Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Custom
Timeline
Generic
Abdallah Essam

Abdallah Essam

Network Security Engineer
Riyadh,Saudi Arabia

Summary

Experienced IT professional with extensive expertise in managing and configuring network infrastructure, including Cisco, Dell, Aruba, and HP switches. Proficient in deploying and maintaining security solutions such as Barracuda Mail Gateway, Palo Alto Firewall, FortiGate Firewall, and Forcepoint NGFW. Skilled in cloud technologies with a focus on Azure Cloud and Office 365 Admin Centre. Adept at strategic planning, risk management, and generating detailed reports using tools like Forti Analyzer and Forti Cloud. Committed to leveraging technical skills to enhance organisational security and efficiency while pursuing continuous professional development in advanced network solutions.

Strategic IT professional brings solid record of high-quality performance in fast-paced environments. Adept at communicating with cross-functional teams to implement solutions. Possesses strong judgment and reasoned thinking.

Meticulous Network Engineer offers expertise in hardware and software troubleshooting. Reduces corporate vulnerabilities with stringent security and disaster recovery planning. Proactive problem-solver with excellent file management skills.

Experienced in managing and optimising network infrastructure with focus on robust security and seamless connectivity. Able to enhance network performance and reliability through strategic planning and advanced troubleshooting techniques. Skilled in implementing innovative solutions to address complex technical challenges.

Experienced Network Engineer with knack for solving complex network issues and improving infrastructure stability. Enhanced network performance through streamlined configurations and proactive maintenance, resulting in reduced downtime and increased user satisfaction. Skilled in implementing security measures that ensure data integrity and protect against breaches.

Takes on challenging new role harnessing interpersonal skills, collaboration and problem-solving. Driven to deliver high-quality service and consistent results.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Security Team leader

Reef Holding
Riyadh
05.2024 - Current
  • Building infrastructure for reef and installed security product.
  • Connect Reef HQ with branches at Dubia, France, UK, Oman.
  • Installed Endpoint on Devices of employees and connect on-prime ADDS with Azure and Enable single-sign-on to make employee use one password.
  • Deploying GTP 'Data loss prevention' to safe data of employees.
  • Installing Mail Gateway to save employees mail from any ransomware and malicious files.
  • Monitoring system for all branches to see status of branches (300 branches) if network up or down.
  • Installing camera system at HQ and branches.
  • Implemented advanced access control systems for increased premises protection.
  • Provided detailed incident reports, aiding in swift resolution of issues.
  • Enhanced team performance by implementing strict and efficient security protocols.
  • Managed visitor sign-in processes to maintain secure facility access control.
  • Monitored CCTV feeds constantly, preventing any unauthorised activities on the premises.
  • Established a secure workplace culture through proactive management techniques.
  • Handled day-to-day and emergency incidents with a calm, professional demeanour, enabling positive outcomes.
  • Safeguarded employee and visitor health, safety and assets through effective on-foot patrols and CCTV observation.
  • Responded immediately to emergency situations, remaining professional, calm and effective under pressure.
  • Inspected access points for signs of tampering and secured against misuse.
  • Responded promptly to alarms or incidents with calm and decisive action.
  • Ensured safety of staff and visitors with thorough site surveillance measures.

Network Engineer

Global Solutions for Network & Security product
6 of October
01.2019 - 04.2025
  • Implement and migrate network and security product for customers, doing fine tune after finishing implementation for customer to be aware for each device that implemented, produce and suggest best solutions for customers to protect data of employee
  • Listen to customer needs and apply suggestion to safe data from any ransomware
  • Deployment of integrated systems to connect workflows and enhance productivity.
  • Use of advanced analytics and AI to optimize operations and decision-making.
  • Control over the supply chain by managing production, distribution, and retail in-house.
  • Consolidation of similar businesses to expand market share and reduce competition.
  • Deliver seamless and consistent experiences across touchpoints.
  • Develop products and services tailored to customer needs by leveraging integrated insights.
  • Focus on reducing redundancies and waste, improving resource allocation.
  • Scalable processes to support growth and adaptation in changing markets.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency through streamlined processes.
  • Improved communication and collaboration across teams.
  • Cost reduction by minimizing duplication and optimizing resource use.
  • Greater agility and innovation due to aligned goals and strategies.
  • Competitive advantage by offering unified and superior customer experiences.
  • Implemented cyber security protocols to protect sensitive information.
  • Designed efficient network structures for enhanced data flow and communication.
  • Optimised network performance by troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues.
  • Configured routers, switches and firewalls to deploy and support LAN, WAN and wireless networks.
  • Troubleshot network issues and provided rapid solutions to limit downtime.
  • Maintained network configuration, mapping and service records for accurate documentation.
  • Optimised network operation through focused configuration and monitoring.
  • Provided smooth communications by configuring LAN technology, wireless access points and controllers.
  • Designed servers, routers and hardware to achieve network demands.
  • Performed tests on newly installed hardware and software to provide components that interface correctly with each other and network.
  • Secured network systems by establishing and enforcing access control policies.
  • Assisted various departments in maintaining network security and configured remote routers and firewalls.
  • Recommended equipment and resource upgrades to improve network capabilities.
  • Monitored industry and technical developments to implement best practices and technologies.
  • Developed disaster recovery and fault tolerance plans to support data recovery and asset management.
  • Reconfigured networks for enhanced performance.
  • Approved external network access to meet remote working demands.
  • Established and maintained high-performing network systems.
  • Set up virtual private networks for secure remote connections.
  • Updated operating systems regularly to meet operational needs.
  • Resolved service user requests within agreed timeframes for optimised staff productivity.
  • Migrated data successfully during system upgrades.
  • Evaluated bandwidth requirements and implemented required network updates.
  • Installed new hardware and software outside of office hours for minimal service disruption.
  • Devised and maintained suitable firewalls and access settings to uphold data security.
  • Set administration, usage and disaster recovery policies to best maintain network performance.
  • Evaluated long- and short-term network needs and implemented required updates to achieve them.
  • Guided and assisted users with technical issues, improving network performance and usability.
  • Installed hardware components, ensuring optimal operation of the network infrastructure.
  • Assisted team members in understanding complex networking concepts, enhancing team productivity.

Security Supervisor

Aman Holding
6 of October
09.2022 - 04.2023
  • Managing security devices for payment applications and data of employee, including Edge & datacentre firewalls, WAF, Proxy, Mail Gateway, Endpoint and data loss preventions.
  • Improve network stability and generate report daily.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency through streamlined processes.
  • Improved communication and collaboration across teams.
  • Cost reduction by minimizing duplication and optimizing resource use.
  • Greater agility and innovation due to aligned goals and strategies.
  • Competitive advantage by offering unified and superior customer experiences.

Network Security Engineer

Faisal Islamic Bank of Egypt
Dokki
03.2021 - 05.2022
  • Responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical financial systems and customer data.
  • They design, implement, and monitor robust security solutions to protect against cyber threats, ensuring compliance with industry regulations while maintaining seamless banking operations.
  • Migrate and Managing security systems tailored for banking applications, including firewalls, WAF, Proxy and secure access controls.
  • Monitor banking systems for suspicious activities using advanced threat detection tools (SIEM).
  • Respond to incidents promptly to minimize risk and ensure business continuity.
  • Ensure adherence to financial regulations such as PCI DSS, GDPR, FFIEC.
  • Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities and maintain compliance.
  • Collaborate with developers to implement security-by-design in banking applications.
  • Develop and enforce policies for secure data storage, access, and sharing.
  • Conduct code reviews and penetration tests to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in banking software.
  • Deploy tools to detect and prevent fraudulent transactions and phishing attacks.
  • Following traffic of employee at HQ and branches through firewall and ACI.

Education

Bachelor of Computer and Artificial Intelligence - Information Technology

Benha University
Benha/Egypt
09.2014 - 07.2018

Skills

  • Cisco switches
  • Dell switches
  • Aruba Switches
  • HP Switches
  • Barracuda Mail Gateway
  • Barracuda Essential with 365
  • Barracuda Web Security Gateway
  • Palo Alto Firewall
  • FortiGate Firewall
  • Forcepoint NGFW
  • Forcepoint Websense Proxy
  • NAC Solutions (Cisco ISE)
  • Forti Manager
  • F5 (LTM &ASM & GTM & APM)
  • Azure Cloud
  • Access Points (Cisco & Aruba & Forti AP)
  • Reports Logs (Forti Analyzer & Forti Cloud)
  • Forti WEB
  • Office 365 Admin Centre
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Strategic Planning
  • Risk Management
  • Azure -900 Fundamentals
  • Azure-104 Administrator
  • Cloud systems management
  • Technical documentation writing
  • Vendor relationship development
  • Networking equipment procurement
  • Policy creation and enforcement
  • Microsoft certified solutions expert
  • Knowledge of cisco systems
  • Wireless communication understanding
  • Networking concepts understanding
  • Virtual private networks
  • Encryption technology proficiency
  • Wireless communications technology
  • Information security awareness
  • Cybersecurity protocols
  • Routers and Switches experience
  • High-value project management
  • Nextgen firewalls
  • Network troubleshooting
  • Firewall administration
  • Network configuration
  • Systems integration
  • Network operations
  • Security platforms
  • Infrastructure planning and design
  • Security technologies
  • Diagnostic tool usage
  • Hardware and software configurations
  • CISCO switches and firewalls
  • Multi-protocol LANs
  • Troubleshooting
  • VPN encryption
  • Technical solutions development
  • Firewalls and endpoint security
  • Troubleshooting network issues
  • WLAN installation
  • Customer communication
  • Written and oral communication
  • Cisco wireless routers and switches
  • Web content filtering solutions
  • Technical infrastructure migration
  • Vendor-specific technologies
  • Project Management
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Budget management
  • Problem solver

Certification

  • NSE4 Certified
  • MCSA Certified
  • MCSE Certified
  • CCNA Certified

Accomplishments

  • Designed and implemented a comprehensive multi-layered security architecture, reducing incident response time by 50%.
  • Hardened servers, network devices, and endpoints, achieving 100% compliance with industry standards such as ISO 27001.
  • Negotiated and deployed cost-effective security solutions, saving the organization +150000 annually.
  • Managed a team to deploy advanced DLP systems, protecting sensitive data for users.
  • Spearheaded the successful deployment of a next-gen firewall (e.g., Palo Alto, Fortinet) across a global network, securing 500+ sites.
  • Authored and implemented security policies, raising organizational awareness and reducing policy violations by 40%.
  • Migrated legacy systems to secure, cloud-based platforms, reducing attack surface by 25%.

Custom

Lycée Francis Du Cairo & Branches Modern English School Cairo ORA Developers Al Tadamun Microfinance Foundation LESAFFER WITHIN EARTH INFINITY Powering with Nature CINNABON EGYPT Arab Fertilizer BariQ ATTABY GROUP For Constructions UNITED FOOD INDUSTRIES Ministry of local development Atyab company SUMERGE Reef Holding Cavally Faisal Islamic Bank Aman Holding

Timeline

Security Team leader

Reef Holding
05.2024 - Current

Security Supervisor

Aman Holding
09.2022 - 04.2023

Network Security Engineer

Faisal Islamic Bank of Egypt
03.2021 - 05.2022

Network Engineer

Global Solutions for Network & Security product
01.2019 - 04.2025

Bachelor of Computer and Artificial Intelligence - Information Technology

Benha University
09.2014 - 07.2018
Abdallah EssamNetwork Security Engineer