Mark Cephus

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY:

Retired United States Navy Information Technology professional with 20 years of experience in the Information Technology field implementing strategic IT initiatives that improve business functionality; Extensive hands-on Network Administration and security experience; Exceptional experience working with Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs); Ability to assess, maintain, and administer existing systems and recommend technical upgrades and improvements; Skilled project manager with proven ability to lead and motivate teams to maximize productivity; Ability to organize, prioritize and work under extreme pressure, heavy workloads and deadlines Results-driven Network Administrator with experience in back-end programming, relational databases and development/maintenance of complex and critical systems. Vast knowledge of network security at desktop, server and Internet levels. Technically advanced in software administration and data communications.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Interim Top Secret

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems Security 2016

University of Phoenix, Atlanta, GA

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Senior Systems Administrator

GC&E Systems Group Fort Stewart, GA March 2021 – Present (Contract)

As a Systems Administrator working at the Network Enterprise Center, continually assist the Government with management and administration of enterprise systems for over 40k users. My duties comprise of Active Directory Management; IAVA/IAVM remediation team; Network Authentication and Services. Serving as a member for the IAVA/IAVM remediation team, maintaining strict security measures on the US Army, Department of Defense systems and networks requiring DOD Directive 8570.01. Directing and advising commanders, coordinating higher headquarters to ensure computer and communications

security for over 160 Information Management Officers (IMO) to stay in compliance for over 40k client computers/laptops deployed or stationary. Developing a system to where there is proper notification of DHCP, and MAC blocking for clients that may be quarantine from computers having multiple vulnerabilities and not in compliance. Perform the following: Active Directory Management; Systems Center Management; Messaging Management;

Clustering Services; Backup and Restoration; Network Access Control; Network Authentication and Services; Remote Access; Operations Management Services; Anti-Virus/Network Threat Protection; Relational Database Management; SharePoint/Collaboration Services; and Virtual Server Services. Receiving refresher training from Cyber personnel on performing ACAS scanning and analyzing reports

on US Army enterprise systems, including fault determination, performance management,

environmental monitoring, and configuration management of unclassified systems.

RMF/Cyber Security Engineer January 2020 to Present

T2S-Solutions, Belcamp, MD (Contract)

Identify threats and vulnerabilities in systems and software, then apply skillset to developing and implementing high-tech solutions to defend against hacking, malware and ransomware, insider threats and all types of cybercrime. Provide the support task requirements for Cybersecurity System Engineering Support, Cybersecurity Network Domain Certification and Accreditation Support, and Risk Management Framework (RMF), Assessment and Authorization (A&A) Support. Responsible for getting a system through IATT (ATO w/ conditions) starting from initial system characterization. Understand the RMF process and work with the ISSM to get the system accredited. Ensure information systems are properly registered within the eMASS or XACTA Information Assurance Management tool (or most current tool), as appropriate, to document the RMF process and to ensure accountability for all related Body of Evidence (BoE) documents.

Collaborate with the engineering team for design and implementation to ensure that these RMF subsystems comply with The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) provisions and DoD and Army Polices and Regulations for operational readiness. Prepare all documentation that are required by the individual network Authorization Official (AO) for Authority to Operate (ATO) to their networks. Conduct the security test and evaluation (ST&E) activities required and document results in the appropriate reports.

Prepare and review the required A&A documentation in accordance with the DoD, Agency, and Army policies regulations, publications, instructions, and procedures. Provide engineering and technical assistance to support vulnerability scans, penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, scan analysis, and security analysis. Perform information assurance and cybersecurity monitoring and review reporting to ensure the compliance to include the development and maintenance of POA&M documents in accordance with the RMF A&A continuous monitoring.

Information Systems Administrator April 2019 to September 2019

Robert Half Technologies, Savannah, GA (Contract)

Responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems; especially multi-user computers, such as servers. The system administrator seeks to ensure that the uptime, performance, resources, and security of the computers they manage meet the needs of the users. To install, or upgrade computer components and software; provide routine automation; maintain security policies; troubleshoot; train or supervise staff; or offer technical support for projects. maintain and manage the users in a directory in a database. Maintains network infrastructure such as switches and routers, and diagnoses problems with these or with the behavior of network-attached computers.

End User Support Supervisor June 2017 to March 2018

Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah, GA (Contract)

Provide quick diagnosis and resolution of end-user's technical problems. This includes installing, diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining all PC hardware and software to ensure optimal performance of the desktop/laptop environment. Providing customer service to over 10,000 customers daily.

Information Security Specialist September 2015 to October 2016

RLM, ATLANTA, GA (Contract)

Develop and maintain knowledgebase on changing regulatory, threat, and technology landscapes to continually develop or maintain security policies and standards and ensure compliance throughout the organization. Use current information security technology disciplines and DoD and Army practices to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of corporate information assets in accordance with established standards and procedures. Analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to define problems, collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Creating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) over Operation of the Secure Internet Protocol Router (SIPRNET), Information Assurance (IA) and Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS). Responsible for performing scan across the network in search of vulnerabilities. IAVA patching administrator.

Database Manager April 2015 to September 2015

RLM, ATLANTA, GA (Contract)

Maintain and administer the database at the Defense Forensic Science Center. Administers computer networks and related computing environments including hardware, systems software, applications software and all configurations. Develop network architectures and diagrams required to support the task Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary Assist customers in troubleshooting procedures. Test programs and databases for correct errors and make necessary modifications Install hardware, software, and media peripherals. Maintain an equipment inventory sheet and a soft version of all network equipment Coordinate and plan maintenance and all service requests. Coordinate the sanitization or destruction of equipment removed from facility.

Business Systems Analyst February 2014 to April 2015

EMC, Reston, VA (Contract)

Conducted Enterprise Data field Mapping while reading through software manufacture API documents and extracting the required information to map multiple applications to the data field level. Conducted order fulfillment and service delivery space based on the TMF TAM forum. Ensured compliance and verified the software development life cycle (SDLC) process. Developed technical solutions to business problems and advanced company sales efforts.

Cyber Security Analysis January 2009 to January 2013

U. S. NAVY, Norfolk, VA

Responsible for assisting with the planning and execution of U. S. FLEET Cyber Command and U.S. NAVY Cyber Commander Cyberspace activities. Provided focus on future needs and coordination with multiple Combatant Commands (COCOM) and higher headquarters staff and subordinate combat mission/support teams for the execution of all aspects of Cyberspace operations, to include deliberate and crisis action planning in support of the COCOM mission goals throughout multiple areas of operation. Instrumental with the formulation of Cyber Operations plans and integrate and synchronize capabilities for Cyber Operations. Assist with the conduct of deliberate and crisis action planning to address the application of Cyber Operations to render appropriate effects across the entire spectrum of conflict with stated goals and objectives. Assist with planning, developing, and monitoring implementation of plans, policies, procedures, and guidance impacting cyber capabilities Generated operationally sound organizational improvement plans Assist with the development of metrics program to measure process performance to achieve improvements in organizational efficiency. Provide review and analysis of mission and vision statements, strategies, policies, doctrine, and directives. Provide recommendations to improve existing documents for senior level decision makers' review and implementation into the cyber mission operations. Assist with staff actions and conduct management analysis reviews for senior level decision makers Assist with the development of plans and implementation guidance of new ideas, procedures, and processes for areas to include short/long range strategic planning. Participate in meetings and conferences to brainstorm, develop, plan, and implement immediate and long-range cyber operations capabilities. Apply qualitative and quantitative methods to assess processes and programs and provide recommendations to improve program effectiveness; and complex management processes and systems. Provided input to the Weekly Activity Reports. Assist with the formulation of Cyber Operations plans and integrate and synchronize capabilities for cyber operations. Assist with planning, developing, and monitoring of the implementation of plans, policies, procedures, and guidance that impacts cyber capabilities, and assist with the generation of operationally sound organizational improvement plans. Interact and coordinate with technical, political, and military analysts. Consolidate findings and courses of action into a complete product to assist the customer with identifying and implementing process improvements on key initiatives.

Integrated Shipboard Network System Technician January 2002 to January 2013

U. S. NAVY, Norfolk, VA

To manage and support critical programs in the areas of defense, security and intelligence; energy and climate change; environmental cleanup and waste management; infrastructure development, protection and resilience; and international development. Provide fleet technical support and engineering support services to Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC). The position will be located on the Norfolk Naval Base.

Network Security Vulnerability Technician January 2000 to January 2013

U. S. NAVY, Norfolk, VA

Perform routine to moderately complex and responsible professional duties in administering, integrating, monitoring, tuning and upgrading assigned server platforms and operating systems for optimal performance; ensure the integration of network, platform and application structures. Maintain backup systems and test backups for validation. Implement security and vulnerability patches for workstations, network, servers and other devices. Monitor Helpdesk to provide support from intermediate to advanced

networking, server and workstation issues. Maintain inventory of hardware, software and licenses.

Information Systems Administrator January 1999 to January 2013

U. S. NAVY, Norfolk, VA

Responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems; especially multi-user computers, such as servers. The system administrator seeks to ensure that the uptime, performance, resources, and security of the computers they manage meet the needs of the users. To install, or upgrade computer components and software; provide routine automation; maintain security policies; troubleshoot; train or supervise staff; or offer technical support for projects. maintain and manage the users in a directory in a database. Maintains network infrastructure such as switches and routers, and diagnoses problems with these or with the behavior of network-attached computers.

Network Supervisor January 2006 to January 2009

Network Operations Center, U. S. NAVY, Norfolk, VA

Maintain all network operations and resolved inquiries and problems concerning components, peripherals and services including email and web access. Maintain, troubleshot and ensured optimal uptime and security of large WAN/LAN network consisting of 800 nodes and 1K users, all with separate privileges. Monitored performance of network software, hardware and components. Supervised, trained and mentored up to 75 team members. As Network Operations Center Supervisor (NOC), supervised and conducted day to day Network Operations Center activities which provided IP services to more than 50 forward deployed units operating in the Indian Ocean area of operations. Duties included coordinating timely and carefully orchestrated NOC to NOC IP transition of more than 36 Navy vessels allowing for the transfer of 1.5 terabytes of data. Responsible for configuring multiple router and firewall ports to allow proper routing of data. Proficient in creating customers DNS records containing MX, CNAME, A and PTR files allowing the ability for personnel to transfer emails, web browse, and allowed access to any onboard web servers. Troubleshoot networking portion of customers experiencing issues establishing E-1 services by verifying Cisco and ADNS router configurations. Monitored network status of customers at sea and pier side using Ipswitch WhatsUP Gold Software. Supervised junior and senior personnel on the management and maintenance of 57 windows servers, 26 Cisco routers, 4 firewalls, and 4 VPN servers. Implemented and verified Information Assurance Vulnerability Alert (IAVA) comp all windows servers both classified and unclassified. Updated 16 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to various network applications used in day to day operations.

Network Administrator January 2001 to January 2006

U.S. NAVY, Norfolk, VA

Held multiple responsibilities to configure, install and administer network infrastructure and communications systems that supports a crew of 3000 personnel. Performed administrative responsibilities of which included monitoring server event logs, services, daily backup success/failure, verifying anti-virus updates and critical windows security updates. Responsible for configuring Group Policy Objects to meet network security requirements and user access as needed. Configured and monitored the use of desktop computers and printers and handled the installation of other peripherals. Provided users with desktop and phone support for all hardware, software and user account trouble calls. Spearheaded the completion of a major network migration to bring systems up to date including upgrading to a virtual server network, upgrading server operating systems from Windows 2003 Server to Windows 2008 Server, Microsoft Exchange 2003 Server to Microsoft Exchange 2007 Server, migrated over 3000 user accounts and mailboxes and over 1 terabyte share drive of data . Active directory, GOP, DHCP experience conducting and maintaining the network.

CERTIFICATIONS/TECHNICAL SKILLS:

CompTIA (CASP) Advanced Security Practitioner Certification 2015

Security+ 2008

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