AZEEM FAZAL
**+ years’ success in IT security management and system/cloud/network administration in the information technology industry Texas, USA **********@*******.*** +1-331-***-**** Linkedin.Com/In/engrfazal SENIOR SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR
Technically sophisticated and Cisco certified professional with proven expertise in developing and implementing organizational IT security strategies. Highly skilled in determining the best ways to protect and secure IT infrastructures. Adept at devising, developing, deploying, and evaluating systems aimed at improving quality. Proficient in managing servers, storages, firewalls, switches, routers, IT security, and end-user support; communicating IT teams and vendor; participating in the third-party IT Audits; and ensuring companies with SLAs.
HIGHLIGHTS
Accomplished communicator skilled in building and strengthening relationships across functions to drive cohesive, strategic operations. Excel at aligning end-user needs with long-term resolutions to complex IT challenges.
In-depth knowledge and comfort within Microsoft-based server environments, along with all peripheral processes.
Skilled troubleshooter continually focused on identifying, isolating and resolving technical issues. AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Technical Troubleshooting/Issue Resolution
IT Infrastructure Planning & Development
Continuous Process Improvement
Network & System Administration
Backup & Disaster Recovery Plan
IT Security Plans Development
Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Regulatory Audit Compliance
Team Building & Leadership
Strategic Merger Planning
Digital Transformation
Cloud Implementation
TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES
Operating Systems:
Windows Server 2022 - 2008; Cisco, HP, FortiGate & SonicWALL; Windows, Installation & Basic Level Knowledge of Linux All Versions
Hardware: Dell, Cisco UCS, HP/Lenovo Servers & PCs; NetApp E2700 SAN Storage; Fujitsu NAS; Network Attached Scanners, Printers & Copiers
Network / Security: SonicWALL NSA & TZ Series Firewalls; Cisco Routers; Cisco & HP L2 & L3 Switches; 3Com & Cisco IP Phones/Cameras, Cisco WLC & APs & Linksys Wireless Cable/DSL Routers, Nessus Vulnerability Management, SolarWinds LEM, Enterprise Cyber Security Solutions System Administration: Active Directory Management, Server, Patch Management, Backup & Recovery, Ticketing System, Desktop Support, Alerts & Monitoring Systems
Software: Understanding of Symantec / Veritas BackupExec, Veeam B&R, GFI MailEssentials, GFI EndPointSecurity, F-Secure, Kaspersky Security Center, ManageEngine Desktop Central, ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus (Ticketing) RealVNC & TeamViewer Cloud Technologies: Azure, Office 365 & G-Suite, Administration, User Management & License Management Virtualization Technologies: Microsoft Hyper-V & VMWare CAREER HISTORY
Unified Business Technologies, Inc – Troy, Michigan 2020 to Present Senior System Administrator
Reorganize UBTs IT infrastructure by developing and implementing effective IT strategies. Oversee all IT security posture, including ERP system, servers, firewall, switches, and bio-metric access control. Conduct system audits on a regular basis; coordinate with vendors/service providers; and provide technical support to end-users. Patch and upgrade antivirus on server and client site, while creating backups of critical systems and IT equipment. Maintain domain controllers and DNS servers; oversee the network connectivity issues of LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, and VPN.
Devised and deployed proper IT policy across the company to improve operational efficiency; identified and resolved issues by replacing the legacy server infrastructure and with a modern system.
Updated the domain controller from Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2016; deployed and monitored the next generation’s firewalls of SonicWALL.
Replaced the physical servers with the VMware ESXi to provide elasticity and high availability. ADDITIONAL TRAINING/CERTIFICATION
Certified Information Systems Security Professional - CISSP (In Progress) HCIP Routing & Switching - HCIP R&S Microsoft Certified Solution Expert - MCSE Microsoft Certified Solution Associate - MCSA (Office 365) Microsoft Azure Security Engineer – Azure Security Engineer Cisco Information Security Specialist - CCSP (SND) Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate / Azure Architect Cisco Certified Network Associate - CCNA AZEEM FAZAL PAGE 2
INFOLINE – Muscat, Oman 2015 to 2019
Deputy Manager IT at National Finance Co. (Formally Oman ORIX Leasing Co.) Assisted in the merger from the inception to completion of two top finance and leasing companies of Oman. Administered, installed, and maintained G-Suite, Microsoft Exchange 2007, and Windows Server 2016 / 2012 R2 / 2012 / 2008 R2 infrastructure, including Domain Controllers, Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange, File/Application Servers, WSUS and Hyper-V Servers at Head Office along with 20 branches of NFC. Managed, maintained, and updated wired/wireless network infrastructure through Switches (Cisco and HP), Firewalls (SonicWALL), Wireless APs, MPLS, VPNs, and internet connectivity. Conducted N/W traffic analysis for optimization and malicious activities, whilst reporting any anomalies to HOD. Installed a cross-platform SIEM system; formulated and updated comprehensive documentation for all implemented network/systems; and coordinated IT-related internal/external audits. Provided technical support and assistance to staff remotely and physically.
Improved the utilization and density of most cost-effective environment through application and server migrations from the legacy physical environment to the virtual environment.
Optimized all email system by migrating from Exchange and G-Suite to NFC’s Exchange 2013 Server and O365.
Switched Symantec Backup solution to back up all VM infrastructure via Veeam Backup/Replication and D2D2T backup strategy.
Deployed and maintained 3CX IP PBX System in Head Office and Branches as well as administered Kaspersky Security Center along with ManageEngine Desktop Central and WSUS.
Designed and executed strategic IT security plans in line with international standards and IT consulting firms that covered all enterprise-wide IT security concerns, including database security, physical access control, and applications/hardware security.
Ensured the identification and setting up of entire disaster recovery site with a hot backup server by creating and testing a comprehensive disaster recovery plan, while developing and testing a comprehensive business continuity plan for the company. AIRBLUE LIMITED – Dubai, UAE 2005 to 2015
Assistant Manager - IT Operations
Actively engaged in the implementation of LAN and WAN technologies for startup operation of the largest private airline of Pakistan. Conducted system backup and restore; updated hardware, software, and network by leading cross-functional teams. Installed LAN infrastructure and wireless access points at airport terminal buildings within time constraints. Provided technical assistance and timely resolution of system-related issues to all departments of the company. Communicated with local exchange carriers, cable installers, data link providers, and peripheral vendors. Formulated and provided reports of all day-to-day activities to ensure the smooth operation of IT systems, while utilizing exceptional communication and management skills. Provided MAC filtering, content filtering, IDS/IPS configuration, and link resilience, while configuring VPN’s between different office branches. Installed Cisco/3Com IP Phones in the different departments, while training users to utilize new equipment and identifying/resolving issues on time. Troubleshot and determined issues related to Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Outlook Express emails through the Exchange server.
Held responsible for 100% system uptime during check-in and boarding of flights departure; ensured 100% uptime by managing 24x7 data center’s computer operations.
Upgraded and exchanged obsolete technologies in an environment of 1K+ users located in 8 remote locations, while implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
Migrated the domain to Windows Server 2008 R2 by managing Windows Server 2003 Domain with AD, DNS, and group policies.
Reduced queue and waiting time for passengers by deployed self-check-in kiosk and wireless check-in on mobile PDA.
Managed and configured SonicWALL and Cisco’s Aps / firewalls as well as administered network, Windows, and AV installations.
Designed and deployed a reliable and fully redundant network by executing multiple routing protocols, such as RIPv2 and EIGRP on Cisco 2800 and 2600 Series T1 Routers.
Identified and isolated machines causing network outages; monitored and managed 450+ clients running Win XP/7 nationwide.
Configured VLANs and Trunking on Cisco Catalyst 2900 and 3500 Series Switches as well as upgraded and downgraded IOS’s on routers and switches in accordance with the company’s requirement. PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT ENGAGEMENTS
System Administrator, POST INFOTECH
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Master of Science (MS) in Computer Networks & Communication • HAMDARD UNIVERSITY Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Engineering • SIR SYED UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECH. Karachi, Pakistan KEY PROJECTS
Merger of Two Companies Replacement of Core Switch Exchange Migration from Exchange 2007 to Exchange 2016 Review & Reinforcement of Information Security Policies Deployment of 3CX in Head Office & Branches ACHIEVEMENTS SNAPSHOT
Merged all IT setup of both organizations with
zero-downtime strategy by creating and executing
reliable/effective merger plans. Transferred the entire physical and virtual IT infrastructure of OOLC to NFC that included connectivity, servers, firewalls, storages, switches, routers, and data migration.