Network Security Quality Assurance

Aaradhya Desai

West Haven, Connecticut 959-***-**** ****************@*****.*** LinkedIn Medium Github WORK EXPERIENCE

University of New Haven West Haven, Connecticut

Lead Cybersecurity Researcher Aug 2023 - Jun 2025

Led AI-enabled network security projects, developing comprehensive audit documentation and risk assessment reports to track vulnerabilities and control effectiveness. Executed penetration tests using Wireshark, Hping3, and Metasploit (aligned with MITRE ATT&CK) to identify and remediate critical weaknesses. Designed and deployed custom security tools for real-time network traffic scanning and intrusion detection, reducing incident response time by 30%. Established secure testing environments (Windows/Linux) with OS-specific hardening and monitoring to address unique vulnerabilities. Automated and optimized network monitoring by developing Python scripts (Raspberry Pi 5) to streamline log collection, improving data quality assurance by 35% and enabling proactive threat analytics. Network Security Design Project Lead Aug 2024 - Dec 2024 Designed and deployed an enterprise-wide security infrastructure supporting 2,500+ users across two campuses, implementing firewalls, IDS/IPS systems, and DMZ segmentation. Conducted systematic risk assessments to prioritize and optimize security controls for maximum protection. Built compliant application and mail server architectures that adhered to both institutional security policies and industry standards, while simultaneously managing a $1.1M budget for critical infrastructure, including disaster recovery and backup systems.

Led the full lifecycle of security implementation from architecture design to operational deployment, balancing technical requirements with fiscal responsibility to deliver robust, scalable network protection. K.C.College of Engineering Mumbai, India

Cybersecurity Lecturer Oct 2022 - May 2023

Conducted advanced security assessments by leading web application penetration tests (Burpsuite, SQLmap) to exploit OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, and executed social engineering campaigns that improved threat detection rates by 60% through targeted remediation strategies. Architected and deployed robust security frameworks for both IT and OT environments, integrating industrial cybersecurity standards and incident response protocols to safeguard critical infrastructure. Established comprehensive risk management programs, developed documented security controls, third-party assessment methodologies (NESSUS), and vulnerability management strategies to strengthen organizational defenses. Next IT Solutions Mumbai, India

Network Engineer May 2019 - Aug 2021

Implemented enterprise-wide security controls and protocols (VPN, SSH) across multiple sites, while conducting systematic vulnerability assessments that reduced operational risks by 40%. Resolved network issues through effective configuration and troubleshooting of devices within tight deadlines, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.

Managed the maintenance of diverse networks to ensure operational continuity across multiple sites, which increased overall employee productivity by 20%.

CERTIFICATION

Certified Ethical Hacker: EC-Council - ECC6598214370 CompTIA Security + - COMP001022832960

EDUCATION

University of New Haven West Haven, Connecticut

MS in Cybersecurity and Network Graduation Date: May 2025 University of Mumbai Mumbai, India

B.Eng in Information Technology Graduation Date: May 2023