Abishek Shah

Professional Experience

My professional journey in IT security and cybersecurity spans over 10 years, during which I've worked with organizations of various sizes to enhance their security posture and protect their digital assets.

ICT Officer

Mar 2024 - Present
National Children's and Youth Law Center, UNSW, Australia

Providing comprehensive IT support and managing cybersecurity initiatives for the organization.

Key Achievements:

  • Provided comprehensive IT support to staff, volunteers and Executives managing support tickets and collaborating with IT service providers for efficient issue resolution
  • Administered Microsoft 365 services (Azure AD, Exchange, Intune, Power Flows) and manage the inventory of software and hardware assets
  • Contribute to the development and execution of security awareness training and helped in updating and implementing IT and cybersecurity policies
  • Collaborated with stakeholders, MSP's and security vendors to ensure secure IT systems and projects, strengthening the organization's cybersecurity maturity
  • Supported the installation, maintenance, and compliance of security applications, while overseeing the security and preventive maintenance of ICT systems (backups, recovery, integrity controls)
  • Monitored system performance, propose enhancements, and provide insights to shape ICT strategies, policies, and long-term plans for organizational growth

Cyber Security Analyst

Mar 2022 - Present
Vibrant Education & Migration Services, Sydney, Australia

Conducting vulnerability assessments and implementing security frameworks to protect organizational data.

Key Achievements:

  • Conducted thorough vulnerability assessments to identify and address system weaknesses, enhancing the overall security of company data
  • Implemented and supported governance, risk, and compliance frameworks, ensuring strict adherence to security standards and regulatory requirements for robust cybersecurity
  • Applied expertise in secure software development, enforcing coding principles aligned with the CISSP Domain 8 framework to enhance overall system security
  • Monitored and analysed security logs and events, swiftly identifying, and responding to potential security threats, contributing to a fortified cybersecurity posture for the organization
  • Provided continuous scrutiny of security logs, promptly responding to potential threats, thus bolstering the organization's resilience against cybersecurity challenges

Software Developer

Jun 2021 - Present
Independent Sole Trader, Sydney, Australia

Developing robust, scalable software solutions for SMEs as an independent contractor.

Key Achievements:

  • Conducted thorough analysis and documentation of software requirements, aligning them with client business needs and implementing Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), version control, and continuous integration/deployment through platforms such as Git, Docker, AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud
  • Engineered robust, scalable, and user-friendly software solutions for SMEs, demonstrating proficiency in programming languages including Python, Java, PHP, C#, and ASP.NET, along with expertise in HTML/CSS
  • Orchestrated front-end design with a focus on responsive design and cross-browser compatibility, utilizing technologies such as React, Angular, and Vue.js. Executed back-end development using Node.js, Django, ASP.NET, RESTful APIs, and microservices architecture for both desktop and mobile applications
  • Crafted optimized relational databases to ensure best and responsive performance, leveraging expertise in SQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and NoSQL. Implemented UI/UX design principles, usability testing, wireframing, and prototyping
  • Implemented a comprehensive software development approach, incorporating a variety of programming languages and technologies, to deliver tailored solutions that meet client requirements and industry standards

IT Analyst

Jun 2021 - Mar 2022
Vibrant Education and Migration Services, Sydney, Australia

Analyzed business requirements and managed IT infrastructure to support organizational goals.

Key Achievements:

  • Conducted in-depth analysis of business requirements to identify opportunities for enhancing IT solutions and aligning them with organizational goals
  • Oversaw the administration of Windows, file, and database servers, optimizing workflows through cloud platform utilisation for network, storage, and subsystems
  • Managed the installation and configuration of servers, hardware, and peripherals, strictly adhering to standards and operational requirements for seamless integration
  • Developed and supported the IT infrastructure, including Windows, VMWare, backup and recovery, security, and network components, ensuring alignment with organizational needs
  • Implemented and supported the operational efficiency of Windows, VMWare, backup and recovery, security, and network components, contributing to a robust IT infrastructure aligned with organizational requirements

Information Technology Security Engineer

Jun 2019 - Jan 2020
Unisys, Sydney, Australia

Designed and implemented comprehensive security frameworks to enhance cybersecurity posture.

Key Achievements:

  • Designed and implemented a comprehensive security framework to enhance the organization's cybersecurity posture and mitigate potential threats, resulting in improved overall data protection
  • Led a team in conducting a thorough security audit, finding, and addressing critical vulnerabilities in the network infrastructure, achieving a reduction in security risks, and ensuring compliance with industry standards
  • Spearheaded the development of a robust incident response plan, significantly reducing the mean time to detect and respond to security incidents, enhancing the organization's resilience against cyber threats
  • Implemented a proactive vulnerability management program, resulting in a decrease in the number of security vulnerabilities across the organization's systems and applications, strengthening the overall security posture
  • Orchestrated and executed a company-wide security awareness training program, reducing the number of security breaches related to human error and fostering a security-conscious organizational culture

IT System Manager

Jul 2018 - Jun 2021
OZ Harvest, Sydney, Australia

Led system upgrade initiatives and implemented robust disaster recovery measures.

Key Achievements:

  • Led a significant system upgrade initiative, ensuring a seamless transition of the entire organization's infrastructure to a modernized platform. This resulted in a notable improvement in system performance and a reduction in downtime
  • Implemented robust disaster recovery measures, enhancing system resilience, and reducing recovery time during unexpected outages. This effort minimized disruption to critical business operations
  • Successfully optimized IT processes by introducing automation tools, resulting in increased operational efficiency. This initiative improved resource utilisation, reduced manual errors, and enhanced overall system reliability
  • Oversaw the integration of cloud solutions into the existing IT environment, creating a scalable and cost-effective infrastructure. This moves reduced infrastructure costs while improving flexibility and scalability to meet the organization's growing demands
  • Provided leadership to a dedicated team, offering guidance, training, and constructive performance feedback. Orchestrated and optimized daily operations, ensuring the efficient and prompt execution of tasks in alignment with established plans and organizational goals

Network Administrator

Feb 2016 - Mar 2020
Accelerate Pty. Ltd., Remote – Contract (Nepal)

Designed, set up, and maintained robust network systems for the organization.

Key Achievements:

  • Designed, set up, and took care of a strong network system, handling both wired and wireless parts, like routers, switches, firewalls, and access points
  • Carried out regular maintenance and updates to keep the organization's IT system working well, making sure everything runs smoothly
  • Oversaw various systems, such as servers, desktops, cloud services, Active Directory, Exchange Server, domains, and server applications, ensuring they work well together to support the organization
  • Carefully documented network structure and system setups, making it easier to troubleshoot issues, meet audit requirements, and follow compliance rules. Led projects for network improvements, installations, and changes, improving the overall system performance
  • Managed the start-to-finish process of designing and setting up network projects, making the organization's IT system stronger and ready for future growth and technology changes

ICT System Support Officer

Jul 2016 - Apr 2017
AssetLink Services Pty. Ltd., Sydney, Australia

Managed IT system support and supervised team for enhanced efficiency.

Key Achievements:

  • Managed IT system support for hardware, software, and network issues to ensure smooth daily operations
  • Supervised an 8-member team, fostering a positive work culture and implementing improvements for enhanced efficiency
  • Led end-to-end project management, ensuring successful goal achievement, and managing risks effectively
  • Built positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, addressing site-related needs, and ensuring team compliance with policies
  • Optimized workflows to improve overall team efficiency and productivity

IT Administrator

Jul 2015 - Jun 2016
Arnika IT Solution Pty. Ltd., Nepal

Oversaw server hardware and software setup with strong security measures.

Key Achievements:

  • Oversaw the smooth setup and management of server hardware and software, making sure sensitive information was well-protected through strong security measures
  • Worked collaboratively with teams to fix complex technical issues, especially during network outages, showing adaptability and effective problem-solving skills to keep operations running smoothly
  • Managed communication systems like VoIP, conferencing tools, routers, switches, and printers, ensuring reliable communication across the organization
  • Took charge of setting up and supporting networked devices, enforcing strict security rules to enhance protection against potential threats to systems and network infrastructure
  • Led successful initiatives that improved system performance, strengthened security measures, and optimised communication processes

IT Support

May 2014 - Jun 2015
Padhaun Nepal Pty. Ltd., Nepal

Provided technical support and managed hardware and software inventory.

Key Achievements:

  • Provided extensive technical support to end-users and customers, effectively addressing hardware and software issues for enhanced user satisfaction
  • Identified, installed, configured, and resolved operating system, network connectivity, and application-related problems, contributing to seamless and efficient IT operations
  • Managed hardware and software inventory, streamlining procurement processes for prompt acquisition of new equipment and ensuring organizational efficiency
  • Monitored and maintained computer systems and networks, ensuring best performance, and implementing workplace health and safety policies and procedures to create a secure work environment
  • Demonstrated ability in overseeing end-to-end IT support, from problem identification to resolution, while actively contributing to inventory management, system maintenance, and workplace safety initiatives