Harvey Thipe
Roodepoort
Summary
Dedicated IT professional specializing in network security engineering and systems architecture. Expertise in implementing secure connectivity solutions and aligning security architectures with organizational goals, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. Proven ability in collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize performance and resolve technical challenges.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Network Security Engineer
ISA information Security Architects
05.2025 - Current
- Security Oversight Deploy, enforce, and continuously monitor firewall policies, VPN configurations, and intrusion prevention systems to safeguard data, applications, and client platforms against evolving threats.
- Implement secure connectivity solutions leveraging Fortinet and Checkpoint technologies, ensuring optimized performance, high availability, and resilience across enterprise and client networks.
- Escalation Support Act as the second-level escalation point for Support teams in resolving firewall and network security issues across Fortinet FortiGate and Checkpoint NGFW platforms.
- Facilitated client discussions to assess network security needs, aligning architecture with organizational objectives for compliance, scalability, and seamless integration.
- Prepared and delivered monthly reports on system availability and performance, offering insights that informed optimizations for reliability and efficiency.
- Designed and executed POC initiatives to validate alignment of proposed technologies with client security requirements.
Senior Network Security Engineer
NTT Data
05.2024 - 04.2025
- Security Oversight: Implement and monitor security controls to protect data, applications, and client platforms.
- Risk Mitigation: Identify potential risks in projects and propose solutions to minimize technology-related threats.
- Infrastructure Design: Create and innovate network and client connectivity solutions that maximize performance, reliability, and resiliency.
- Project Delivery: Ensure network and connectivity infrastructure projects are delivered on time and meet service-level agreements (SLAs).
- Provided 2nd-level escalation support for business-as-usual (BAU) teams, coordinating with vendors on 3rd-level issues.
- Aligned infrastructure projects with organizational goals through facilitated discussions with business stakeholders.: Work closely with business stakeholders to align infrastructure with organizational goal.
Senior Network Security Engineer
ABSA Group
05.2021 - 04.2024
- Orchestrated a successful upgrade of the NAC system to the latest version, bolstering security measures by enabling anti-Mac-spoofing functionality and initiating automated blocking protocols for non-corporate devices.
- Collaborated with network engineers to deploy and configure Network Access Control (NAC) solutions across network devices, mitigating risk of unauthorized access by rogue devices.
- Provided expert support to Applications teams in fortifying their Edge servers through the implementation of Web Application Firewall (WAF) measures, ensuring an extra layer of defense against potential threats.
- Supported Security Operations Center (SOC) team and cross-functional units in incident response activities, troubleshooting a diverse range of technical issues.
- Developed and documented engineering standards, processes, and procedures to foster operational excellence.
Solutions Architect
WESTCON
01.2020 - 04.2021
- Led the design and development of robust, reusable solutions that emphasize scalability, reliability, security, and operational efficiency.
- Cultivated meaningful relationships with clients, actively engaging in consultative discussions to identify and recommend cutting-edge technologies tailored to safeguard their networks effectively.
- Collaborated with sales team, providing technical expertise for preparation of comprehensive bills of material, enhancing proposal accuracy and client understanding.
- Conducted training sessions for partners, equipping them with skills to implement and maintain security technologies while guiding on measures to protect clients' systems from cyber-attacks and unauthorized intrusions.
Network Security Implementation Engineer
EOH
05.2018 - 12.2019
- Implemented robust security measures that protected systems from cyber-attacks, hacking attempts, and unauthorized intrusions.
- Collaborated with Solutions Architects to develop innovative, reusable designs that enhanced scalability, reliability, and security, ensuring prompt service delivery to customers.
- Led all phases of service lifecycle, from conceptualization and design to deployment, operationalization, and refinement.
Senior Security Engineer
Telkom BCX
01.2017 - 04.2018
- Implemented robust security measures for clients' networks, leveraging expertise in Checkpoint, Cisco, and Fortinet Firewalls. These measures bolstered the resilience of network infrastructures against potential threats.
- Established secure communication channels between third parties by creating and configuring IPSEC protocols, ensuring confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data exchanges.
- Played a crucial role in escalating complex technical issues to vendors such as Cisco, Checkpoint, and Fortinet, facilitating timely and efficient resolution of critical network security concerns.
- Installed and configured new network security devices, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance within existing infrastructures.
- Provided essential support to fellow engineers by assisting with escalated calls and troubleshooting, contributing to effective incident resolution and knowledge sharing within the team.
- Delivered telephonic, remote, and onsite support to clients, ensuring professional service. This commitment to quality support enhanced customer satisfaction and retention.
- Worked as an Onsite Senior Network Security Engineer at Edcon for BCX under a secondment arrangement from April 2017 to May 2018. This role included overseeing and executing specialized network security tasks for a prominent client.
Security Engineer
Information Security Architects
06.2015 - 12.2016
- Spearheaded critical security initiatives as Firewall and Security Engineer during secondment at African Bank, enhancing security posture for high-profile client.
- Implemented robust security measures for clients' networks, leveraging expertise in Checkpoint, Cisco, and Fortinet Firewalls. These measures ensured the integrity and confidentiality of critical data and operations.
- Led training and mentoring initiatives for team members in firewall technologies and foundational networking concepts.
- Developed list of approved websites to enhance network security on Blue Coat while administering HP and Cisco switches to support network operations.
- Provided exceptional telephonic, remote, and onsite support, delivering prompt and professional service to customers.
Security Engineer
Dimension Data (Security LOB)
08.2013 - 05.2016
- Delivered high-quality telephonic and remote support, ensuring prompt and professional service to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Managed firewall rule creation on Fort iGATE, Checkpoint, and Cisco Firewalls, configuring routes and opening ports to resolve issues per service level agreements while overseeing whitelisting of sites on Blue Coat devices and Microsoft TMG server.
- Designed security architectures for enterprise systems and applications.
- Implemented security protocols to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
- Conducted vulnerability assessments to identify potential security risks in networks.
AD/Exchange Engineer
Dimension Data (AD and Messaging Team)
06.2010 - 07.2013
- Managed server environment maintenance and executed server refresh initiatives for South African Breweries account, replacing outdated hardware with efficient components to ensure optimal performance.
- Administered Active Directory infrastructure and performed various administrative tasks while establishing and managing backup jobs and policies for timely restoration of files and emails.
- Designed and implemented messaging solutions for client communication needs.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams on system integration projects.
- Developed technical documentation and user manuals for system users.
Systems Engineer
ATIO
08.2007 - 05.2010
- Provided help desk, server, and exchange support, executing server maintenance, applying patches, and troubleshooting to enhance system reliability. Managed desktop support tasks, optimizing server performance and minimizing downtime. Handled onsite client calls and delivered PABX support, ensuring timely resolution of issues.
- Designed and implemented system architectures for diverse client needs.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate technology solutions.
- Managed system upgrades and maintenance for optimal performance.
I.T Infrastructure (Support)
SA OUTSOURCING
09.2005 - 07.2007
- Executed server and exchange support tasks including installation, deployment, maintenance, patch application, and troubleshooting to ensure system reliability. Specialized in Microsoft Windows Server 2003, domain controllers, and Exchange 5.5 mailbox management, configuring forwarders, rights, and permissions to enhance system functionality. Resolved email-related issues such as email delivery failures and Global Address List (GAL) discrepancies, facilitating effective communication across the organization.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
Skills
- Fortinet network security solutions
- Advanced checkpoint network security solutions
- Palo Alto expertise
- AWS cloud services
- Network security design and implementation
- Network security administration
- Incident and problem management
- IT Change management
- Information security
- Web application security
- Intrusion prevention systems
- Network infrastructure design
- Cisco network devices, and Linux operating system
- Juniper network devices
- IT service management (ITSM)
- Help desk support
- Backup and recovery
- Project management
- Security project delivery
- Business risk assessment
- Security budget management
- Project and priority management
- Mentorship and leadership
- Communication and interpersonal
- Independent and team collaboration
- Works under pressure
- Adaptable to change
- Detail orientation
- Self-discipline
- Project management
Personal Information
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: South African
Languages
English, IsiZulu, Setswana
Timeline
Senior Network Security Engineer
ISA information Security Architects
05.2025 - Current
Senior Network Security Engineer
NTT Data
05.2024 - 04.2025
Senior Network Security Engineer
ABSA Group
05.2021 - 04.2024
Solutions Architect
WESTCON
01.2020 - 04.2021
Network Security Implementation Engineer
EOH
05.2018 - 12.2019
Senior Security Engineer
Telkom BCX
01.2017 - 04.2018
Security Engineer
Information Security Architects
06.2015 - 12.2016
Security Engineer
Dimension Data (Security LOB)
08.2013 - 05.2016
AD/Exchange Engineer
Dimension Data (AD and Messaging Team)
06.2010 - 07.2013
Systems Engineer
ATIO
08.2007 - 05.2010
I.T Infrastructure (Support)
SA OUTSOURCING
09.2005 - 07.2007