Information Security Customer Service
Resume:
Steve Watkins
*********@*****.***
Skills and Abilities:
Strategy Budget planning Leadership Hyper Converged Infrastructure
Policy Compliance Staffing Vendor Management Risk Management
Azure Virtualization Networking Incident response Project Management
Meraki Active Directory Migration Information Security Customer Service
Experienced IT leader, system administrator and IT generalist with a proven history of restructuring and bringing IT departments into compliance with security standards and best practices.
Employment history:
IT Manager – Milyi Inc, Chicago Illinois December 2020 to present
Brought on to bring growing software companies IT department up to best practices, particularly in Information Security. The company was facing some unique challenges as they had grown from a small operation using self-trained IT staff to a development company with over 100 servers. Customers were demanding security standards that they were not able to attain. Brought company into compliance with ISO standards, as well as ground up re-design of infrastructure, information security and physical security.
Company was using a consumer-grade firewall and unmanaged switches. Replaced entire network with Meraki switches, access points, and firewall to increase security and provide visibility to the small IT staff.
Many machines were past their useable lifespan, and users were using their own devices from home creating an insecure and unstable environment. Replaced aging workstations with desktop-replacement laptops so that users could work from home securely and reliably.
Test servers needed to be created quickly on the fly, and aging Hyper-V hosts were slowing down the build process and requiring resets that kept the build servers out of date. Implemented hyper-converged infrastructure to allow cloning the the build servers to a sandbox and created shell scripts to automate the process.
Environment was physically insecure, with servers sitting in open areas and no monitoring of traffic in and out of facility. Moved critical systems into biometrically locked areas and implemented next-gen security camera system to track entry/exit from all areas
Implemented new endpoint protection, DNS monitor/filter system, SEM and log archival.
Backups were only being stored in house, so implemented SAN for backup system, encrypted storage on SAN and replication to immutable storage in Azure.
Company had many of their servers publicly accessible creating an unnecessary risk. Moved everything behind the firewall and implemented VPN for access to the network for employees.
Most of the workstations and servers were out of date, implemented patch management to keep machines current and protected.
Implemented two-factor authentication across the board.
Established and maintained relationships with vendors to improve access to software and hardware.
Company relocated to a new facility across town. Implemented plan to build a secure, reliable network from the cables up including managing cabling contractors, electricians, access control system design and installation and all aspects of physical and information security.
IT Manager -- Fore Machine Company, Haltom City Texas April 2018 to December 2020
Hired to create IT department for growing aero-space manufacturer following merger. After a ground-up redesign of the company’s IT infrastructure, the companies two campuses were connected via fiber and multiple active directory domains were merged to allow collaboration. The company’s network was secured with next-gen Meraki firewalls and NIST security processes implemented to comply with federal regulations.
•Servers were outdated and underpowered. After installing multiple new servers (virtual and physical) company now has the resources to meet demands for expansion and has the capabilities needed to perform day to day operations efficiently and securely.
•Users were split across two domains. After upgrading domain controllers and merging domains company is now on one domain with a 2016 functional level.
•Users were unable to work remotely. After installing Meraki firewall and radius server, users are now able to work remotely through VPN connections secured by 2FA.
•ERP system hosted on outdated server at remote data center. After bringing failing server in house, ERP is now functioning properly on a dedicated server running on a VM Ware host.
•Workstations were past end of life. After replacing aging windows 7 workstations with new Windows 10 machines, network is more secure, and downtime reduced.
•Desktop support was sporadic. After deploying a web-based help desk system, outages are now prioritized and tracked to increase efficiency of the desktop support staff.
•Company had limited WIFI access. Installed Wi-Fi access points to a create a secure wireless network easily manageable from a single application. Implemented Wi-Fi security policies.
•Backup system was inadequate. Installed and configured Unitrends backup system and critical data is backed up nightly.
•Created new vendor relationships resulting in significant cost savings.
•Phone system was unreliable. Replaced outdated phone system with Ring Central VOIP solution.
•After implementing managed print services, company has increased reliability and cost savings.
IT Manager -- S&S Machine, Irving Texas January 2013 to April 2018
Outdated email system was barely functional, desktop systems did not meet the minimum requirements for the new software, and security was non-existent. Implemented a complete ground up redesign of IT and then acted as company’s IT Manager and domain administrator. Provided training and desktop support.
•Existing server was unreliable and failing. Installed new server and transitioned company from peer to peer to active directory. Downtime and loss of data was significantly reduced.
•With almost no budget, sourced low-cost workstations to replace legacy systems. Executed installation and setup virtual XP to run legacy software that couldn’t be upgraded. This led to increase in reliability and security and allowed them to move forward with ERP project.
•Installed MS SQL server for company’s new ERP system. Normalized existing access databases and oversaw conversion from legacy software to MS-SQL based ERP (Shoptech E2).
•Implemented company VPN using Microsoft VPN to allow management to connect from home securely.
•Company was losing business due to un unreliable pop server operated in-house. Multiple versions of office were in use companywide. Migrated company to M365.
•Provided workstation support and upgraded all of the company’s windows workstations.
•Installed and configured SonicWall firewall to increase security and provide WIFI connectivity.
Web Presence Management -- Hutson and Harris, Waco Texas January 2014 to December 2015 Contracted to create social media marketing for law firm.
•Created social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube, and provided content and regular updates.
•Created and website using Concrete5 SQL based CMS
•Provided photos and video and authored web articles on legal issues to build social media presence. Videos went viral and garnered national media attention.
•Authored web articles about legal issues on various topics to drive traffic.
Database Developer -- Isometrix Inc, Fort Worth Texas January 2008 to January 2013
Acted as database developer and provided general IT support for quality management company and their clients.
•Updated and added features to company’s existing Access database application.
•Secured company web application following security breach.
•Migrated web application to new host and provided support for web application.
•Provided basic desktop support for company personnel.
•Provided server and workstation support for company’s clients.
•Created and supported websites for company clients using MySQL based CMS applications.
Owner -- Panther City Coffee Co., Fort Worth Texas January 2005 to March 2008 Owner and general manager of Fort Worth’s first artisan coffee house and roastery.
•Managed all phases of opening and running business from conception and build-out to opening and day to day operations.
•Created company website and e-commerce site for online sales.
System Administrator -- Lockheed Martin 1998-2003
Acted as systems administrator for Aerospace manufacturing company.
•Administered company’s windows servers.
•Served as chief domain administrator of company’s Virtual Processing Center.
•Administered all Microsoft servers in company’s enterprise test lab.
•Provided desktop support to VIP’s and special projects for the X35 (JSF) program.
•Created documentation and training materials for server installation in remote wind tunnel locations.
•Achieved MCSE certification. Completed courses in security and server administration.
•Created universal laptop image in conjunction with Northrop Grumman personnel to allow traveling personnel to safely access networks on either campus.
Employment Prior to 1998:
GTE Internet: Tier III Technical support for internet service provider
United Benefit Managed Care: Systems Administrator for health insurance company.
Healthcare Computer Corporation: Technician for pharmacy computer company
Flight Safety International: Managed Technical support for classroom division of training company.
Roland Technology: Technician for retail computer store.
PC Innovation: Service manager for retail computer store chain.
Tandy Corporation: Hardware technician for Xenix based business computers.
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