Nathaniel Watkins
Address: Chicago, IL Phone: 773-***-**** Email: *******@***.*** LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/NMWSR/
OBJECTIVE
Experienced IT professional with a strong foundation in Support and cybersecurity, specializing in Identity Lifecycle Management, Authentication Protocols, and Operational Support Knowledge. Experienced in optimizing applications, supporting security projects, and implementing Written SOP solutions. Working knowledge of risk management, threat intelligence, and incident response, with a focus on cyber threat intelligence and User Awareness. Currently pursuing a B.Sc. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, with a focus on advanced security frameworks. Eager to leverage extensive technical skills and strategic insights to excel in any role I am presented, enhancing organizational security and Ensuring Great communication and Organizational success between IT and Employees.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Identity Lifecycle Management
Authentication Protocols
Privileged Access Management
Cloud Security
IAM Solutions
Security Operations
Risk Management
Incident Response
OSINT Intelligence
Forensics Case & Intelligence Writing
Security Frameworks (MITRE ATT&CK)
Data Analysis
Social Engineering
Malware Discovery
Yara
Static analysis
TCP/IP
SOP Writing
Project Management
POS Management
Application Support
Vendor Management
Root-Cause Analysis
Backup Management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Applications Administrator June 2023 – May 2025
BALLY’S CHICAGO Full-Time
●Optimized and supported critical data management systems CMS (iSeries, ACSC, Everi and other apps) and managed TS4300 storage, tape backups, and job controls to ensure system reliability staying in accordance with NIST SP 800-53 CP-9.
●Developed and implemented SOPs and knowledge-based articles for user training, access control, security updates, and system documentation, and managed identity and access practices included.
●Lead the project on Configuring Fortra’s Risk Assessor, Policy Minder, Antivirus Prevention and remediation, and Authority Broker within iSeries, overseeing projects, role swap, and security Audits utilizing Fortra’s Risk accessor mitigating any chance of another MGM incident.
●Generated and analyzed SQL reports for efficiency improvements, collaborated on role swap projects, and tested backup systems for integrity.
●Manage Onboarding and Offboarding users within all Managed applications and CMS systems.
●Utilize Jira and Managed Engine for Change management tickets, Incident management and User tickets related to Basic troubleshooting, Hardware and printers.
●Planned out team and individual adjustments around the Casino (cable management, area adjustments (Power tools), Hardware moves and Tape Management)
●Handled Webex User administration and Vendor related calls for Application and hardware troubleshooting and update advisories.
●Assisted in establishing a Change Advisory Board (CAB), and managed server maintenance
Cloud Office365 Migration Engineer December 2022 - February 2023 RANDSTAD TECHNOLOGIES Contract at Rackspace
●Executed Office365 migrations for over 50 clients, including tenant setups, domain transfers, and DNS configurations, while deploying Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Azure Active Directory (AAD).
●Monitored and resolved spam, abuse records, and email access issues using proprietary tools, producing comprehensive reports on social engineering and authentication vulnerabilities.
●Facilitated data transfers and setup for the Office suite, addressing email authentication and security challenges, and delivered training on best practices for Office365 and Azure security configurations.
●Implemented continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) strategies to optimize migration workflows and enhance operational efficiency through structured analytic techniques and intelligence writing.
Senior System Analyst November 2020 - December 2023 ADDISON GROUP Contract at NORC
●Resolved Office365 issues, managed email groups, access approvals, and profiles, and handled ServiceNow tickets, ensuring system reliability by diagnosing hardware, application, and Citrix VPN issues.
●Managed Salesforce and Active Directory accounts, including password resets and access approvals, installed Win Magic for device security, and provided support for AirWatch phone issues.
●Addressed application and network issues on MacBooks and Windows machines, maintained high ticket resolution rates and ensured effective ticket handling, employing risk-focused and policy-driven security practices.
●Utilized vendor IAM solutions and cloud platforms, including AWS and Microsoft Azure, to enhance security and service delivery, collaborating with teams for strategic planning and optimization.
Senior IT Analyst July 2020 - August 2021 S.E.E.N – Social Equity Empowerment Network Volunteer(Non-Paid)
●Directed SysOps for Azure and Office 365, set up SharePoint sites, supported password resets, and oversaw the migration of user data from GroupMe to Slack, while handling IAM accounts on AWS.
●Conducted security research using OSINT tools, verified SSL certificates, updated WordPress security, and implemented scalable security measures to ensure industry compliance.
●Provided technical project management and support to enhance system security, access models, and partner integration, ensuring cyber threat intelligence and situational awareness.
Senior IT Analyst November 2018 - October 2020 EMEDAPPS – Union Health Service Full-Time
●Addressed network and application issues, provided user training, labeled devices, executed server migrations from Windows Server 2003 to 2016 R2, and configured print server drivers.
●Administered device imaging and setup, ensuring compliance with organizational standards, monitored terminal server health, and addressed daily network and application issues.
●Upgraded Dell minis and thin clients with the latest firmware and security settings, supported IT environment restructuring, and applied vulnerability management techniques for comprehensive security.
Senior Support Specialist March 2018 - November 2018 Northwestern Memorial & American Bar Foundation Contract
●Provided high-level technical support to medical staff, resolving Imprivata Badge reader issues, network connectivity, and hardware failures; managed migrations from Windows 7 to Windows 10 utilizing OneDrive for data integrity
●Performed imaging and inventory management for thin-clients and HP 800 G2 systems; configured Fog Imaging Server, Azure resources, VM deployments, and user management within Azure Active Directory.
●Managed technical project logistics, device labeling, secure access protocols, and hardware setups, ensuring efficient deployment and operational readiness.
Senior Desktop Support Technician January 2016 - March 2018 Flexera Software LLC Contract
●Handling over 55 tickets daily, providing white-glove support to executive-level staff, resolving complex Office 365 issues, mobile device configurations, and network troubleshooting.
●Coordinated security management using Tenable, Nessus, Okta, AD, and JIRA, performing vulnerability assessments, security audits, phishing simulations, and managing user on/offboarding processes.
●Managed inventory using FNMS, assisted in SCCM task sequence troubleshooting, MBAM encryption deployment, and provided comprehensive Apple device support.
RECENT PROJECTS
Project Bally’s Chicago Role-Swap Project 2024
●Helped build out RoleSwap testing, overseeing the transition of backup systems for gaming and front-facing servers.
●Worked with comprehensive Statements of Work (SOW) and Created Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance system resilience and ensure cybersecurity compliance.
●Assisted with project execution and facilitating key meetings to validate backup and recovery processes aligned with industry best practices.
●Collaborated with multiple vendors, including Agilysys, ACOM, CCT, Everi, and Light & Wonder, to ensure the readiness of systems and applications for the Role Swap.
●Verified the readiness of the AS400 environment, including library configurations, DNS adjustments, and device mappings.
●Organized and directed departmental test user groups, ensuring thorough validation of device functionality post-RoleSwap.
●Successfully executed RoleSwap with minimal disruption, maintaining operational continuity and ensuring data integrity.
CrowdStrike Patch
2024
●Proactively identified, checked logs all Servers, Databases, endpoints and responded to critical endpoint security issues, becoming the first to respond to the problem and get in touch with Corporate IT, earning praise from leadership and corporate IT.
●Recognized for exceptional performance with a $500 reward for rapid response and outstanding work in assisting to restore functionality across 40+ servers, multiple hosts, casino applications, and SQL databases.
●Maintained clear and effective communication with casino leadership at the property level, providing timely updates to ensure transparency and coordination throughout the resolution process.
Bally’s Chicago Fortra Project
2024
●Strengthened security and risk management by deploying Fortra’s suite of tools, including Antivirus, Policyminder, Risk Assessor, and Authority Broker.
●Seamlessly integrated these solutions into the AS400/iSeries environment, enhancing security measures and mitigating potential risks.
●Analyzed logs of access, PDF files that contained pictures of user’s actions and behaviors on the Casino Management System.
●Ran Test Malware/Suspicious files on the Lab box to verify functionality, and Sample Suspicious file Tests on the Production to test reporting.
●Conducted Compliance Scans on the entire environment and Resolved Non-compliance issue for the following:System values. User related(Default passwords, Inactive accounts, profiles with too much access, profiles with special access) Folder authorities, Directory authorities, TCP/IP, file shares and more
●Out of 11 properties the Chicago Location is the most Compliant and has the most Secured CMS environment.
●Improved system defenses and ensured compliance with security standards through the effective use of Fortra’s technologies.
Bally’s Chicago Casino Setup Project 2023
●Configured operating systems and applications while strictly adhering to cybersecurity standards to ensure secure and efficient operations.
●Oversaw the installation and deployment of hardware and software, including printers, laptops, and payment devices, guaranteeing compliance with security and operational requirements.
●Facilitated a seamless setup process to establish a secure and functional technology infrastructure for casino operations.
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS
●Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance 2025 - 2025
Western Governors University Chicago, IL
●Certifications:GFACT,GCIH,GSEC 2025-2026
Sans Cyber Academy Chicago, IL
●Certificate in Malware Analysis 2025 - 2025
University of Texas at San Antonio College of Business Chicago, IL
●Certificate in Digital Forensics 2025 - 2025
University of Texas at San Antonio College of Business Chicago, IL
●Certificate in Cyber Forensics Investigation 2023 - 2024
San Antonio College Chicago, IL
●Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering 2019 - 2021
Lincoln Technical College Chicago, IL
●CompTIA Security+ Certified
●CompTIA A+ Certified
●Comptia Net+ Certified
●Comptia Cysa+ Certified
●IGB License Level 2
●ITIL V4 Certified
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
●Excellence Award: Vulnerabilities Report(HIPAA, NIST, ISO 27001, CIS Control, FISMA, SOC2, PCI-DSS, FTC Act, State Laws)
●Intro to Splunk
●Nessus Essentials
●Introduction to Kali Linux
●Security Assessment and Testing
●Malware Fundamentals
●Fundamental Vulnerability Management
●TCP/IP Skill Certification
●BelkaSoft Learning – 2024
●Advanced Forensics Using Belkasoft X
●Android Forensics Using Belkasoft X
●Windows Forensics using Belkasoft X
●Government Digital & Malware Forensics
PROGRAMMING: SoloLearn/Udemy (Python(Some automation), C#, SQL – Continuous Learning)
PODCASTS: DarkNet Diaries, Hackable
CTF (Capture The Flag): Participated in Belkasoft CTF6
SKILLS
●Identity and Access Management (IAM): IAM Fundamentals, Identity Lifecycle Management, Authentication & Authorization, AAA, IAAA, Session Management
●Authentication Protocols: OpenID Connect, OAuth, SAML, AD/LDAP
●Network Analysis/Data Analysis: Wireshark,
●Cyber Threat Intelligence: Threat Analysis, Intelligence Writing, Risk-focused Security
●Operational Security(TryHackMe/Book Knowledge): SOC, Incident Response Model, Vulnerability Intelligence, Cyber Kill Chain, Unified kill chain, Diamond Model, Social Engineering
Forensics: Intermediate knowledge in FTK, Autopsy, Hashmyfiles, Bstrings, HXD, and Stego