Gladstone ABATI-GEORGE
Peterborough,Cambrideshire
Summary
Network and security professional with 30+ years of experience across computing hardware, software, and LAN/WAN data communication technologies. Manage VPN, IPS/IDS, DLP, DNS, DHCP, MPLS, and VLANs across multi-platform, multi-vendor environments. Deploy and troubleshoot Check Point R65–R80, Cisco Nexus, Cisco Firepower, and Juniper SRX with VMware and virtualized infrastructure support.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
3 Line Security Operations Engineer.
C. D. W.
Peterborough
10.2018 - 02.2020
- Configured, upgraded, and troubleshot CheckPoint devices for CDW Managed CheckPoint Clients, enhancing network security.
- Implemented firewall changes for client service requests after obtaining approval from change management.
- Resolved 1st and 2nd line support tickets for CDW Managed CheckPoint Clients, ensuring timely issue resolution.
- Executed adds, moves, and changes on CheckPoint devices for various CDW Managed CheckPoint Clients, streamlining client requests.
- Used various debug tools and techniques to diagnose and resolve CDW Managed CheckPoint clients issues.
- Provided remote troubleshooting support via WebEX, Skype or TeamViewer session to CDW Managed Clients.
- Submitted and updated CDW Managed CheckPoint Clients tickets with CheckPoint TAC.
- Experience on CheckPoint Firewalls & SMS versions R75.X, R76.X, R77.X, and R80.X
Network & Infrastructure Engineer.
British Transport Police.
Camden
07.2018 - 10.2018
- Provided administration on Cisco Catalyst switches, ISR routers and ASA Firewalls.
- Provisioned Bastion Hosts and configured network and port access for Azure Cloud services.
- Executed adds, moves, and changes on CheckPoint and Cisco ASA firewalls to maintain security and connectivity.
- Provided adds, moves and changes on Cisco ASA firewalls.
- Provided adds, moves and changes on Juniper SSG and SRX firewalls
- Provided adds, moves and changes on Extreme switches.
- Consolidated security rules to enhance network performance.
- Monitored McAfee SIEM platform, blocking malicious IP addresses to protect BTP network infrastructure.
Network Security/Support Engineer.
Freelance
05.2016 - 12.2017
- Installed routers, switches and firewalls from various vendors, both virtual and physical, enhancing network security and connectivity.
- Achieved Palo Alto Network ACE certification in March 2017.
- Successfully completed CCSA and CCSE in December 2016.
- Completed JNCIA and JNCIS (SRX JUNOS) in January 2017.
- Studied for PCNSE 7/8 exam in 2018 to deepen knowledge of network security.
- Configured Microsoft Windows Server and workstations 2003, 2008 and 2016, establishing reliable IT infrastructure for client operations.
- Installed Cisco, Avaya, Polycom and BT VOIP telephony devices.
- Coordinated and executed physical office moves and changes for small businesses, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
Network Migration Engineer.
B.B.C.
WhiteCity, London
08.2015 - 04.2016
- Supported network migration for BBC's LAN refresh program, ensuring seamless transition and minimal disruption.
- Supported migrating BBC's legacy Foundry devices to their Cisco equivalent data communication equipment.
- Configured and installed server aggregate with Nexus 5000 TOR with Nexus 2000 server access.
- Provided LAN support enabling Cisco VSS technology on distribution / access layer switches and routers.
- Configured and installed out of band devices on all migrated updated network equipment.
- Conducted asset auditing for pre and post migration of LAN/WAN network devices, verifying accuracy and integrity.
- Delivered out of hours and on-call support for BBC's network infrastructure during migration, maintaining operational stability.
Network Project Engineer.
AGI Systems Support Services.
Lagos
12.2013 - 12.2014
- Evaluated, redesigned, and monitored network infrastructures across various customer sites to enhance performance.
- Reconfigured customer DHCP, DNS, and TCP/IP settings to resolve connectivity issues and optimise network functionality.
- Provided Network and Security support on various customer's network infrastructure.
- Provided Network systems iOS upgrades and various applications upgrades.
- Created detailed network documentation for customer systems. and diagrams of customer's networks.
Network Security Consultant.
Freud Communications.
Central London
10.2013 - 01.2014
- Migrated checkpoint splat from 65 to 75 for security hardening.
- Rolled out endpoint security on checkpoint 75 blade across LAN desktops.
- Configured web and SSL client connectivity on checkpoint 75 for remote users.
- Provided site-to-site VPN connectivity with active directory authentication.
- Established endpoint security client connections with antivirus and intrusion prevention.
- Redesigned network architecture for 1 HP C7000 server and 1 Cisco C3020 switches.
- Provided network support and redesigned HP ProCurve core and access switches.
- Deployed Avaya IP telephony device configurations and supported installations.
- Executed IOS upgrades for Cisco C3020 blade switches to improve functionality.
- Directed crisis management during security incidents and guided swift resolution.
- Monitored security equipment and operational logbooks for controlled building access.
- Conducted background checks and due diligence to protect workforce integrity.
- Developed and implemented emergency strategies and analysed outcomes for special projects.
Network and Wireless Infrastructure Consultant.
The Digital Consultancy.
Waterloo, London
10.2013 - 12.2013
- Conducted wireless site survey to optimise placement of Cisco Air 1141 Access Points in offices.
- Redesigned and redeployed Cisco SF200-24P and SF300-24P switches to enhance network performance.
- Advised on strategies to maximise utilisation of network infrastructure.
- Provided a road map for future growth of their Network infrastructure.
- Provided configuration and redeployment of VOIP of Cisco IP telephone devices.
- Assessed capacity and validated performance of network systems. of the cabling plant and port management.
Network Infrastructure Engineer.
BBC DMI.
WhiteCity, London
08.2010 - 09.2012
- Configured and supported Cisco Nexus 7010 & 5010 series switches, ensuring optimal network performance.
- Configured and supported PaloAlto and CheckPoint UTM firewalls, enhancing network security across various BBC sites.
- Provided administration of Panorama pushing policies to PaloAlto firewalls.
- Implemented and supported various Foundry and Cisco network devices at various BBC sites.
- Provided network support on various Cisco ASA firewalls.
- Provided network support various Foundry / Brocade switches.
- Built, configured, and networked F5 LTM on VMware ESXi 5.5 host, streamlining load balancing capabilities.
- Provided network and project support of BBC DMI VMware Network infrastructure.
- Executed on-call support for DMI projects after hours.
Network Analyst & Support Engineer.
Cameron McKenna.
London
01.2009 - 07.2010
- Secured network infrastructure and provided support on Juniper NetScreen and CheckPoint firewalls.
- Implemented and supported various Extreme network devices at various sites.
- Provided on-call support during critical network issues and out of hours' project and support work.
- Facilitated network support during rollout of Crypto Card's integration with OWA servers.
- Provided network support for the rollout of the Trapeze wireless solution.
- Provided network support for the video conferencing infrastructure.
- Provided network support to the desk side team during the LAN refresh.
- Supported network and project initiatives for Cameron McKenna's network infrastructure.
Network Project & Support Engineer.
C.S.C.
Maidstone
01.2007 - 08.2008
- Provided network and project support on Transportation for London's Network infrastructure.
- Supported Data-Centre network projects for Network Rail and NHS, ensuring reliable service continuity.
- Installed and supported various Cisco devices for Network Rail and NHS.
- Implemented and supported Extreme, Cisco and 3 Com switches at various TIL sites.
- Configured policies and rules on Fortigate 60B series to enhance network security.
- Installed and supported various Juniper NetScreen and Nokia IPSO firewalls.
- Built networking infrastructure for NHS data Centre at Aylesford. Kent.
- Delivered project and support work during on-call and out-of-hours periods, maintaining operational readiness.
- Provided network support on various Cisco ASA firewalls.Managed inventory and asset tracking for network equipment.
Network Migration Engineer.
Leeds City Council.
Leeds
04.2005 - 12.2006
- Designed and upgraded Leeds City Council's Network infrastructure.
- Conducted pre and post network migration site surveys.
- Installed various Cisco routers and switches to replace LEGACY networking equipment.
- Supported network operations for multiple Cisco ASA firewall models, ensuring optimal security and performance.
- Utilised SNMPc, Cisco Works and Solar Winds for effective planning, execution, monitoring and troubleshooting of network infrastructure.
- Executed iOS and configuration updates on all networking devices, facilitating seamless installations and operational continuity.
- Supported Desktop Engineers during Windows XP and bespoke applications rollout.
- Provided guaranteed 100 Meg to the Desktop regardless of the site, with various infrastructure upgrades.
Data Network Engineer.
N.T.L.
Crawley Court, Winchester
08.2004 - 02.2005
- Administered Cisco Works to implement iOS upgrades across various Cisco router platforms, improving system performance and security.
- Configured various serial WAN interfaces from OC3 to OC48; STM1 to STM16; E1 & T1's and MPLS.
- Operated networking devices including Cisco, Juniper, Nortel, Foundry, and Fore to ensure optimal performance.
- Collaborated with BT to resolve WAN link issues, minimising downtime and enhancing network reliability.
- Monitored network performance using HP OpenView, Concord NetHealth, and Cisco Works for effective troubleshooting.
- Delivered 2nd line support for NTL's data network infrastructure, ensuring operational continuity and issue resolution.
- Managed service request queues in Remedy, ensuring compliance with established service level agreements.
Cisco Network Engineer.
Cap Gemini Ernst & Young.
Huddersfield
11.2003 - 05.2004
- Configured and rolled out VPN infrastructure using Cisco Works Router MC, enhancing secure connectivity from datacentre to remote sites.
- Designed and installed various Cisco & 3Com switches, Cisco VPN clients and Pix 501 firewalls.
- Delivered 2 & 3 line support for Kirklees Metropolitan Council's LAN, WAN, VPN & RAS infrastructure, ensuring operational stability.
- Used Solar winds and HP Open view for proactive monitoring and network trouble-shooting.
- Managed daily backup data on DLT/SDLT with Arcserve 7 on NetWare 4 & 5 platforms, safeguarding critical data integrity.
- Delivered technical guidance on IT projects to ensure successful implementation.
Cisco Network Engineer.
Highways Agency.
Leeds
08.2002 - 07.2003
- Installed and supported networking infrastructure. (Cisco routers/Cabletron/Enterasys switches).
- Removed outdated Cisco 2500 routers from network infrastructure. and replaced with Cisco 2600s routers.
- Delivered 2nd and 3rd line support for HA's LAN, WAN, and RAS data network infrastructure, ensuring system reliability and performance.
- Configured and supported remote access hardware infrastructure with AS5200's NAS.
- Utilised Cisco Works 2000 and HP OpenView for troubleshooting and monitoring, improving incident response times.
- Used TACACS and PIX 520 for local and remote authentication in to networking devices.
- Documented security vulnerabilities and recommended measures to mitigate risks, enhancing network security posture.
Cisco Network Engineer.
AstraZeneca.
R&D Charnwood
04.2001 - 03.2002
- Designed, configured, installed and supported a wide range of Catalyst Switches and Cisco routers.
- Designed and installed V-lans with trunking, channeling and routing.
- Delivered 2nd and 3rd line support for troubleshooting and issue resolution, facilitating timely resolution of network issues.
- Delivered round-the-clock call-out service to address urgent network issues.
- Decommissioned 3Com and DEC switches, replacing them with Cisco Catalyst switches to enhance network performance.
- Used Cisco Works 2000 and HP Open view for trouble-shooting and monitoring.
- Documented lab work tests on devices prior to general deployment, ensuring readiness and reliability.
- Administration and support of remote network access via SHIVA D56 Box.
Network Operations Analyst.
Halifax PLC.
Halifax
05.1999 - 07.2000
- Delivered first and second line support by monitoring and troubleshooting issues in the network infrastructure.
- Troubleshot and monitored WAN and LAN infrastructure using HP OpenView and Tivoli.
- Coordinated with British Telecom to resolve WAN link errors and issues.
- Used telnet to remotely reconfigure Cisco routers, Switches and managed Hubs.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure efficient operation of the infrastructure.
- Used Cisco Works 2000 for asset management.
Disaster Recovery Analyst.
Tenneco Europe LTD.
London
04.1999 - 05.1999
- Conducted replication and downloading of user's mail server database to facilitate data recovery and continuity.
- Delivered infrastructure support for lines 1 and 2 by efficiently troubleshooting connectivity issues to ensure uninterrupted service.
- Assembled and configured laptops with essential user applications to enhance user experience and productivity.
- Stress tested hardware and software in the Lab for year 2000 compliancy.
3rd Line Desk-top Support Engineer.
Legal & General.
Kings-wood, Surrey
08.1998 - 12.1998
- Collaborated with help-desk team to resolve queries from remote users, improving response time and user satisfaction.
- Installed and configured user applications on IBM workstations to enhance user experience and productivity.
- Installed and configured OS/2, Windows 95 and NT4 on workstations to ensure optimal functionality for users.
- Installed, configured and supported networked laser-jet printers.
Desk-top Support & NT4 Rollout Engineer.
Robert Fleming.
London, EC2
10.1997 - 07.1998
- Deployed NT4 workstations across desktops and laptops, enhancing user access to essential systems.
- Installed and provided ongoing support for banking applications on IBM workstations, ensuring operational continuity.
- Led migration efforts for banking applications to ensure year 2000 compliance.
- Conducted tests on banking applications in the lab, assessing various scenarios on different software and hardware configurations.
Hardware & Software Engineer.
Dunn + Bradstreet.
High Wycombe
06.1997 - 10.1997
- Installed and configured fileservers using OS/2 Warp-server, NT3.51, and Netware 4.11 to enhance network functionality.
- Patched and documented network ports for fileservers and workstations, improving network reliability and accessibility.
- Configured and supported workstations running multiple operating systems and applications to ensure optimal performance.
Hardware Engineer.
S.B.C. Warburg.
London
11.1996 - 06.1997
- Configured and supported Compaq ProLiant Fileservers with OS/2 Warp Server 3 to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
- Configured and supported IBM workstations with OS/2 Warp to enhance user experience.
- Assembled and installed computer peripherals to facilitate seamless integration with existing systems.
Education
Bachelor of Science - OPERATIONS & STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
BOSTON COLLEGE
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, U.S.A01-1988
Skills
- Firewall configuration
- VPN administration
- Network troubleshooting
- Technical support
- Root Cause Analysis
- Change management
- Service continuity
- Risk assessment
- Regulatory awareness
- Technical liaison
- Project management
- Problem solving
- Customer collaboration
- Time-management
- Hardware installation
- Industrial standards knowledge
Websites, Portfolios, Profiles
www.linkedin.com/in/gladstone-abati-george
Qualifications and Certifications:
- 2020. Checkpoint Certified VSX Specialist, [CCVS R.80]
- 2020 CheckPoint Certified Security Master, [CCSM R.80].
- 2020 Certificate of Completion CheckPoint Certified Security Master. [CCSM R.80].
- 2019 CheckPoint Certified Security Expert. [CCSE R80].
- 2019 CheckPoint Certified Security Administrator. [CCSA R80].
- 2018 CheckPoint Certified Security Master. [CCSM R77].
- 2018 Palo Alto Networks Accredited Configuration Engineer. [ACE 8.0].
- 2017 Palo Alto Networks Accredited Configuration Engineer. [ACE 7.0].
- 2017 Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist. [JNCIS-SEC JUNOS]
- 2017 Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate. [JNCIA-JUNOS].
- 2016 Checkpoint Certified Security Expert. [CCSE R.77].
- 2016 Checkpoint Certified Security Administrator. [CCSA R.77].
- 2012 Checkpoint Certified Security Administrator. [CCSA R.75].
- 2009 Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert. [CCIE Routing & Switching Written ver 3.1].
- 2008 Extreme Networks Associate. [ENA].
- 2008 Foundry Networks Certified Professional. [FNCP/BNCP].
- 2008 Foundry Networks Certified Layer 4 – 7 Engineer. [FNCL4-7E/BCLE].
- 2008 Foundry Networks Certified Network Engineer. [FNCNE/BCNE].
- 2004 Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert. [CCIE Routing & Switching Written].
- 2002 Cisco Certified Network Professional. [CCNP ver 2.0].
- 2000 Cisco Certified Network Associate. [CCNA ver 2.0].
- 1999 Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. [MCSE].
Hobbies and interests
- I ride an electric scooter to work every day.
- I love various music and cooking.
- I like going for long walks.
- I adore and practice arcane esoteric knowledge.
Timeline
3 Line Security Operations Engineer.
C. D. W.
10.2018 - 02.2020
Network & Infrastructure Engineer.
British Transport Police.
07.2018 - 10.2018
Network Security/Support Engineer.
Freelance
05.2016 - 12.2017
Network Migration Engineer.
B.B.C.
08.2015 - 04.2016
Network Project Engineer.
AGI Systems Support Services.
12.2013 - 12.2014
Network Security Consultant.
Freud Communications.
10.2013 - 01.2014
Network and Wireless Infrastructure Consultant.
The Digital Consultancy.
10.2013 - 12.2013
Network Infrastructure Engineer.
BBC DMI.
08.2010 - 09.2012
Network Analyst & Support Engineer.
Cameron McKenna.
01.2009 - 07.2010
Network Project & Support Engineer.
C.S.C.
01.2007 - 08.2008
Network Migration Engineer.
Leeds City Council.
04.2005 - 12.2006
Data Network Engineer.
N.T.L.
08.2004 - 02.2005
Cisco Network Engineer.
Cap Gemini Ernst & Young.
11.2003 - 05.2004
Cisco Network Engineer.
Highways Agency.
08.2002 - 07.2003
Cisco Network Engineer.
AstraZeneca.
04.2001 - 03.2002
Network Operations Analyst.
Halifax PLC.
05.1999 - 07.2000
Disaster Recovery Analyst.
Tenneco Europe LTD.
04.1999 - 05.1999
3rd Line Desk-top Support Engineer.
Legal & General.
08.1998 - 12.1998
Desk-top Support & NT4 Rollout Engineer.
Robert Fleming.
10.1997 - 07.1998
Hardware & Software Engineer.
Dunn + Bradstreet.
06.1997 - 10.1997
Hardware Engineer.
S.B.C. Warburg.
11.1996 - 06.1997
Bachelor of Science - OPERATIONS & STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
BOSTON COLLEGE