Mark Marais
Network Security Specialist
Pretoria,GP
Summary
I am a detail-oriented and results-driven IT Security Analyst & Network Administrator with a proven track record of success in developing new system security plans, performing security evaluations and penetration tests, and coordinating various IT Security projects.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Security Specialist - Cordys Africa
Frik Basson
Pretoria
03.2020 - Current
- Provided safety reports and data analysis to building managers to inform security processes.
- Scanned computer networks for vulnerabilities, surfacing and addressing potential holes at program and firewall level.
- Oversaw software configurations and updates for systems across departments.
- Investigated network breaches and patched flaws, preventing future infiltration.
- Created and implemented security network framework across Firewall devices.
- Managed and supported organization-wide privacy and security management measures.
- Drafted detailed security policy to govern and support technology decisions.
- Resolved virus and malware issues with 95% success rate.
- Completed vulnerability scans to identify at-risk systems and remediate issues.
- Maintained high levels of data integrity by implementing and monitoring information-safety programs.
- Maintained data management and storage systems to protect data from compromise.
- Outlined and maintained security patching schedule to efficiently address ongoing system issues.
- Delivered network system upgrade on time, under budget and with minimal service interruption.
- Planned and oversaw configuration changes for security infrastructure platforms.
- Encrypted data and erected firewalls to protect confidential information.
IT Manager - Mesogroup Systems & Automations
Sisco Gweru
Pretoria
01.2017 - 11.2019
- Adjusted project plans to account for dynamic targets, staffing changes and operational specifications.
- Guided organizational technology strategy and roadmaps.
- Conferred with executives to advise and plan for short-term and long-term IT system upgrade needs.
- Updated customers and senior leaders on progress and roadblocks.
- Led technology selection and rollout, focusing on organizational planning and supplier service-level agreements.
- Assisted in development of long-term strategies to grow department and resources.
- Communicated with executive team and CEO to maximize development efficiencies and resolve technology issues.
- Wrote policy, procedure and manuals governing internal IT use.
- Coordinated IT operations activities to deliver smooth flow of daily business needs.
- Applied leading theories and concepts to development, maintenance and implementation of information security standards, procedures and guidelines.
- Planned and oversaw configuration changes for security infrastructure platforms.
- Developed, implemented and documented security programs and policies and monitored compliance across departments.
Network Engineer - Mesogroup Systems & Automation
Sisco Gweru
Pretoria
02.2015 - 12.2016
- Initiated and managed network test facilities to verify network hardness and resilience.
- Provided network support services for devices such as hubs, bridges, routers and other hardware.
- Performed troubleshooting for Mikrotik, Cisco Meraki and packet analysis.
- Integrated fixed wireless connectivity into facilities requiring high-speed networks using Cambium and Unifi Products.
- Configured and troubleshot VoIP and multi-media distributed systems and platforms.
- Provided complete end-to-end engineering and installation of route-based IP network solutions.
- Performed virtual machine provisioning and VM priority setup.
- Created VPN infrastructure and allowed for secure remote connections.
- Assisted with implementation and support of network monitoring tools.
- Monitored network capacity and performance to diagnose and resolve complex network problems.
- Provided detailed network diagrams and procedural guidelines.
Web Developer - Doqnet
Mike Rolfe
Johannesburg
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Designed, implemented and monitored web pages, plugins and functionality for continuous improvement.
- Developed web apps using pre-made user interface frameworks such as Codeigniter, Laravel and Mendix.
- Alternated between frontend and backend development duties, fulfilling Full Stack development commitments on 4 projects.
- Worked in both HTML and CSS environments, choosing each protocol, where appropriate, for best results.
- Pulled from PHP, SQL, JavaScript and other back-end library knowledge to bolster programming resources.
- Collaborated with marketing, representing web team to establish project goals, projections and milestones.
- Led effort to develop companion application programming interface (API) for web app, to facilitate third-party plugins.
Education
No Degree -
Unisa
Pretoria 04.2001 -
Cambium Network Certified - Network And Wireless Adminitration
Cambium Networks
Pretoria 04.2001 -
MTCNA - Computer Networking And Telecommunications
Pearson
Pretoria 04.2001 -
Fortinet Certified NSE 1 - 5 - Computer And Information Systems Security
Pearson
Pretoria 04.2001 -
Skills
IT Security
Vulnerability Assessment
Threat Management
SIEM-ELK STACK
Cybersecurity
Wireless technology
Cloudflare
Dev-Ops using Docker enviroments
Intrution prevention and detection
Eset Security Management System
Developing security plans
Wireshark software
Erecting firewalls
Excellent Communication
Teamwork and Collaboration
PRTG monitoring software
Accomplishments
I placed 2nd in the Arnold classic fitness competition.