Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Affiliations
Work Availability
Timeline

Will Edwards

Anna,TX
The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won’t. It’s whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere.
Barack Obama

Summary

Information Security Specialist with passion for aligning security architecture plans and processes with security standards and business goals. Passionate about online security research, planning, execution and maintenance.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Freelance Cybersecurity Analyst

Self-Employed
Anna, TX
09.2019 - Current

As a Cybersecurity Analyst, my primary responsibility is to ensure the security of an organization's computer systems and digital assets. I am responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and responding to security incidents in real time, as well as conducting vulnerability assessments to identify potential security weaknesses.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Monitor security alerts from various sources, including security information and event management (SIEM) systems, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and firewalls.
  • Conduct in-depth analysis of security events to determine if they threaten the organization and provide recommendations for remediation.
  • Perform vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify potential security weaknesses in the organization's systems and infrastructure.
  • Develop and implement security policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance the organization's overall security posture.
  • Coordinate with other IT teams to ensure the organization's systems and applications are secure and compliant with applicable regulations.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging threats and vulnerabilities in the cyber security landscape.
  • Prepare and present reports to senior management on the organization's security posture and the effectiveness of the security program.
  • Participate in incident response activities, including containment, investigation, and recovery.

SOC Analyst

Cyber Defense Labs
Richardson, TX
08.2018 - 09.2019

As a Tier 1 SOC (Security Operations Center) Analyst, my primary responsibility was to monitor and triage security alerts and incidents in real-time to identify potential security threats to an organization's computer systems and digital assets.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Monitor security alerts from various sources, including security information and event management (SIEM) systems, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and firewalls.
  • Conduct initial analysis of security events to determine if they require further investigation by Tier 2 or Tier 3 SOC analysts.
  • Document security incidents and track their status throughout the incident lifecycle.
  • Follow established incident response procedures to ensure timely and effective response to security incidents.
  • Escalate high-risk or critical incidents to Tier 2 or Tier 3 SOC analysts or other IT teams as appropriate.
  • Communicate effectively with other SOC team members to ensure knowledge sharing and timely incident resolution.
  • Perform basic troubleshooting and system administration tasks as needed to resolve security incidents.

Cybersecurity Intern

Cyber Defense Labs
Richardson, TX
08.2017 - 08.2018

As a Cybersecurity Intern, my primary responsibility was to assist the Cybersecurity team with various tasks related to ensuring the security of an organization's computer systems and digital assets. I had the opportunity to work closely with experienced Cybersecurity professionals to gain hands-on experience and develop my skills in the field.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist in monitoring security alerts from various sources, including security information and event management (SIEM) systems, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and firewalls.
  • Conduct initial analysis of security events to determine if they require further investigation by more experienced Cybersecurity team members.
  • Assist with performing vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify potential security weaknesses in the organization's systems and infrastructure.
  • Help develop and implement security policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance the organization's overall security posture.
  • Participate in incident response activities, including containment, investigation, and recovery.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging threats and vulnerabilities in the cyber security landscape.
  • Prepare reports and presentations to share findings and recommendations with the Cybersecurity team and other stakeholders.
  • Assist with other tasks and projects as needed to support the Cybersecurity team.

Education

Bachelor of Applied Technolgy - Cybersecurity

Collin College, Frisco, TX
05.2022
  • Member of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity
  • Dean's List Fall 2021
  • Member of NTXISSA
  • Completed professional development in a hands-on program covering multiple aspects of cybersecurity including penetration testing, defensive operations, basic cryptography, privacy, cybercrime, and cyber policy.

Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies

Collin College, Frisco, TX
12.2021

Certification - Information Systems Cybersecurity Professional

Collin College, Frisco, Tx
05.2021
  • Professional Development in Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture and Engineering, Communications and Network Security, Identity and Access Management, Security Assessment and Testing, Security Operations, and Software Development Security.
  • Member of NTXISSA

Associate of Applied Science - Information Systems/Cyber Security

Collin College, Frisco, TX
12.2019
  • Member of NTXISSA
  • Completed professional development in Information Systems
  • Professional development in the design and installation of secure network systems based on customer requirements, monitoring and maintaining network traffic and security, and maintaining network hardware and software.

Skills

  • IT Security Foundations - LinkedIn
  • Network Security - LinkedIn
  • Soft Skills for Information Security Professionals - LinkedIn
  • Designing security controls
  • Deductive reasoning skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Wireshark software
  • Data security
  • CIS Compliance
  • Incident Response Management
  • Developing security plans
  • Attention to Detail
  • Organization and Time Management
  • Problem-Solving
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity
  • Cybersecurity best practices
  • Excellent Communication
  • Decision-Making
  • Active Listening

Affiliations

  • Information Systems Security Association, North Texas Chapter (NTXISSA)
  • Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)
  • Phi Sigma Pi National Honors Fraternity

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

Freelance Cybersecurity Analyst - Self-Employed
09.2019 - Current
SOC Analyst - Cyber Defense Labs
08.2018 - 09.2019
Cybersecurity Intern - Cyber Defense Labs
08.2017 - 08.2018
Collin College - Bachelor of Applied Technolgy, Cybersecurity
Collin College - Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts And General Studies
Collin College - Certification, Information Systems Cybersecurity Professional
Collin College - Associate of Applied Science, Information Systems/Cyber Security
Will Edwards