Zakirah McGillivary

Detail-oriented Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst with extensive experience in threat detection, log analysis, and incident triage. Proficient in SIEM monitoring and intelligence gathering, developed through rigorous cybersecurity training and practical simulations. Demonstrated ability to investigate alerts and identify indicators of compromise while adhering to incident response protocols.

Cybersecurity Threat Detection Project 

• Built a custom SIEM environment and configured log ingestion for Windows event logs and network traffic data. Conducted simulated cyberattacks to test rule effectiveness, including brute-force attempts, suspicious authentication patterns, and malware-like behavior. Produced structured investigation reports outlining findings, IOCs, remediation recommendations, and potential MITRE ATT&CK mappings.
• Conducted initial and deep-dive investigations on endpoint security alerts using CrowdStrike Falcon, analyzing suspicious process behavior, file executions, lateral movement attempts, and persistence mechanisms. Supported alert triage workflows involving Zscaler, reviewing blocked traffic, web filtering events, SSL inspection logs, and risky user activity.
• Investigated email-based alerts using Proofpoint, analyzing header data, URLs, attachments, SPF/DKIM failures, and phishing indicators. Used OSINT tools (VirusTotal, Urlscan, AbuseIPDB, Shodan, Browserling, Any.Run, etc.) to validate suspicious indicators, and assist with threat classification.
• Authored detailed runbooks for common SOC alerts including phishing analysis, malware-like behavior, endpoint detections, policy violations, and identity-based anomalies.

LetsDefend Projects 

• Work real-world SOC alerts in a simulated enterprise SIEM environment.
• Perform digital forensics (disk, memory, network) in guided or challenge-based labs.
• Investigate malware using sandbox tools, static/dynamic analysis, and behavioral reporting.
• Solve cybersecurity challenges including threat hunting, OSINT, network forensics, and reverse engineering.
• Document findings in analyst-style reports, building experience with real SOC reporting formats.

Mississippi State Christmas Drive

• Assisted with donating toys and winter clothing to children around the world

Project-Based Learning Food Drive 

• Supported and helped organize a Thanksgiving food drive and dinner for less fortunate families

Technical Soccer Touches Coach 

• Led camp and training activities to assist kids ages 4-18 play soccer using correct techniques