprehensive understanding of the current state.

Identifying Critical Vulnerabilities:

During the audit process, I identify potential risks, vulnerabilities, or gaps in the system, whether they are technical issues or related to processes.

Once these vulnerabilities are identified, I provide actionable recommendations to stakeholders or the IT Manager. These suggestions may include actions such as updating or patching software to address the identified issues.

Follow-up and Continuous Improvement:

Finally, I ensure follow-up to confirm that the recommended actions are implemented and that improvements are made to reduce risks effectively.

Interests

  • Community Engagement and Advocacy: I am passionate about contributing to positive social change by actively engaging with communities and advocating for underrepresented groups
  • Technology and Innovation: I have a deep interest in exploring how technology and innovation can drive progress and create solutions that improve both business and daily life
  • Physical Fitness and Wellness: I prioritize physical fitness and wellness as essential components of a balanced lifestyle, focusing on both mental and physical health
  • Travel: I love traveling to new places to immerse myself in different cultures, gain fresh perspectives, and recharge my creativity

Timeline

IT Auditor/Information Security

Gelson's Corporation

Junior IT Auditor/Information Security

Air Tech Solutions

Associate of Science - Cyber Security

University of Phoenix

Bachelor of Science (BS) - Information Technology

Ogun State University

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Uwem Essien