Network Operations Center Technician

Alexander Harkowa

Easton, MD ******************@*****.*** 410-***-**** linkedin.com/in/alexander-harkowa PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Information Systems graduate with a Network Security track and CompTIA Security+ certification, with hands-on experience in security incident response, threat detection, and network operations. Identified and escalated a live brute force attack, isolating the affected system and implementing firewall rules to prevent recurrence. Skilled in firewall implementation, IPSec VPN configuration, abuse-report investigation, and command-line diagnostics across diverse network environments. EDUCATION

Salisbury University Salisbury, MD

Bachelor of Science, Information Systems — Network Security Track. May 2025 EXPERIENCE

Network Operations Center Technician October 2025 – Present Talkie Communications Chestertown, MD

• Investigate Cogent abuse reports related to port scanning and Nmap activity approximately every 1-2 months, contacting customers to issue cease-and-desist notifications and assisting with removing or isolating offending devices.

• Monitor network alerts and triage support tickets by priority and service impact, improving response efficiency and reducing downtime.

• Diagnose network performance issues using command-line tools (iperf, ipconfig, traceroute, DNS) to identify root causes and restore service.

• Troubleshoot Tier 1 issues across internet, VoIP, cellular, and home network environments, resolving connectivity problems for diverse devices and platforms.

• Deliver multi-channel technical support via phone, email, and chat, escalating complex issues to Tier 2 and supporting customer onboarding.

Network Analyst Intern January 2025 – May 2025

Bloosurf Salisbury, MD

• Detected a brute force attack on a company system through log review and analysis, escalated to the network engineer, isolated the affected system, and implemented firewall rules to prevent recurrence.

• Implemented firewalls and IPSec VPNs in collaboration with the network engineer.

• Monitored existing network elements and supported expansion of the network infrastructure.

• Assisted with fiber installations and provided customer support. Lifeguard September 2019 – May 2025

YMCA Easton and Salisbury, MD

• Ensured the safety of 15-30 patrons per shift and administered first aid as needed.

• Monitored pool health and maintained a safe aquatic environment. ACTIVITIES & LEADERSHIP

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity October 2022 - Present

Salisbury University Swim Team September 2021 - November 2022 CERTIFICATIONS

• CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701), expires June 2029

• Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert (MOS Excel Expert) SKILLS

Security: firewall implementation, IPSec VPN configuration, port scanning analysis, brute force detection, abuse-ticket handling, incident ticketing and escalation

Networking and Diagnostics: NOC monitoring, network alert triage, iperf, traceroute, ipconfig, DNS utilities, VoIP troubleshooting, Ethernet cable assembly (Cat6/RJ45) Support: Tier 1 technical support, help desk, remote troubleshooting, multi-channel customer support (phone, email, chat), Windows OS (intermediate)

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