04/25/2026 updated

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Cybersecurity & Network Infrastructure Specialist | CISSP | CCIE Security & Enterprise | CCSP

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Worldwide
B.Sc. Computer Systems Engineering
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Worldwide
B.Sc. Computer Systems Engineering

Profile attachments

CV Maqsood Alam Network and Cybersecurity Specialist - ShieldedNetworks.pdf

About me

With 18 years of dedicated experience in cybersecurity, network security, networking and IT, I have a proven track record of leading and managing critical projects, including 13 years delivering large-scale initiatives in the Gulf region.

Microsoft AntivirusPenetration TestingMicrosoft AzureCisco Certified Internetwork ExpertCisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security (CCIE Security)Cisco Certified Internetwork ProfessionalIBM Systems Network ArchitectureInternet Protocol Security (IP SEC)Virtual Private Networks (VPN)Network SecurityAzure Active DirectoryNetwork Access ControlFirewalls (Computer Science)FortinetCisco
Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) Deployment & Management
Deployment and administration of Next-Generation Firewalls including Palo Alto, Fortinet FortiGate, and Cisco Firepower/FTD, covering advanced threat prevention, IPS, SSL VPN/IPSec VPN, NAT, and application-aware security policies across enterprise environments.

Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing (VAPT)
Planning and execution of Vulnerability Assessments and Penetration Testing across network, application, and infrastructure layers, identifying security gaps and delivering actionable remediation aligned with OWASP, PTES, and MITRE ATT&CK frameworks.

Enterprise Network Security Design & Implementation
Design, implementation, and management of secure, scalable enterprise network and cybersecurity architectures across LAN/WAN, data center, and hybrid cloud environments, including routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP, as well as secure WAN connectivity leveraging MPLS, leased circuits, and site-to-site VPNs.

Cloud Network Security (Microsoft Azure)
Design and implementation of cloud networking solutions in Microsoft Azure, including VNets, hybrid connectivity via Site-to-Site and Point-to-Site VPNs and ExpressRoute, Azure Firewall, NSGs, Application Gateway, and secure PaaS integrations.

EDR/XDR & Endpoint Security
Deployment and management of enterprise endpoint security solutions including EDR/XDR platforms, Microsoft Defender, and related tools, ensuring effective threat detection, response, and optimization.

Email Security Gateways
Implementation and management of Email Security Gateways including Cisco ESA, Mimecast, and Microsoft Defender for Office 365, protecting enterprise communication channels from threats.

Identity & Access Management (IAM/IAG)
Leadership of Identity and Access Management implementation projects, strengthening access governance and control mechanisms across enterprise environments.

Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)
Ensuring alignment with leading security frameworks and regulations including ISO 27001, GDPR, NIST CSF, NCA ECC, NCA CCC, and SAMA, supporting audits and regulatory requirements.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) & VPN Technologies
Implementation of Secure Access Service Edge solutions and secure remote access technologies including SSL VPN, IPSec VPN, Flex VPN, and GET VPN on routers and firewalls for secure remote connectivity.

SOC Operations & Incident Response
Contribution to SOC operations including alert monitoring, incident investigation, threat analysis, and continuous process improvement, as well as leading and supporting incident response activities covering detection, analysis, containment, and reporting of security incidents.

Microsoft 365 Security Stack & Entra ID
Administration and security management of Microsoft 365 Security Stack and Entra ID, ensuring secure identity and access controls within enterprise Microsoft environments.

Experience

Professional experience10+ years
Freelancer since2012

Languages

ArabicGoodEnglishFluentHindiGood

Project history

Cybersecurity & Network Infrastructure Specialist and Consultant

Shielded Networks
Providing cybersecurity advisory and architecture consultancy to clients, translating business requirements into secure, scalable, and compliant solutions. Leading configuration reviews, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing across network and application layers aligned with OWASP, PTES, and MITRE ATT&CK. Designing, implementing, and managing secure enterprise network and cybersecurity architectures across LAN/WAN, data center, and hybrid cloud environments. Deploying and managing enterprise security solutions including EDR/XDR, Microsoft Defender, and Email Security Gateways. Deploying and administering Next-Generation Firewalls (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco Firepower). Architecting and managing enterprise network infrastructure using Cisco platforms (Catalyst, Nexus) with BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP. Designing secure WAN connectivity leveraging MPLS, leased circuits, and site-to-site VPNs. Designing and implementing cloud networking solutions in Microsoft Azure. Ensuring alignment with GRC frameworks including ISO 27001, GDPR, NCA, and SAMA.

Cyber Security Lead

TAQA (The Industrialization Energy Services Company)
Conducting periodic configuration reviews across applications, network infrastructure, and security controls. Performing advanced threat analysis and investigation of complex or escalated security events. Developing and implementing security configuration standards and baselines. Planning and executing VAPT across network, application, and infrastructure layers. Reviewing risk assessments and audit findings, driving mitigation plans. Supporting selection and evaluation of cybersecurity technologies. Designing, developing, and implementing cybersecurity controls and architectures. Ensuring compliance with ISO 27001, GDPR, NIST CSF, NCA ECC, and NCA CCC. Leading IAM/IAG implementation projects. Implementing and managing enterprise security technologies including NGFW, EDR/XDR, DLP, SIEM, Vulnerability Management, Email Security, and Anti-malware solutions. Contributing to SOC operations and leading incident response activities. Conducting network security assessments including firewall rule reviews, WAF, NAC, and security posture evaluations.

Senior Cyber Security Consultant

Tech Stations Co. (for IT Services)
Planning, designing, and deployment of IT Networks and Cyber Security projects. Interacting with customers and gathering requirements in Networks and Cybersecurity. Implementing protective measures through Firewalls, IPS, Network Admission Control Systems, Web Application Firewalls, Email Security Gateways, Anti Malware systems, and data encryption technologies. Installing and configuring vulnerability assessment, threat, and compliance management platforms. Conducting network and vulnerability assessments and recommending appropriate solutions. Contributing to developing cybersecurity strategies, policies, and procedures aligned with Laws, Regulations, and Industry Standards. Implementing NAT and proxy server environments for secure Internet connectivity. Configuring LAN, Core, and Datacenter Switches and Routers. Configuring IPsec, SSL, Flex, and GET VPNs on routers and firewalls for secure remote connectivity. Troubleshooting security, network, and systems related problems.

Senior Network Engineer

Alsayed & Partners Cont.: Group
Installing, configuring, maintaining, and supporting communication networks including routers, switches, firewalls, and proxy devices for secure internet connectivity. Securing network systems by establishing and enforcing policies. Configuring and administering IPsec and SSL VPN on routers and firewalls for secure network connectivity for branch and remote users. Monitoring and resolving networking problems through effective implementation of preventive measures. Designing and implementing new solutions and improving the resilience of the current environment. Recommending changes to improve systems and network configurations. Undertaking data network fault investigations in local and wide-area environments. Providing Level 2/3 support and troubleshooting to resolve issues.

Network & Systems Engineer

Orient Global (PVT) LTD
Network and systems engineering role at Orient Global (PVT) LTD, Pakistan.

Certificates

CCSP

isc2

2023

CCSP

isc2

2023

CISSP

ISC2

2021

CCIE Certification - Security

Cisco

2019

Fortinet Security Architect NSE 7

Fortinet

2019

CCIE Certification - Enterprise Infrastructure

Cisco

2016


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