Operations Director Security

Andre’ De Wet

Results-Driven Leader Dedicated to Optimizing Cybersecurity Operations

972-***-**** **********@*****.***

Profile

Engineering & Operations Director, MSSP: Streamlined security procedures to maximize the effectiveness of mitigation efforts

Improved cyber-attack response efficiency through active participation in cyber intrusion awareness activities

Enhanced data security by introducing encryption protocols, ensuring 100% of offsite server backups were encrypted

Standardized customer network architecture to improve operational efficiency by 30% and cyber resiliency

Integrated MITRE and NIST frameworks to boost cyber operations and compliance for customers

Collaborated with customer teams to optimize network architecture by recommending alternative routing and redundant paths aimed at increasing network stability, compliance, and resiliency.

Driving a decrease in response times for investigation and troubleshooting and mitigation efforts by 30%

Improved operational efficiency by 15% through hardware consistency

Optimized compliance readiness by documenting procedures, resulting in a 30% decrease in audit response times

Achieved a 20% increase in security measures

Developed escalation thresholds that enhanced team efficiency and improved response times by 30%

15+ years of experience in designing, building, and installation of enterprise level networks including data protection services

Helped Ballast achieve 3 straight years as one of the top 250 MSSPs in the world as ranked by MSSP Alert

Skills

Communications Problem/Technology solutions

Microsoft Windows Cybersecurity

Architectural design Security Operations

Network Security Auditing

Change Management Leadership

Customer satisfaction Quality Management

Achievements & Highlights

Driving a decrease in response times for mitigation efforts by 30%

Improved operational efficiency by 15% through hardware consistency.

Optimized compliance readiness by documenting procedures, resulting in a 30% decrease in audit response times.

Achieved a 20% increase in security measures.

Developed escalation thresholds that enhanced team efficiency and improved response times by 30%

15+ years of experience in designing, building, and installation of enterprise level networks including data protection services.

No security breaches in my 3 years at Ballast

Helped Ballast achieve 3 straight years as one of the top 250 MSSPs in the world as ranked by MSSP Alert

Familiar with several SIEM platforms as well as antivirus and malware platforms.

Professional Experience

Ballast Services (MSSP)– Tampa, FL

(MSSP supporting Quala Wash an International Railcar cleaning service) Aug 2020 – Sept 2023

Engineering & Operations Director

Strategically coordinated, planned, and managed the expansion of engineering and operations teams.

Implemented a comprehensive vulnerability management program, reducing over 100 identified vulnerabilities to just 5 low-level issues reported weekly.

Developed and customized a business continuity plan tailored to individual customer requirements.

Streamlined security procedures to optimize mitigation efforts.

Responsible for Security Policy development and risk management

Enhanced cyber-attack response efficiency through active participation in cyber intrusion awareness initiatives.

Applied encryption protocols to secure all offsite server backups.

Standardized customer network architecture, resulting in a 30% increase in operational efficiency and improved cyber resiliency.

Executed Monthly Sarbanes Oxley audits and PCI audits to validate compliance with industry standards

Supported third-party customer penetration testing exercises, ensuring strict compliance with security standards, regulations, and guidelines.

Integrated MITRE and NIST frameworks to strengthen customer cyber operations and compliance.

Collaborated with client teams to optimize network architecture, recommending alternative routing and standby paths to enhance stability and compliance.

Served as an integral member of the Change Advisory Board, responsible for approving changes and driving process enhancements.

Reduced ticket resolution times significantly by implementing ITIL framework practices.

Led the development and execution of the company's SOC2 compliance plan.

Provided critical feedback on network architectures to improve reliability.

Addressed CVE security vulnerabilities in customer infrastructure to ensure stability and regulatory compliance.

Led cybersecurity incident response war rooms.

Acted as the primary Information Security liaison during Mergers & Acquisitions activities.

Optiv (MSSP) – Frisco, TX July 2018 – May 2020

(EXCLUSIVE Cyber-security vendor for Walt Disney Enterprises Globally)

SOC Engineering Manager

Coordinated cybersecurity initiatives and incident response leveraging the MITRE ATT&CK framework for the Walt Disney network.

Developed and implemented comprehensive run books for SOC analysts, optimizing response protocols to address potential threats and indicators of compromise.

Led cyber security incident response operations to ensure swift and effective resolution through effective coaching.

Enhanced alert processing speed and operational efficiency within the security operations center.

Defined platform operational metrics to evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and maturity of security platforms.

Advised platform engineering teams during audits, ensuring the generation of relevant and precise compliance data.

Executed mitigation strategies in response to audit findings across security platforms.

Partnered with Disney security leadership to design strategic plans and architectural enhancements for the cybersecurity environment.

Mentored platform engineers on response standards and deliverables related to key security platforms, including QRADAR, SPLUNK, TREND MICRO, TANIUM, QUALYS, TRIPWIRE, McAfee, and Symantec.

Recognized with a promotion to Security Engineering Manager, reflecting proven leadership capabilities and technical proficiency.

Vital Network Services (MSP) – Clearwater, FL July 2013 – Feb 2018

(MSP for companies such as MACYS, Office Depot and Coca-Cola bottling enterprise and Standard Insurance)

Director of Engineering

Led 18 Principal Engineers and 4 Change Coordinators in designing complex customer networks.

Introduced ITIL-based Change Management, reducing downtime and boosting productivity.

Provided technical guidance and project estimates for accurate assessment and increased revenue.

Launched training and certification plans, improving project scope and revenue, enhancing professional development.

Performed network audits and third-party security assessments to ensure compliance and security.

Remediated security vulnerabilities (CVEs), stabilizing and securing customer infrastructure.

Established annual OS update processes and documentation, strengthening the cybersecurity framework.

Documented security configuration standards, enhancing network security practices.

Planned and implemented secure network solutions, ensuring compliance during audits.

T-MOBILE, FRISCO, TX

NOC Manager

Led a network team managing 7,000+ Wi-Fi hotspots across North America and Europe; developed and executed a comprehensive support strategy.

Supervised Wi-Fi NOC, Tier 2 Engineering Support, Reporting, and IP Access teams.

Expanded national NOC from 800 to over 7,200 sites and 20,000 devices.

Surpassed MTTR and SLA targets consistently.

Structured organization and led recruitment and staff development.

Selected vendor partners, overseeing $1M+ in contracts annually.

Built strong vendor relationships for maintenance and break/fix services.

Supported business teams in product launches, driving growth and client satisfaction.

Approved all network design and production changes.

Ensured adherence to FCAPS and ITIL standards.

Mentored a 40-member Network Operations and Engineering team.

Bridged communication between network operations and sales/marketing.

Education & Professional Development

Bachelor’s, SA Telkom (South Africa)

Certifications: Security+ CompTIA, CYSA CompTIA, CISA ISACA, CISM ISACA, ITIL Foundations v3

Expired Certs & Training CIPP, CAPM, CCNP Cisco, CCDP Cisco, CCSP

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