Brian Hicks
Chapel Hill
Summary
Strategic Systems Engineer specializing in cyber defense operations and network security architecture. Implements encryption and multi-factor authentication to enhance system reliability and security. Collaborates with teams to identify vulnerabilities and develop remediation strategies for infrastructure protection.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Systems Engineer
Northrop Grumman
Chapel Hill
01.2017 - Current
- Implemented security controls such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and least-privilege access to enhance system protection.
- Supported secure network architecture initiatives that strengthened system reliability and security posture.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to identify vulnerabilities and deploy remediation strategies.
- Monitored enterprise systems to identify anomalies and mitigate potential security threats.
- Maintained secure system configurations and supported infrastructure documentation.
Network Engineer
Northrop Grumman
Chapel Hill
01.2017 - Current
- Configured routers, switches, and firewalls supporting enterprise network infrastructure.
- Configured VPN connectivity and implemented network segmentation to enhance secure communications.
- Monitored network performance and security issues to ensure optimal functionality.
- Documented network configurations and system architecture to support troubleshooting and compliance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity
Southern New Hampshire University
Skills
- Cyber Defense Operations
- Network security
- Threat detection
- Incident response
- Security Risk Assessment
- Data Protection Strategy
- Risk assessment
- System Hardening
- Infrastructure design
- SIEM Monitoring
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Vulnerability Scanning
- Identity Management
- Network Traffic Analysis
- Firewall Administration
- VPN Infrastructure
- Routing and Switching
- TCP/IP
- VLAN Configuration
- Windows Server
- Linux Systems
- Cisco IOS
- Nessus
- Splunk
- Wireshark
- Linux Systems
Cybersecurity Project Experience
- Network Traffic Analysis, Used Wireshark to analyze packet captures and identify suspicious network activity.
- Vulnerability Assessment, Conducted vulnerability scans using Nessus and evaluated remediation strategies.
- Cyber Defense Simulation, Analyzed simulated attack scenarios and evaluated defensive security controls.
- Operating System Security, Implemented system hardening techniques and evaluated secure configurations.
Core Cybersecurity Skills
- Cyber Defense Operations
- Network Security Architecture
- Threat Detection and Monitoring
- Incident Response Support
- Vulnerability Management
- Encryption and Data Protection
- Security Risk Assessment
- Operating System Security
- Secure Infrastructure Design
- Network Traffic Analysis
Professional Development
- CompTIA Security+ (Planned)
- CompTIA CySA+ (Planned)
- Certified Ethical Hacker – CEH (Planned)
- CISSP (Long-term goal)
Timeline
Systems Engineer
Northrop Grumman
01.2017 - Current
Network Engineer
Northrop Grumman
01.2017 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity
Southern New Hampshire University