Cyber Security

Daniel Cerean

Rowlett, TX +1-972-***-**** *******@******.** https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielcerean

Professional Summary

Results-driven Information Security professional transitioning from plant management to cybersecurity, with expertise in risk management, vulnerability assessments, and SIEM monitoring using Splunk. Holds CompTIA CySA+ and Splunk Core Certified User credentials. Proficient in security automation with Python and PowerShell, and knowledgeable in regulatory compliance frameworks like NIST RMF and GDPR. Aims to leverage skills in safeguarding critical infrastructure and mitigating cyber risks as a Cyber Security Analyst.

Core Competencies

• GRC & Risk Management: Risk Assessments, Compliance Auditing, Policy Development, Vendor Risk Management

• Regulatory Compliance: GDPR, PCI-DSS, SOX, HIPAA (conceptual)

• Security Operations & Incident Response: SIEM (Splunk, Wazuh), Threat Hunting, Incident Response, Log Analysis

• Vulnerability Management: Penetration Testing (Kali Linux, Nessus, OWASP Top 10)

• Cloud & Network Security: AWS Security (IAM, S3, VPC), Azure (Azure AD, NSGs), pfSense, Zero Trust

• Automation & Scripting: Python, PowerShell, Bash

• Operating Systems & Tools: Linux (Kali, Ubuntu), Windows Server, Wireshark, Sysmon

• Soft Skills: Leadership, Analytical Problem-Solving, Strategic Planning, Collaboration, Communication, Training & Mentoring

Certifications

• CompTIA CySA+ Security Analytics, Risk Management 12/2024

• Splunk Core Certified User Log Analysis, Event Correlation 12/2024

• Cisco NDG Linux Essentials Linux Administration 10/2024

• Cisco Cybersecurity & Network Essentials Cyber Risk, Network Foundations 10/2024

Education

Western Governors University

B.Sc., Cybersecurity & Information Assurance

Per Scholas

GRC & Cybersecurity Analyst Trainee

Professional Experience

Dec 2029 Sep 2024 - Jan 2025

Per Scholas

GRC & Cybersecurity Analyst Trainee

• Monitored and analyzed security events using Splunk SIEM, reducing incident response time by 30%.

• Conducted risk assessments for GDPR and PCI-DSS compliance, enhancing data protection and regulatory adherence

• Automated compliance reporting using Python, increasing efficiency by 40%.

• Mitigated over 200 vulnerabilities through penetration testing and AWS security practices.

• Developed incident response playbooks, achieving a 95% success rate in breach simulations.

Production Machining

Plant Manager

• Conducted ISO 9001 risk assessments, which improved operational compliance and efficiency

• Reduced equipment downtime by 30% through proactive risk management.

• Implemented granular access control policies, which safeguarded proprietary data and improved data security

• Managed third-party vendor assessments, which enhanced supply chain security and reduced potential risks

• Led cybersecurity awareness training, which promoted security best practices and increased staff awareness

Projects & Technical Experience

Cybersecurity Lab Environment

• Built and managed a multi-segment virtual network for hands-on cybersecurity practice.

• Integrated pfSense firewall, Wazuh SIEM, Suricata NIDS, Nessus, and Wireshark.

• Practiced incident response, malware analysis, and threat hunting scenarios.

• Explored cloud security practices on AWS and Azure platforms.

Splunk SIEM & Log Analysis Lab

• Developed expertise in SIEM operations, SPL query writing, and custom dashboards.

• Integrated diverse log sources for security monitoring.

• Created dashboards for SOC-style monitoring and compliance reporting.

Kali Linux Penetration Testing Lab

• Applied offensive security techniques against controlled environments.

• Utilized Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Wireshark for penetration testing.

• Practiced detailed vulnerability reporting and remediation recommendations.

Virtual GRC Security Lab

• Simulated full NIST RMF lifecycle implementation.

• Performed risk identification, control selection, and compliance documentation exercises.

• Gained practical insights into governance, risk, and compliance operations.

Sep 2024 - Jan 2025

Dallas, TX

Jul 2000 - Apr 2005

Dallas, TX

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