About
This section offers insight into my personal and professional goals, career aspirations, and the motivations driving me. It aims to give you a clearer understanding of who I am as both a person and a professional and how I can contribute to your organisation's success. Ultimately, this part will give you a personal perspective on my qualifications.
Cybersecurity Engineer specialising in OT
I excel at managing multiple projects while meeting tight deadlines and driving revenue. I have a proven track record of enhancing stakeholder satisfaction through effective problem-solving. In my previous role at UGL, I have worked on major projects, including Country Rail Network (CRN), North-East Link (NEL), Sydney Metro City and Southwest projects and Logan Gold Coast (LGC) Fast Rail Tendering.
- Goals: Aspire to be a leader in cybersecurity, gaining experience in OT and CTI
- Skills: Extensive experience in Operational and Network security solutions (NGFW, Antivirus, SEIM, SOAR), strong familiarity with NIST CSF and Special Publications, ISO 27001 IEC 62443 & ACSC ISM & E8 and MITRE ATT&CK TTPs
- Effort: Leading risk assessments for ME&I packages and developed various technical documents, recognised with the "Engineering the Very Best" award at UGL
- Phone: +61 447 777 673
- Email: contact@navidniknezhad.me
- Location: Sydney, NSW
- Qualifications: Bachelor's in ICT
- Certifications: ISC2 CC, CCNA, NSE4, CCST Cybersecurity
As a cybersecurity engineer specialising in operational technology (OT), I leverage my unique perspective to derive secure OT solutions. My foundational understanding of enterprise and industrial control system engineering complements my commitment to securing enterprise and OT systems. I have a strong track record in developing and delivering cybersecurity specifications tailored to project design requirements, including creating cybersecurity technical documents, conducting risk assessments, identifying, evaluating, and mitigating identified risks, and implementing verification and validation throughout the engineering lifecycle. I strive to successfully implement secure and resilient systems to ensure cybersecurity measures align with organisational goals and regulatory standards. I am committed to completing projects on time and following project schedules while finding cost-effective solutions. Joining your organisation aligns perfectly with my goal of becoming a leading expert in OT cybersecurity, and I am eager to contribute to projects critical to your organisation's strategic future.
Facts
I am a highly skilled Cybersecurity professional with a Bachelor's degree in ICT with a major in Cybersecurity and Networking from the University of Western Sydney.
Happy Clients, a selection of testimonials and case studies showcasing the positive impact of my work
Projects, a portfolio of diverse and successful projects
Hours of research in cyber threat intelligence, Expousre Management, Risk Assessments, and Offensive Security
Awards, a recognition of excellency
Skills
In the critical field of OT Cybersecurity Engineering, I have developed a robust skill set focused on ensuring the security and compliance of industrial control systems. My expertise includes deriving cybersecurity management programs by developing and implementing security by design, Zero Trust and Defense in Depth (DiD) strategies, which align with best practices to establish a comprehensive cybersecurity management plan that complies with industry frameworks and regulatory standards. Through close collaboration and mentorship from leading industry CISOs, I have gained invaluable insights into navigating the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. This includes creating comprehensive management plans and effectively mitigating cyber risks. I have experience designing and developing cybersecurity countermeasures, verification and validation strategies, and contributing to complex network architecture designs. This diverse skill set makes me highly desirable in the field. I am continuously updating my skills by deploying security solutions and attending industry events. My abilities extend beyond technical aspects, including soft skills such as project management, leadership, and communication. This section includes a comprehensive list of the skills I have developed and honed throughout my career.
Resume
My resume comprehensively summarises my education, experience, and accomplishments in OT ICT Cybersecurity and Networking. It offers a clear overview of my qualifications and skills, including the projects and responsibilities I have taken on throughout my career. My resume comprehensively summarises my education, experience, and accomplishments in OT ICT Cybersecurity and Networking. It offers a clear overview of my qualifications and skills, including the projects and responsibilities I have taken on throughout my career.
Sumary
Navid Niknezhad
An experienced ICT professional seeking a role focusing on cybersecurity, networking and transformative technologies, seeking an opportunity to utilise and acquire new skills to make a positive impact.
Education
Bachelor of Information & Communications Technology
2019 - 2022
University Of Western Sydney, Parramatta South, Sydney
Activities and societies: Sport, Graduate Recruitment Accelerator
Major focus: Cybersecurity, Networking, Programming, Database, Systems Analysis and Design, Project Management, Cloud Computing, and Data Analytics
- Maintained a 4.9 GPA in a major in Cybersecurity and a sub-major in Networking
- Cybersecurity: Implemented cybersecurity measures to protect against data breaches and other cyber threats on five occasions, including setting up and managing user accounts and permissions and enforcing strong password policies
- Project Management: Led a team of 4 to develop a web application for a small business, including planning, scheduling, and managing the project
- Ethical Hacking: Became proficient in ethical hacking, including reconnaissance, vulnerability scanning, exploitation, post-exploitation, and report writing
- Information Security: Developed expertise in human behaviour, cybercrime, and cybersecurity, including social engineering and organizational security infrastructure
Foundation Standard Program& Science/Engineering/Health Engineering
Feb, 2018 - Nov, 2018
Taylor's College of University Of Sydney, Sydney
- Maintained an overall average 7.7 GPA in Mathematics for Science, Australian Studies, Biology, Physics, and Information Technology courses
- Software Development: Received high distinction and distinction in Software for Business and Software for Programmers, demonstrating a strong understanding of complex concepts and principles
- Advanced Programming: Developed advanced programming skills in Information Technology, completing multiple projects and earning recognition from professors
Leadership Experience
Developer Team Lead at WSU
Jun 2021- Nov 2021
Professional Experience, Sydney
- Utilizing Node.JS, Express.JS, HTML/CSS, and GitOps to develop and implement a system that streamlined the deployment process, resulting in a reduction of downtime by 60% and enabling self-updating capabilities
- Collaborating with a team to analyze and recommend the best solution for the project using statistical measurements and VAR methodologies, resulting in the successful implementation of Node JS-based solution
- Collaborating with the client and team members to understand and meet project requirements, resulting in a 95% satisfaction rate from the client
- Utilizing the Apache web server to extract map contents from Knightlab's map editor and deploy its contents onto the NUC, resulting in a seamless integration and updating process
- Implementing Intel NUC (Windows 10) as the device that runs StoryMap, resulting in a stable and reliable system
- Investigating and fixing any outstanding bugs in the system, resulting in a 99% uptime rate
Consultant Team Lead at Squadnet
Nov 2020- Dec 2020
Internship, Sydney
- Team Leadership: Led a team of 5 consultants, assigned tasks, and organized weekly meetings to drive progress and successfully completed the project on time
- Strategic decision-making: Developed effective business strategies and provided recommendations for the successful launch of the app, resulting in a 20% increase in revenue in the first quarter after the launch
- Competitive Analysis: Conducted competitive analysis to identify opportunities and threats in the market, informing business planning and decision-making, resulting in a 15% increase in market share in 6 months
Professional Experience
ICT Cybersecurity Consultant at IL/DA Services
Sep 2024 - Present
Full-time, Sydney
- Network Security: Advised 10 clients on best practices for protecting against cyber threats and social engineering attacks, resulting in a 50% reduction in security incidents
- RVTM Developed & delivered training, built community, and created content for cybersecurity education, resulting in 75% employee awareness & 20% community growth
- Cybersecurity Management Plans: Conducted research on the latest cybersecurity trends and threats and incorporated the findings into content and community discussions.
- Risk Management: Analyzed community metrics to gauge engagement, reach, and impact and used this data to inform future content and community-building strategies. Successfully increased community engagement by 25% in the last 6 months
- Verification and Validation: Participated in industry events, presenting on the latest trends and developments in the security industry and building relationships with other security professionals
- Hypercare Maintanence Participated in industry events, presenting on the latest trends and developments in the security industry and building relationships with other security professionals
OT Engineer - Cybersecurity at UGL
Jul 2023 - Sep 2024
Self-Employed, Sydney
- Network Security: Advised 10 clients on best practices for protecting against cyber threats and social engineering attacks, resulting in a 50% reduction in security incidents
- RVTM Developed & delivered training, built community, and created content for cybersecurity education, resulting in 75% employee awareness & 20% community growth
- Cybersecurity Management Plans: Conducted research on the latest cybersecurity trends and threats and incorporated the findings into content and community discussions.
- Risk Management: Analyzed community metrics to gauge engagement, reach, and impact and used this data to inform future content and community-building strategies. Successfully increased community engagement by 25% in the last 6 months
- Verification and Validation: Participated in industry events, presenting on the latest trends and developments in the security industry and building relationships with other security professionals
- Hypercare Maintanence Participated in industry events, presenting on the latest trends and developments in the security industry and building relationships with other security professionals
Cybersecurity Analyst | Content Creator @DecentralizedDefender
Feb 2021 - Present
Self-Employed, Sydney
- Advising Clients: Advised 10 clients on best practices for protecting against cyber threats and social engineering attacks, resulting in a 50% reduction in security incidents
- Content Creation: Developed & delivered training, built community, and created content for cybersecurity education, resulting in 75% employee awareness & 20% community growth
- Research: Conducted research on the latest cybersecurity trends and threats and incorporated the findings into content and community discussions.
- Analytics: Analyzed community metrics to gauge engagement, reach, and impact and used this data to inform future content and community-building strategies. Successfully increased community engagement by 25% in the last 6 months
- Industry Engagement: Participated in industry events, presenting on the latest trends and developments in the security industry and building relationships with other security professionals
ICT System Administrator at RCOA
May 2021- July 2021
Volunteer, Sydney
- Contributed to the overall success of RCOA by volunteering an average of 10 hours per week for 12 weeks
- Provided IT technical support to RCOA staff, improving computer performance by 25% and reducing downtime by 40%. Resolved 15 technical issues, improving system efficiency by 20%
- Evaluation: Conducted evaluations of RCOA programs and initiatives, gathering feedback from 100 participants and providing recommendations for improvement
- Technical Support: Provided IT technical support to RCOA staff and assisted in troubleshooting and resolving 15 technical issues, improving system efficiency by 20%, improving computer performance by 25% and reducing downtime by 40%
Crew Member at McDonald's
Jun 2018- Apr 2019
Part-time, Sydney
- Strategic decision-making: Ensured high standards of food preparation, inventory management, and customer service were consistently met
- Customer Service: Provided excellent customer service by taking orders and delivering food to customers efficiently and professionally
- Assisted customers with questions and needs, including helping them learn new tasks and procedures
- Folowed strict food safety procedures to ensure the quality and safety of prepared and presented food
Portfolio
My portfolio is a collection of my professional work and projects that showcase my skills and expertise in the field of ICT Cybersecurity. It includes a variety of examples that demonstrate my abilities in areas such as security solutions, networking, ethical hacking, software engineering, and project management. This portfolio is designed to give you a deeper understanding of my qualifications and skills, as well as the impact I have made in past roles. It serves as a visual representation of my capabilities and demonstrates my experience and commitment to the field.
- All
- ICT Cybersecurity
- OT Cybersecurity
- Programming
- Consulting
- Publication
- Other
Services
I am able to offer a range of professional services to businesses and organisations. This includes deriving regulatery compliance and developing security solution to protect against cyber threats and vulnerabilities, managing projects and providing maintenance support, my services are designed to help businesses improve their security and performance. Below, you will find a list of specific roles and services that I am able to provide.
Cybersecurity Solutions
Develop comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to protect against threats and vulnerabilities. Implement security protocols, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption. Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify security weaknesses.
Regulatory Compliance Consulting
Assess and develop compliance frameworks for industry regulations (e.g., ISA99, NIST, ACSC E8, ISO 27001). Conduct audits and risk assessments to identify areas of non-compliance. Create and implement policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance.
Penetration Testing
Use penetration testing and other techniques to identify vulnerabilities in an organisation's systems and networks, and provide recommendations for remediation.
Custom Security Solutions
Design tailored security solutions that align with the unique needs of the organization. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop security initiatives that support business objectives. Ensure that solutions are scalable and adaptable to future business changes.
Security Awareness Training
Develop and deliver training programs to educate employees about cybersecurity best practices. Create customised training materials based on the organisation’s specific security needs. Implement phishing simulations and other exercises to reinforce training effectiveness.
Project Management
Plan, execute and finalise projects according to strict deadlines and within budget, and lead cross-functional teams to achieve project goals. Facilitate stakeholder communication and reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
Testimonials
You can find testimonials from past clients who have shared their positive experiences working with me and the results I have helped them achieve below. These testimonials reflect my dedication and commitment to excellence in the field of Information and Communications Technology. Reading them will help you understand why my clients trust and rely on me for my expertise in Information Communications an Operational Technologies.
Navid is a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional in the field of cybersecurity and networking. He has an excellent understanding of the latest technologies and is able to implement them effectively to protect against cyber threats. His attention to detail and problem-solving abilities are second to none.
Chris Barton
Ceo & Founder
I had the pleasure of working with Navid on a project and was impressed by his technical expertise and ability to lead a team. He is a great communicator and was able to clearly explain complex concepts to non-technical team members. He is a valuable asset to any organization.
Joshua Chia
Network Engineer
I have had the opportunity to work with Navid on multiple projects and have always been impressed by his technical capabilities and dedication to the job. He is a great team player and always willing to lend a hand. He is always willing to take on new challenges and is always looking for ways to improve.
Hassan Rajab
Consultant
Navid is a results-driven professional who is dedicated to delivering the best outcomes for his clients. He is a quick learner and is always up to date with the latest industry trends. He is a pleasure to work with and always goes the extra mile to ensure success.
Andrew Leahy
Research Data Manager & Research Systems Engineer
Navid is a highly professional and dedicated individual with a wealth of knowledge in the field of cybersecurity. He is a skilled problem-solver and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the success of a project. I would highly recommend him to any organization looking for a top-notch cybersecurity professional.
Shaun Ghahyazi
Technical Expert
Contact
If you're interested in learning more about how I can help your organisation with my professional services, please don't hesitate to reach out. I would be happy to discuss your specific needs and how my skills and expertise can help you achieve your goals. You can contact me via email or phone, or connect with me on LinkedIn. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing how I can contribute to your organisation's success.
Location:
Sydney, Australia
Email:
contact@navidniknezhad.me
Call:
+61 447 777 673