Kashif Abbasi
London
Summary
Results-driven IT professional with a diverse career journey, evolving from IT support to a prominent role in IT audit, security compliance, and cybersecurity. Comprehensive understanding of system, application and network vulnerability and remediation management processes, compliance regulations, data protection, patch management and security protocols. Further strengthened by achieving self-study certifications including ISC2(CC & ISSP) and diploma in Cybersecurity.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work history
IT Security & Compliance
Lidl HQ
London, UK
2021.10 - 2024.05
- Achieved a 92% score on external yearly audits by conducting thorough internal audits and ensuring high standards of IT compliance and security.
- Enhanced network security by performing regular vulnerability scans, reporting and remediating vulnerabilities in collaboration with the IT team and 3rd party venders for remediation effort.
- Implemented critical security measures, including blocking unauthorized protocols and applying HTTPS certificates to IoT and AV devices
- Maintained system integrity by updating Microsoft Servers via SCCM with the latest patches and application management
- Successfully rolled out ArpGuard across 971 stores, preventing unauthorized device access and strengthening network access control.
- Collaborated closely with IT team, fostering a culture of shared responsibility for cybersecurity issues.
- Identified potential security threats for timely remediation.
- Performed penetration testing to ensure stringent data protection.
- Removed computer viruses and malware from affected computers, collaborating with security team to analyse security-related incidents.
IT Tech Lead
Archway & Quickfix
London, UK
2020.03 - 2021.09
- Delivered expert 2nd level technical support for laptops, MacBook, tablets, iPads, and mobile devices, resolving complex software and hardware issues efficiently
- Executed advanced hardware repairs and software installation and updates
- Successfully repaired water-damaged devices, restoring their functionality and reducing the need for replacements.
System Manager
ZZF Communications
Portugal
2011.12 - 2020.01
- Managed comprehensive business operations for computer and mobile repair services
- Provided level 2 & 3 support, conducted repair services for computers/mobile devices
- Planned/budgeted for overall business needs, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficiency
- Interacted with end-users to gather system specifications, aligning services with user requirements
- Oversaw technical teams, ensuring smooth coordination and effective management
- Conducted training sessions for technical teams to enhance their skills and keep them updated on industry trends.
- Managed complex IT projects for enhancing business efficiency.
- Improved system performance by implementing new software updates.
- Maintained system documentation to streamline troubleshooting processes.
- Led a team of IT professionals, fostering a collaborative environment.
Infrastructure and system Manager
Marriott Executives Apartments
Bahrain
2006.09 - 2011.08
- Played a key role as a pre-opening team member, contributing to the setup and launch of hotel operations
- Supported and troubleshooted ERP systems and applications including Opera, Micros, SUN Financial, HRB, and Active Directory Server
- Implemented Marriott procedures and system security policies across the network to ensure compliance and safeguard information
- Designed, implemented, and maintained an in-house database and equipment tracking system for efficient resource management
- Oversaw the management of ISA, Active Directory, and MS Exchange Servers, ensuring their smooth operation.
Education
Skills
- IT compliance and cyber security
- Vulnerability management Tenable
- Cyber security and compliance standers ISO 27001, NIST, PCI
- System monitoring NEGIOS
- Risk assessment
- Penetration testing experience
- IT compliance adherence
- Business continuity planning
- IT control and disaster recovery
- System migration & deployment
- System and IoT patch management
- SCCM system deployment and application management
- Software and hardware diagnostic and repairing skills
- In depth knowledge of Android/IOS Mobile phones, MAC and laptop troubleshooting and repairing
Accomplishments
- Internal IT Audit (Lidl UK) successfully Conduct internal IT audit for 900+ stores and 15 RDC.
- Pre-Opening (Marriott Executive Apartments) Deployment of ERP System (Opera, Micros & Sun financial) and network infrastructure.
- Pre-Opening (Capital Club Bahrain) Network Design and implementation of JONAS ERP System.
References
References available upon request.
Languages
English
Portuguese
Urdu
Timeline
IT Security & Compliance
Lidl HQ
2021.10 - 2024.05
IT Tech Lead
Archway & Quickfix
2020.03 - 2021.09
System Manager
ZZF Communications
2011.12 - 2020.01
Infrastructure and system Manager
Marriott Executives Apartments
2006.09 - 2011.08