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Hi, I'm Rui António Alberto, a Principal Network Security Engineer, holding a IIE Diploma in Information Technology in Network Management from Rosebank College in Cape Town, South Africa. With 5 years of hands-on experience, ranging from IT Helpdesk Support to Enterprise Network Engineering, I have built a strong foundation in designing, implementing, and securing IT systems that support business growth and resilience.
My expertise spans Windows Server (AD DS, DCs), Routing, Switching, Access Points, Rack Servers, Bridge, Cabling (Ethernet/Fiber/Coaxial), Patch Panel, NIC, VoIP, Next-Gen Firewalls, VPNs Technologies, Linux, Database Server (DBMS), Cloud platforms, and Network Programmability & Automation. I have also worked on Monitoring & Performance Optimization, to monitor enterprise networks, servers, and applications, which significantly improved uptime and reduced incident response times.
I hold a wide range of industry certifications, including:
Networking: CCNA, CCNP, DevNet Associate (DEVASC 200-901), CompTIA A+, and CompTIA Network+. Verify Here
Security Core & IT Project: CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Cysa+, Cisco CyberOps, and Project+. Verify Here
Linux & Systems: IT Linux Network Administration and Red Hat Certified Linux Systems Administrator (RHCSA). Verify Here
Cloud Enterprise: Azure, AWS, and GCP. Verify Here
Next-Gen Firewalls: Cisco ASA, Fortnet, Palo Alto Networks, Check Point, SOPHOS, PfSense, and Arista. Verify Here
Blue Team / SOC / Cyber Defense: MITRE ATT&CK, SOC Analyst (T1-T2), SIEM, EDR, Vulnerability Management, VMDR, Blue Team BootCamp, AI-Driven Network Security, IAM, Zero Trust Architecture, Incident Response (IR), ADCS/PKI, and Network Forensics. Verify Here
Governance / Senior Level (Leadership): CISSP, CISM, ISO/IEC 27001 (ISMS), and ISO 31000 Risk Management. Verify Here
Offensive Security: Network Penetration Testing, & Bug Bounty and Network Penetration Testing. Verify Here
Top In-Demand Career Paths: Verify Here
Which validate both my technical knowledge and ability to apply best practices in real-world environments.
Packet analyzers and scanners: I used Wireshark, Tcpdump, Nmap, and Nessus for network troubleshooting, vulnerability assessment, and security auditing.
Virtualization and Simulation: I deployed VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, and Hyper-V to build and manage virtual lab environments; I simulated and tested network design scenarios with GNS3, EVE-NG, Cisco Packet Tracer, Visio, and Draw.io.
Programmability and Automation: I automated network deployments and configuration using Python, Ansible, Git/GitHub, PowerShell, Go, C, C#, Nautobot, Rust, Bash Shell and .Net Core. I integrated and managed network automation workflows with Cisco DNA Center, and NetBrain.
Monitoring & Performance Optimization: I deployed Zabbix, Tcpdump, WhatsUp Gold, NTopng, Nessus, Wireshark, Zeek, Nagios, PRTG, and SolarWinds to monitor enterprise networks, servers, and applications, databases, and virtual environments.
Security and penetration testing: I strengthened defenses with Snort, SecureCRT, Metasploit, Palo Alto Cortex XDR, Nmap, and WinSCP, detecting vulnerabilities and improving incident response.
Remote access and connectivity: Use PuTTY, VPNs, Secure Shell (SSH), Cloud/Web-Based Access, Virtual Network Computing (VNC), and PING for secure device access and connectivity testing across all environments.
Intrusion Detection & Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) – I monitor and secure network traffic using Snort, Elastic Stack, Suricata, and Zeek, detecting anomalies and potential intrusions.
Vulnerability Scanners – Using Nessus, OpenVAS, and QualysGuard, I perform vulnerability assessments to identify system weaknesses before exploitation.
Network Traffic Analysis – I leverage Wireshark, tcpdump, and NetFlow for packet-level analysis, root cause identification, and forensic investigations.
Log Management Tools – I have experience with Graylog, Elastic Stack, and Sumo Logic to collect and analyze logs for anomalies and incident correlation.
Malware Analysis Tools – I analyze suspicious files using Cuckoo Sandbox, Any.Run, and VirusTotal, helping to determine indicators of compromise (IOCs).
SOAR Platforms – I automate and orchestrate incident response with Cortex XSOAR, IBM Resilient, and Splunk SOAR, improving SOC efficiency.
SIEM Platforms – I have used Splunk, Wazuh, QRadar, ArcSight, and ELK Stack for centralized log collection, correlation, and real-time security monitoring.
Case Management / Ticketing Tools – I manage and track incidents with ServiceNow, JIRA, and TheHive, ensuring proper escalation and resolution.
Network Engineering & Administration: Routing & Switching (Cisco CCNA/CCNP), Firewalls (Fortinet, Palo Alto, Cisco ASA), VPNs, VLANs, DHCP, DNS, Active Directory, RADIUS.
Cybersecurity: SOC Operations (SOC Analyst L1/L2), SIEM, Incident Detection & Response, MITRE ATT&CK, Vulnerability Assessment, Threat Intelligence.
Systems & Cloud: Windows Server, Linux (CentOS, Ubuntu, Kali), Microsoft Azure (AZ-900, AZ-104, AZ-305, SC-200), AWS (Cloud Practitioner, Solutions Architect).
Database Administration: Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle Database.
Programming & Automation: Python, Ansible, Bash, PowerShell, Go, Git/GitHub.
IT Support & Administration: CompTIA A+, ITIL Foundation, Troubleshooting, End-user Support.
Virtualization & Labs: VMware, VirtualBox, GNS3, EVE-NG, Hyper-V.
Problem-Solving: Skilled at diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues under pressure.
Critical Thinking: Ability to assess risks, prioritize security responses, and implement effective solutions.
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Experience working in cross-functional teams in IT, security, and business units.
Adaptability: Quick learner, able to master new technologies and tools in dynamic environments.
Attention to Detail: Accuracy in network configurations, documentation, and security monitoring.
Leadership Potential: Mentoring peers, taking initiative in projects, and ensuring accountability.
Service Orientation & Customer Service: Dedicated to understanding user needs and delivering high-quality IT and security support.
Strong capability in working with enterprise networking hardware to build, maintain, and optimize reliable network infrastructures.
Practical knowledge of essential networking tools such as cable testers, crimping tools, punch-down tools, tone generators, loopback adapters, console cables, and diagnostic equipment used for infrastructure deployment, fault isolation, connectivity verification, and performance validation.
These tools play a critical role in improving network stability, reducing downtime, accelerating troubleshooting processes, strengthening infrastructure reliability, and supporting secure communication across business operations. Their effective use contributes to faster issue resolution, cleaner installations, improved signal integrity, enhanced operational efficiency, and long-term network scalability.