A Certified Cybersecurity Professional with a track record of enhancing organizational security through implementing, monitoring, and improving cybersecurity measures across diverse platforms. Successfully leads security operations, provides expert advice on policy implementation, and collaborates with multiple stakeholders to ensure compliance and safeguard data integrity. Committed to mentoring underrepresented groups, particularly women in cybersecurity, and fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
Work History
INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY ENGINEER
ERNST & YOUNG (EY) ZIMBABWE
10.2023 - Current
Achievements
Reduced incident response time by 13% through automation of vulnerability management processes and optimizing the incident triage workflow
Established a risk management framework that included a comprehensive risk register, leading to a 15% improvement in identifying and mitigating security risks
Reduced false positives in security alerts by refining threat intelligence sources and honing detection algorithms.
Led penetration tests across network, web, and mobile applications, identifying critical vulnerabilities that reduced the attack surface by 30%.
Core Responsibilities
Vulnerability Management & Incident Response
· Deployed and managed vulnerability scanning tools like Nessus and Tenable across infrastructure, improving detection and remediation of security flaws.
· Configured and managed firewalls, IDS/IPS systems, and SIEM solutions to ensure real-time monitoring and response to incidents.
· Led incident response efforts, including root cause analysis, containment, and mitigation, while managing the 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) for continuous monitoring.
Security Device & System Deployment
· Deployed and configured security devices such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and EDR tools, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the organization's data.
· Secured cloud environments (Azure) by integrating identity and access management (IAM), encryption, and key management solutions, ensuring adherence to compliance frameworks like ISO27001 and GDPR.
· Implemented automation for patch management and vulnerability reporting, ensuring timely updates across all systems, reducing human intervention and error.
Security Operations & Governance
· Conducted regular audits, risk assessments, and vulnerability scans, ensuring alignment with industry standards like ISO-27001, PCI-DSS, and NIST-CSF.
· Automated reporting systems for vulnerability tracking, delivering clear and actionable insights to executive stakeholders.
· Collaborated with cross-functional teams, providing technical guidance and ensuring security measures were integrated into system and product designs.
Security Awareness & Training
· Developed and delivered security awareness programs for 300+ employees, significantly reducing phishing attack success rates by 25%.
Conducted regular phishing simulations and training on emerging cybersecurity threats, using platforms like KnowBe4 to enhance staff awareness.
CYBERSECURITY CONSULTANT
ERNST & YOUNG (EY) ZIMBABWE
04.2022 - 10.2023
Executed comprehensive penetration testing and security consulting across both IT and Operational Technology (OT) environments, significantly enhancing EY clients' cybersecurity resilience
Spearheaded vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT) engagements, in some cases managing the entire project lifecycle from proposals and scoping and to planning, execution, and detailed reporting
Ensured strict compliance with various cybersecurity frameworks, including NIST, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, aligning client operations with industry best practices and data protection standards
Performed Active Directory penetration testing with MITRE ATT&CK techniques, resulting in enhanced vulnerability mitigation and security practices
Assessed SCADA and OT security systems, aligning operations with industry standards, and reduced risks in critical infrastructure
Conducted ITGC testing for access and change management in support of financial audits
Reviewed IT security policies, Business Continuity Plans (BCP), and Disaster Recovery Plans (DRP), providing actionable recommendations that improved resilience
Supervised and mentored junior cybersecurity team members, fostering skill development and ensuring the delivery of high-quality project outcomes
Managed IT Security Due Diligence efforts to integrate effective security measures within IT operations, enhancing overall governance and risk management strategies
Developed and delivered comprehensive reports and presentations that communicated findings, risks, and actionable recommendations to clients, facilitating informed decision-making at both technical and executive levels
Engaged regularly with stakeholders to promote security awareness and compliance, driving a culture of cybersecurity across organizations
Led internal training sessions to improve team capabilities in vulnerability management, threat analysis, and incident response, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the cybersecurity practice
Supported business development by contributing to proposal writing, securing additional client contracts.
IT Administrator
Liquid Intelligent Technologies
11.2020 - 12.2021
Administered Active Directory (AD), managing user accounts, group policies, and access controls to ensure secure authentication and authorization processes
Incident Resolution, diagnosed and resolved technical issues related to firm-standard software, hardware, and mobile technologies, preventing future occurrences through trend analysis
Managed Microsoft 365 suite, overseeing deployment, user configuration, and ensuring seamless collaboration and communication across the organization
Maintained firewall configurations, implementing rules and policies to protect network integrity and prevent unauthorized access
Configured and monitored VPN connections, facilitating secure remote access for employees and ensuring encrypted data transmission
Oversaw Azure cloud services, handling resource provisioning, cost management, and implementing best practices for cloud security and compliance
Implemented and enforced IT security policies, conducting regular audits and updates
Provided technical support and training to staff, enhancing IT literacy and promoting efficient use of technology resources
Technology Needs Assessment: Maintained a comprehensive understanding of IT Services and the firm's business to address and anticipate end user technology needs and productivity issues.
Contributed to business continuity efforts by maintaining up-to-date documentation of all IT infrastructure components and configurations.
Information Technology INTERN
Liquid Intelligent Technologies
01.2020 - 11.2020
Helpdesk first line support
Assisted in monitoring and maintaining network infrastructure for services including Wi-Fi, Fibre, MPLS, and VSAT, ensuring optimal performance
Supported the implementation of security protocols and compliance checks, contributing to the company’s robust cybersecurity framework
Participated in data analysis using Splunk to identify trends and potential issues, aiding in proactive system management
Collaborated with the IT team to manage ServiceNow ticketing, improving response times and service quality
Contributed to IT projects, providing research, documentation, and administrative support to senior analysts
Facilitated hardware and software upgrades, ensuring compatibility and minimal service disruption.
Enhanced system efficiency by troubleshooting and resolving hardware and software issues.