HAMEED SYED
Toronto
Summary
Strategic Infrastructure Specialist with 5 years of proven experience in providing comprehensive IT department support and effectively managing infrastructure. Skilled at analyzing system performance and implementing improvements to enhance efficiency. Committed to contributing to the organization's mission through expertise and dedication.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
IT Infrastructure Specialist
Aligned Capital Partners Inc.
06.2023 - Current
- Architect enterprise-grade IT infrastructure, implementing Hyper-V-based virtualization clusters to support portfolio management systems
- Develop comprehensive IT policies, including endpoint protection using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and regulatory compliance frameworks such as SOX and GDPR
- Oversee an annual IT budget, negotiating with vendors for hardware upgrades and Azure cloud services optimization
- Act as the interim Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), leading vulnerability scans with and threat detection through SIEM tools like Splunk
- Maintain physical security and setup access cards and security alarm codes
- Develop dynamic threat prevention rules in Microsoft Defender ATP, including custom threat intelligence feeds
- Conduct quarterly penetration testing audits and coordinate with external security firms for full compliance reviews
- Conduct quarterly and yearly IT Audit for Managed Access of SaaS Applications & review Access Controls of Active Directory using ADMP
- Prepare audit and SOC reports for External IT Auditors and discuss approvals with management
- Manage LAN operations with Cisco switches and routers, optimizing network flow and redundancy configurations
- Oversee enterprise Wi-Fi deployments using Ubiquiti UniFi, implementing SSIDs with VLAN tagging and WPA3 encryption
- Collaborate with MSP and NOC teams using Logic Monitor to monitor critical systems and resolve escalated P1 incidents during after-hours
- Administer Microsoft 365 tenant-level settings, including secure email routing and advanced threat protection policies
- Integrate SAP and other enterprise applications into Azure AD SSO, leveraging SAML 2.0 configurations for enhanced authentication
- Implement workflow automation using Power Automate, streamlining interdepartmental approval processes
- Partner with leading IT providers like NPC and AWS for hardware procurement and cloud migration initiatives
- Negotiate vendor contracts, achieving cost reductions without compromising service quality
- Investigate cybersecurity incidents, utilizing Microsoft Purview for eDiscovery and compliance analysis
- Monitor and analyze email flows using Message Trace in Exchange Online and prepare detailed incident reports for leadership
- Implement multi-layer MFA projects using Duo Security, covering all user endpoints and remote connections
- Manage investment-specific platforms such as Four Eyes Financial – Gateway, Future Vault ensuring accurate client data synchronization
- Audit legacy systems, removing inactive accounts in NDEX Platform and updating configurations for enhanced Trading performance
- Collaborate with portfolio managers to refine IT workflows, ensuring alignment with investment strategies and operational goals
- Lead a cross-functional team of six, driving large-scale IT infrastructure projects and mentoring junior IT specialists on technologies like Kubernetes and Terraform
- Conduct bi-monthly training sessions on advanced topics such as Microsoft 365 PowerShell and cloud identity management
- Investigate and prepare reports on compromised accounts or security breaches
- Monitor user activities and identify suspicious behavior, ensuring swift action to mitigate risks
- Work after-hours and weekends to resolve critical firewall and internet issues as needed
- Key Achievements: Spearheaded an MFA rollout for 800+ users using Azure AD Conditional Access Policies, significantly reducing phishing risks by 90%
- Conducted a detailed audit of Microsoft 365 licensing, consolidating plans to save $25,000 annually
- Designed a customized SSO integration for SAP and other SaaS Apps, optimizing authentication workflows and reducing login issues by 40%
- Platforms and Technologies: Microsoft 365 Admin Center, Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Mimecast or Proofpoint for email security, Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, FutureVault and Four Eyes Financial, Ndex, D1G1T, PureFees, SAP SaaS, Cisco Meraki, VMware, Hyper-V, ServiceNow, Cheerwell, Jira, Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project, Veeam, Azure Backup, Datto, AWS (Amazon Connect for VoIP systems), Microsoft Azure for infrastructure services, Active Directory, Group Policy, DHCP, DNS, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco ASA, Cisco AnyConnect, FortiClient VPN, VLANs, network segmentation, subnetting
IT Support Specialist
Azha IT Solutions
11.2021 - 05.2023
- Provision and manage user access for enterprise applications, ensuring compliance with role-based access control (RBAC) policies
- Execute onboarding and offboarding tasks, including imaging laptops using Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) and configuring user profiles in Microsoft Intune
- Assist in integrating Single Sign-On (SSO) for SaaS applications like Four-Eyes Financial and PureFees, ensuring compatibility with LDAP
- Monitor email quarantine in Microsoft Exchange and manually release emails based on policy and senior approval
- Use Microsoft Defender for Office 365 to manage safe sender lists, block domains, and approve custom phishing warnings
- Configure HID-based access cards and manage building security codes using AccessControl Pro
- Perform routine hardware inspections, including server rack management, patch cable organization, and power backup checks using PDU Management Interfaces
- Troubleshoot and configure wireless access points and monitor signal performance
- Set up and manage VPN clients using FortiClient and FTP servers using FileZilla Server for secure data exchange
- Audit invoices from Managed Service Providers (MSPs) using ServiceNow Asset Management, ensuring alignment with SLAs
- Create and track incident tickets with Cherwell Support to resolve technical issues efficiently
- Decommission outdated IT equipment, securely wiping drives using DBAN before updating inventory records and involving IT Assets decommissioning vendors
- Track software licenses and flag instances of over-utilization for corrective action
- Manage distribution groups and security groups in Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC)
- Configure shared mailboxes and automate access assignment in Microsoft 365 Admin Center
- Provide basic support for SharePoint Online, including configuring document libraries and setting user permissions
- Investigate suspected phishing attempts and compromised accounts using Microsoft 365 Security & Compliance Center logs
- Assist the Network Operations Center (NOC) in troubleshooting minor connectivity issues using Wireshark for packet analysis
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues with virtual fax setups, duplicate statements, and legacy account deletions
- Work after-hours and weekends to resolve critical firewall and internet issues as needed
- Key Contributions: Automated repetitive onboarding processes using PowerShell scripts, reducing provisioning time by 30%
- Facilitated the creation and management of 100+ Active Directory objects, including distribution lists (DLs), improving organizational email management
- Platforms and Technologies: Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, User and group management, VPN Configuration and troubleshooting, FileZilla, Jira, Zendesk, ServiceNow, Microsoft Defender, Mimecast, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), Spiceworks, Lansweeper, eFax, Windows 10/11, Windows Server, LAN setup, Ethernet cabling, router configurations
Technical Support - Network
Transcomm Inc.
03.2021 - 11.2021
- Address customer complaints and provide timely, effective solutions and alternatives, ensuring follow-up to guarantee full resolution and customer satisfaction
- Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive information security policies, standards, and guidelines to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
- Collaborate with clients and users to offer tailored solutions for network-related issues, ensuring seamless functionality and optimal performance for the front-end network infrastructure
- Actively monitor Security Services, identifying potential issues, troubleshooting, and coordinating resolutions using the company’s ERP management system, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum security
- Engage with customers, responding promptly and professionally to inquiries, concerns, and requests, providing clear, accurate information regarding products, services, and technical support
- Deliver exceptional service and support to end-users by operating automated call distribution software, VoIP systems, and remote connection tools, ensuring prompt issue resolution and user satisfaction
- Document and track all support interactions, including call details, encountered issues, resolutions, and follow-up actions, using the company’s web-based support system for accurate record-keeping
- Monitor operational systems, troubleshoot and resolve technical issues affecting systems such as Point of Sale and server configurations, effectively managing ServiceNow tickets for incident tracking and resolution
- Provide ongoing support for Microsoft Office 365, troubleshooting user issues with applications like Teams and OneDrive, and maintaining workstations for optimal functionality and performance
- Platforms & Technologies: Microsoft Office 365, ServiceNow, VoIP Systems, Windows Server, Active Directory, Cloud Platforms (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud), VMware, SharePoint, Citrix, ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle), PowerShell
Network and System Administrator
Tech Park Technologies
10.2018 - 12.2019
- Conducted in-depth analysis of malware, investigated threats, and extracted indicators of compromise (IOCs) utilizing Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools
- Applied practical understanding of network protocols and operating systems to enhance overall security posture
- Administered and upheld the integrity of network equipment to ensure the continuous functionality of IT infrastructure
- Demonstrated a broad understanding of security mitigation solutions across all layers, contributing to a comprehensive defense strategy
- Analyzed large datasets to identify trends and anomalies indicative of malicious activity, enhancing proactive threat detection capabilities
- Demonstrated exceptional multitasking ability, managing high-priority tasks both individually and within a team environment to resolve issues promptly
- Implement preventive maintenance procedures for workstations, including enhanced firewall and antivirus measures, and oversee license updates and maintenance
- Implemented Data Guard for backups using CMX and One-Drive, utilized Microsoft Exchange through email services
- Managed user registration, licensing, and access to Microsoft apps and services
- Utilized Microsoft 365 Admin Centre for license management and user administration
- Oversaw LAN wired network setup with RJ45 connections
- Coordinated LAN network setup from switches, providing internet and firewall control
- Provided essential production support for hardware equipment, addressing issues, and ensuring uninterrupted functionality
- Executed UAT scenarios, meticulously recording and documenting results, and identifying any discrepancies
- Administrator & configure quarantine policies based on specific criteria by fine-tuning these policies to tailor the email security measures for unique needs and risk tolerance
- Platforms & Technologies: Active Directory Administration, VoIP devices, Microsoft Admin Centre, Microsoft Exchange, SolarWinds, Sophos Phish Threat, MobileIron, McAfee Endpoint Security, Service Now, Jira
Education
Diploma - Networks And Security
Institut Supérieur D'informatique (ISI)
Montreal12-2021
Bachelor of Technology - Computer Science And Engineering
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
Hyderabad, India06-2019
Skills
- System monitoring
- Data center operations
- Hardware troubleshooting
- Linux operating system
- Incident management
- Backup and recovery
- IT security protocols
- Windows operating system
- Server administration
- Network administration
- ITIL framework
- Scripting languages
- Software deployment
- Virtualization technologies
- Disaster recovery planning
- Storage management
- IT service management
- Network integration
- Network troubleshooting
- System performance evaluation
- Application deployment
- Performance strategy
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking Abilities
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making
- Network hardware and software
- Routing protocol expertise
- Network security systems
- Cisco switching expertise
- Hardware installation
- IP address structure
- VPN management
- Data backups
- VLAN aggregation
- DNS implementation
- VPN software
- Data analysis
- Firewall management tools
- Subnetting expertise
- Network protocols
- Middleware support
- Infrastructure architecture
- Network configuration
- Network performance analysis
- Company policy adherence
- System performance analysis
- Network solutions
- IT collaboration
- Deployment support
Accomplishments
- Spearheaded an MFA rollout for 800+ users using Azure AD Conditional Access Policies, significantly reducing phishing risks by 90%.
- Conducted a detailed audit of Microsoft 365 licensing, consolidating plans to save $25,000 annually.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Hindi
Native or Bilingual
French
Elementary
Telugu
Full Professional
Urdu
Native or Bilingual
Certification
- Microsoft Certified, Azure Administrator Associate - Microsoft. (In Progress)
- Cisco Network Security Administrator
- Microsoft 365 Admin Fundamentals
- Data Analysis with Python Programming
Software
Java
Python
Shell Script
Html
Javascript
Timeline
IT Infrastructure Specialist
Aligned Capital Partners Inc.
06.2023 - Current
IT Support Specialist
Azha IT Solutions
11.2021 - 05.2023
Technical Support - Network
Transcomm Inc.
03.2021 - 11.2021
Network and System Administrator
Tech Park Technologies
10.2018 - 12.2019
- Microsoft Certified, Azure Administrator Associate - Microsoft. (In Progress)
- Cisco Network Security Administrator
- Microsoft 365 Admin Fundamentals
- Data Analysis with Python Programming
Diploma - Networks And Security
Institut Supérieur D'informatique (ISI)
Bachelor of Technology - Computer Science And Engineering
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
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