Microsoft Defender for Cloud Experts in Germany

• Requirements analysis
• Provisioning of SharePoint sites and permissions
• Provisioning of SharePoint libraries and lists as data repositories
• Development of the UI with Power Apps
• Development of automations with Power Automate to transfer data from Power Apps using Dataverse connectors
• Creation, customization and management of Power Platform security roles
• Creation and management of Power Platform Pipelines
• Development of a UX design with Power Apps

I implemented a Zero-Trust architecture for robust, military-grade maritime container mini data centers based on VMware & Tanzu to support containerized GIS workloads for ground forces. The main focus was on securing communications, workload protection, and data access in contested electronic battle environments affected by jamming, interception, signal manipulation, and constantly changing operational conditions. I designed and architected use cases so that every element of workload, identity, and system could continue to operate independently and securely even in degraded or disrupted scenarios. In parallel, I defined the enterprise and solution security architecture with LeanIX, Bizzdesign, and HOPEX as enterprise architecture, repository, and governance platforms to maintain architecture inventory, relationships, traceability, target pictures, and security governance in complex environments. For the architectural designs, I used Sparx Enterprise Architect to describe formal architecture views, interfaces, trust boundaries, and system architecture in both IT and OT environments. IriusRisk was used for threat modeling of the solution to identify architecture-driven risks, derive security requirements, and detect countermeasures and design gaps directly from the solution models. Risk and compliance management was supported with Archer. Architecture decisions, control gaps, and operational risks were translated into controlled governance and auditable compliance measures. For documentation, collaboration, and visual design, I used Confluence to maintain Architecture Decision Records, Security Blueprints, and workflows. I used Lucidchart and draw.io to create design artifacts tailored to stakeholders. I also defined OT security concepts with support from electrical and mechanical engineers in the areas of oil, vehicle onboard systems, rail, power plants, pharma, gas turbines, and nuclear technology. I created the end-to-end OT security strategy, starting with global policy, developed into standards and procedures, and finally aligned with Bell-LaPadula, Purdue Model, SABSA, TOGAF ADM, CENELEC 50701, IEC 62443, and NIST standards. In addition, I worked with engineering team leads to identify critical KBP assets and place them under protective measures that segmented SCADA, PLC, and HMI assets. I drove collaboration between Security, IT, and OT teams to create standardized workflows and use cases for the OT security solution catalog, while integrating Defense-in-Depth and Zero-Trust principles into operational environments. A key part of my work was integrating multidisciplinary engineering, security, and operations stakeholders into a unified security blueprinting strategy and ensuring that architecture, threat modeling, governance, and documentation were technically strong and operationally practical.

• As part of the project, I was responsible for operating a Citrix farm for 600 users, including optimizing the user experience and ensuring high availability.

• I managed and optimized the entire application landscape of a major customer, evaluated and implemented application updates, and ensured the compatibility and security of the software in use.

• I managed user accounts, implemented security policies, and monitored system performance.

• I administered Azure Entra ID to control identities and access rights, implemented security policies, and synchronized on-premises directories with the cloud.

• I implemented and managed Microsoft Intune for central management of client devices, including the configuration and management of BitLocker for disk encryption.

• I managed file servers and NTFS permissions to ensure secure and efficient data access management.

• I handled change requests and last-level support tickets efficiently to solve complex system issues and improve user satisfaction.

• I supported and advised the customer team on various topics and projects, identified areas for improvement, and implemented best practices.

Technologies used:

• Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012R2 and 2022
• Exchange 2016 and Exchange Online
• Entra ID (Azure AD)
• Entra ID Connect
• BitLocker
• PowerShell scripting
• Microsoft Intune
• LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol)
• DNS services (Domain Name System)
• Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS)

• Setting up a centralized security monitoring system (SIEM)
• Integrating and onboarding log sources (Windows, network, applications)
• Developing dashboards and alert structures
• Structuring data models for efficient analysis

• Hybrid Cloud Administration (Cloud Transformation)
• Azure Cloud Administration
• Azure Entra ID user administration
• Reporting
• License reviews
• User and group management
• RBAC integration
• Policy management
• VM administration: setup of VMs, configuration of scale sets, configuration of replications, creation of backups, manual installation
• Azure Bastion
• Privileged access identity management
• Documentation
• Azure Security Center: monitoring security posture and recommendations to improve security
• Microsoft 365 administration: MS Intune administration (Bitlocker policies, distribution, device management, group management)
• MS365 Defender (Defender for Endpoint, threat management, EDR solution implementation, threat detection through investigations)
• Defender for Office 365 (protection of Office 365 tools against phishing, malware, and other attacks)
• Defender for Identity (identification, activity monitoring)
• Defender for Cloud Apps (application monitoring and protection)
• Windows Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, policies, Baramundi, SCCM/MECM, VMware, WSUS, Sophos
• Exchange administration: rule creation, setup and deployment of mailboxes, mailbox migration, mail tracking, mailbox conversion, report generation
• Windows AD administration: user management across the structure, device management, attribute management, group management, organizational management, troubleshooting
• Group Policy management: modifying, deleting or creating policies, assigning and organizing policies, documentation and reporting
• Manual installation & imaging: new imaging, image creation, manual maintenance and updates, documentation of various enterprise applications
• Bitlocker configuration, BIOS and firmware configuration, troubleshooting and collaboration with level 3 support, MBSA reporting, WSUS monitoring, system and event management, troubleshooting across the IT infrastructure
• Network management (including SWIFT network): MAC address filtering, network switch configuration, port management, switch patching
• VMware ESXi/vSphere/vCenter administration: VM management, troubleshooting, virtualization solutions, updates and maintenance
• Virtualization & cloud: Azure, Citrix, VMware, VirtualBox, ESXi, Hyper-V, VMware AHV, vulnerability management, migrations
• Identifying, assessing and remediating security vulnerabilities on hybrid endpoints through regular vulnerability assessments and patch management
• Backup & recovery: Teams administration, data migration, SAN, SharePoint administration, NAS, Exchange administration, cloud backup: policy creation, mailbox migration
• IT security: firewall, antivirus, Azure, MS365 Security Defender: monitoring, mailbox setup and implementation, mail tracking, mailbox conversion, report generation
• IT service management: team meetings, report analysis, documentation, analysis
• Other: monitoring progress against goals, ServiceNow, HPSM, prioritizing activities, JIRA, MS365, integration of requested projects, MDM, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Adobe, PowerShell, CLI, CMD
• IT service desk: Exchange, JIRA org administration, SCCM shell: user management, device management, project management, ticket reviews, user training, ticket handling, change management, permission management, VIP support
• Facility management: coordination with building management/technical teams, organizing technology for conferences, guest access, employee access
• Nutanix/VMware administration: provisioning and setup of Nutanix clusters, installation and configuration of Nutanix AHV, VMware ESXi & Hyper-V, infrastructure maintenance and operations, upgrades and patches for Nutanix clusters, planning and implementing backup solutions, installation and configuration of VMware ESXi hosts and vCenter servers, hybrid environments

• Implementing secure cloud configurations with Azure Private Link, Network Security Groups, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, and Azure Regulatory Compliance for NIST 800-53, PCI DSS, and HIPAA/HITRUST, resulting in an 88% reduction in security incidents over the same period.
• Troubleshooting and supporting Microsoft Azure services, including Microsoft Sentinel (SIEM), Virtual Machines, Azure Monitor, and Azure Active Directory.
• Developing KQL queries to support the Log Analytics workspace and Microsoft Sentinel, resulting in 1 new SIEM dashboard and 4 workbooks.