Leon Achunine

I initially started work with Jacobs as a Senior Information Technology Support Analyst. However, with experience, courses, training, and first-class mentoring from superb industry professionals, my job role changed to a SOC Analyst. My responsibilities included, among others:

• Analysing security alerts and events detected by security systems IDS, IPS, Log monitoring, and File integrity monitoring via Azure Sentinel, Microsoft 365 Defender, SentinelOne, and Sophos Endpoint protection
• Performing incident monitoring, response, triaging, and initiating investigation
• Managing email security using Mimecast, Microsoft Exchange admin, and Microsoft 365 Defender, including allowing/blocking domains
• Conducting vulnerability assessments with Tenable Nessus dashboard and SentinelOne for severities, including analysis, identifying potential threats, and implementing appropriate countermeasures
• Investigating malicious phishing emails, domains, and IPs using various tools, and recommending appropriate blocking measures based on analysis
• Building, protecting, and hardening of Windows Servers, Workstations, and Applications
• Configuration of Active Directory Group Policies for systems access security control
• Collaborating with the infrastructure team to ensure the secure configuration of Cloud services including Azure Identity and Access Management (IAM), Privileged Identity Management (PIM), multi-factor authenticator (MFA), and App Registration Single Sign-on (SSO)

This is an engineering consortium currently involved in the design and build of the Lower Thames Crossing – the UK’s longest road tunnel built beneath the River Thames. My duties include:

• Continuous monitoring and maintenance of systems and networks
• Responding to technical support calls from staff members or clients
• Diagnosing and troubleshooting network problems, software issues, and hardware malfunctions
• Site visits to perform IT support across multiple offices.
• Assisting customers with account setup, application installations, and support
• Providing general Windows and Mac OS support to users
• Developing plans for disaster recovery in case of system failure or data corruption
• Managing user identities, credentials, and privileges on Azure Active Directory
• Performing O365 and Teams user administration
• Providing unified endpoint management of both corporate and BYOD
• Providing audio and video conferencing solutions and support

This social enterprise registered as a charity specialises in graduate recruitment for teachers to address educational disadvantages in England and Wales. My duties included, amongst others:

• Supporting a multi-domain hybrid environment with on-premises Active Directory and Azure AD – creating and managing users, groups, and group policies and assisting with some project work
• Delivering high-quality solutions to cloud-based email technologies: O365 user administration, account creation, licensing, Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, OneDrive, SharePoint administration, and creating distribution groups using basic exchange Power Shell scripting
• Providing unified management to corporate Wi-Fi through Cisco Meraki centralized dashboard interface as well as enforcing user/mobile device security policies
• Windows 10 migrations, image builds, new build tests, laptop configurations and deployments, mobile devices and tablets
• Setting up meeting room audio-visuals and providing VIP support when required
• Taking sole responsibility for managing and creating knowledgebase articles
• Troubleshooting network connectivity issues related to Wi-Fi, VPN, Internet, LAN & WAN
• Providing solutions to networking issues associated with DNS, DHCP & TCP/IP
• Software/hardware installations, upgrades, general repair of company equipment & systems
• Providing virtual and cloud system backups using Veritas Backup Exec 2010 & other backup tools
• Dealing with Server 2016 & 2019 R2 Print Server setup, administration, and general troubleshooting
• Administering security to company systems and portable devices using the Sophos Central management platform
• Administering security updates and antivirus of corporate systems on Sophos cloud as well as providing Security awareness training to staff members through self-help documentation

This was a Financial Clearing Company with branch offices spread across the globe. The role was varied but my core duties/responsibilities included, amongst others:

• Managing corporate network infrastructure including servers, routers, switches, and firewalls
• Setting up Servers and applications according to specifications
• Management and maintenance of storage, virtualised environment, Servers, network devices, and productivity tools
• Building, configuring, and deploying high volumes of Laptops, Desktop PCs, and Thin Clients using SCCM, auto Scripts & QA documents to meet daily/weekly targets
• Installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of Cisco Jabber, WebEx, Microsoft Group Chat, Lync & Skype on Users PCs/laptops as well as setting up Polycom video conferencing when required.
• Periodic travels to other European offices to provide job cover and technical assistance whenever required
• Setting up and troubleshooting Wi-Fi and remote VPN connectivity using Cisco AnyConnect Client
• Providing support for DHCP, DNS, and Print Services including MFDs.
• Providing management and support of mobile devices - iPhones, iPads and Androids
• Providing general IP patching as well as telephony support (Cisco IP phones, Mitel, and Avaya)
• Troubleshooting network connectivity issues e.g., wireless, VPN, Internet, LAN & WAN