Cyber Security It Operations

Nouhou Cisse CompTIA Security + (in progress)

614-***-**** Canal Winchester, Ohio *********@*****.*** LinkedIn

Professional Summary

Seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience as an Information Technology Manager with the U.S. Embassy in Guinea, where I managed complex IT infrastructures, supported secure communication systems, and ensured compliance with U.S. government technology and security standards. Throughout my career, I’ve developed strong skills in risk assessment, system security, and compliance management — which naturally led me to transition into the cybersecurity field, specifically Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). I am currently expanding my expertise in cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, and CIS Controls.

I’m passionate about bridging the gap between technical IT operations and security governance — ensuring that organizations not only stay secure but also compliant and resilient. My goal now is to leverage my IT management background and growing cybersecurity knowledge to contribute effectively as a GRC Analyst.

Core Skills

Regulatory Compliance & Governance Policies

Business Continuity Plan & Business Impact Analysis

IT Auditing & General Controls

Strategic Planning & Roadmap Development

Disaster Recovery & Backup Management

Regulatory Standards & Frameworks

(PCI-DSS, GDPR, HIPAA, SOX, CCPA, NIST, SOC2, ISO 27001, CSF, CIS Controls)

Physical & Logical Security

Identity & Access Management

Strategic Risk Management Solutions

Cybersecurity & Information Security

Incident Response & Management

SIEM, IDS/IPS, FIREWALL

Client Relationship Management

Sales & Business Development Leadership

Online Internship

AIG Shields Up: Cybersecurity virtual experience program on Forage - October 2025

Completed a cybersecurity threat analysis simulation for the Cyber Defense Unit, staying updated on CISA publications.

Researched and understood reported vulnerabilities, showcasing analytical skills in cybersecurity.

Drafted a clear and concise email to guide teams on vulnerability remediation.

Utilized Python skills to write a script for ethical hacking, avoiding ransom payments by brute forcing decryption keys.

Mastercard Cybersecurity virtual experience program on Forage - October 2025

Completed a job simulation where I served as an analyst on Mastercard’s Security Awareness Team

Helped identify and report security threats such as phishing

Analyzed and identified which areas of the business needed more robust security training and implemented training courses and procedures for those teams

Nouhou Cisse

Professional Experience

Career Gap

October 2024 to Juin 2025

Utilized this period to pursue various IT courses and certifications to stay current with industry trends and technologies.

Successfully obtained certifications such as Google Cybersecurity, which have honed my skills in Cybersecurity.

Engaged in online courses, webinars, and workshops to enhance my knowledge and stay updated with advancements in Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance

Undertook personal and freelance projects to apply my newly acquired skills, ensuring practical experience and keeping my technical abilities sharp.

Developed strong time management and multitasking skills while balancing family responsibilities and professional development.

Now fully prepared and highly motivated to re-enter the workforce, bringing a refreshed perspective and updated skill set to contribute effectively to my next role.

IT Manager U.S. Embassy, Guinea

Augst 2013 – Sept 2024

Directed IT operations and cybersecurity initiatives for a mission-critical environment, leading a

team of 5 IT professionals.

Managed IT infrastructure upgrades, cutting downtime by 60% and improving system resilience

across embassy operations.

Oversaw vendor contracts, licensing, and budgeting, achieving 30% annual cost savings.

Administered Active Directory accounts, permissions, and security policies for 400+ users.

Delivered staff training and technical guidance, boosting user adoption and security awareness.

Administered Windows & Linux servers, Exchange, VMware, and Active Directory environments.

Implemented and maintained firewalls, IDS/IPS, and endpoint protection systems, reducing

incidents by 35%.

Provided technical support and patch management, enhancing IT service delivery for 300+ end

users.

System Administrator U.S. Department of State – Guinea

March 2009 – August 2013

Managed network and server infrastructure, ensuring high availability and secure access to classified systems.

Configured and maintained Active Directory, network firewalls, and VPN connections for secure remote access.

Supported system migrations and upgrades to Microsoft Server and Exchange platforms.

Conducted vulnerability assessments and implemented endpoint protection measures.

Provided Tier 3 support, resolving complex issues impacting mission-critical services.

Key Achievements:

Spearheaded secure infrastructure setup during embassy relocation, ensuring seamless connectivity under tight deadlines.

Earned Meritorious Honor Award (2009) for excellence in IT security and network reliability.

Education

Bachelor’s degree – Economics and Management

University Kofi Annan Guinea, Conakry June 2003

Certifications

Certificate of achievement: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

Microsoft Server, Microsoft Exchange Server, Active Directory, SharePoint Server

Google Cybersecurity Certificate

CCNA, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+ (in progress)

Certificate of achievement: Splunk

Awards & Recognition

Franklin Award (2023) – Exceptional Customer Service in support of CDC Office

Extra Mile Awards (2020, 2022) – Outstanding Service and Responsiveness

Honor & Merit Awards (2013, 2009) – Sustained Superior Performance

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