Network Security Experts in Germany

• Technical leadership and further development of a team of 28 IT staff (internal & external) in the areas HelpDesk/HelpLine, RHEL (Red Hat), MUREX (trading system & applications), SAP basis operations
• Managing external service providers (including FI-TS for SAP basis operations)
• Personnel, resource and budget planning for the IT department and projects
• Introducing and establishing regular communication formats (weekly status meetings, team and cross-department meetings)
• Ensuring application operations in a hybrid environment (Windows/Linux with database and web/application servers)
• Supporting transformation projects to modernize the application landscape (e.g. DevOps approaches)
• Setting up and implementing a digital IT procurement for hardware & software (e.g. with DELL)
• Developing and managing the "IT Operations DOS" department based on corporate strategy
• Preparing management reports & decision papers on IT projects, optimization potential and automation opportunities
• Representing the department in the advisory boards of the Rentenbank and ensuring regulatory compliance (BaFin §44, GDPR, BSI, MaRisk)

Europe-wide re-platforming & centralization

• Independently created the migration concept and implementation plan for the Europe-wide centralization and consolidation of IT services for around 20 European companies as part of a re-platforming program.
• Migration assessment: analysis of the existing IT, infrastructure, application, and service landscapes of the companies as the basis for the migration strategy.
• Development of the centralized target vision and target architecture based on a modern technology stack, taking platform and containerization approaches into account.
• Design of a highly available central infrastructure in an active-active model across two data centers; consideration of cloud, infrastructure, application, CMDB, and IAM services.
• Development of the migration and transformation roadmap, including defining migration waves, dependencies, requirements, and priorities for the move from decentralized services to the central platform.
• Analysis of technical and organizational dependencies, identification of migration risks, and development of a structured approach for step-by-step migration and centralization.
• Creation of target, solution, and implementation views for each service domain; design of the end-to-end join-move-leave process as a blueprint for the European rollout (Jira/Jira Asset Management).
• Alignment of migration strategy and roadmap with European companies, management, IT, providers, and other stakeholders; presentation of the 12-month roadmap to the Managing Director Europe.

• As-is assessment of the current network infrastructure and its documentation, including on-site inspections
• Independent planning of new distribution and main distribution rooms in the individual district offices (components used, rack layout, connectivity), considering the BSI IT-Grundschutz and InfoSic requirements
• Planning of new copper and fiber optic cabling, including patch panels
• Coordination with building services engineering (TGA) to ensure compliance with relevant on-site requirements
• Development of detailed execution plans and high-level concepts for the rollout of the new infrastructure
• Additional support after the components go live (hypercare phase)
• Regular communication with project management and client stakeholders

As part of this project, the existing active network infrastructure was modernized and aligned for the future. The goal was to introduce a high-performance, secure, and scalable network and WLAN infrastructure, including a Network Access Control (NAC) solution to improve network security and central access control.

At the start of the project, a comprehensive requirements analysis was carried out, taking into account the technical, operational, and security-related needs of the clinic sites. Based on this, a technical tender was prepared for new switches, WLAN access points, and the NAC solution.

By successfully delivering the project, a modern, standardized, and secure network infrastructure was established that meets the growing demands for availability, mobility, and IT security in clinical operations.

Tasks:

• Support of the tender process, including technical evaluation of the offers and bidder assessment
• Lead and coordinate the entire project delivery
• Align the project process with internal stakeholders, business units, and the hospital IT team
• Manage external service providers during implementation and installation of the systems
• Monitor implementation, including quality control, project acceptance, and issue management
• Coordinate communication between hospital IT and external service providers during the NAC implementation
• Carry out escalation management for technical and organizational challenges
• Ongoing budget tracking as well as monitoring of project effort and additional costs
• Prepare decision papers on project changes, additional services, and risks for management

• Operational management of a hybrid Palo Alto Networks firewall infrastructure within an IoT environment
• Network zoning using VLANs
• Analysis, optimization, and hardening of the rule set
• Deployment of additional firewalls into the infrastructure
• IP address management
• Security operations of the IoT NDR solution from Nozomi Networks
• Security operations of the honeypot infrastructure from secXtreme
• Vendor management to ensure and implement required network measures
• Communication with clients and vendors in an international environment
• Technologies used: Palo Alto Networks, Panorama, Palo Alto AWS cloud firewall, Nozomi Networks, Honeybox

• Complete overhaul of the ISMS according to ISO 27001
• Conducted a comprehensive gap analysis
• Reduced ISMS documentation by 30% through consolidation and process optimization
• Introduced a full PDCA cycle for continuous improvement
• Established the ISMS within the company
• Implemented the necessary processes
• Managed and conducted internal and external audits
• Developed and implemented a company-wide risk management system
• Deployed an ISMS tool including process design and training
• KRITIS compliance: Prepared and provided required evidence, liaised with regulatory authorities, planned, documented, and implemented an attack detection system (SIEM), co-led the BCMS/ITSCM implementation subproject
• NIS-2 implementation: Gap analysis, risk assessments, training for executives and staff
• Led a cybersecurity team of 3 members
• Conducted various internal and external audits, managed providers, introduced continuous improvement
• Project consulting: closely coordinated with business and system owners, launched an online shop, a mobile app, and a customer portal
• Redesigned the security architecture, reducing administrative efforts by 20%
• Implemented ITIL processes (e.g., change management)
• Revised service agreements with internal and external providers
• Developed a security awareness strategy, ran social engineering tests, introduced and monitored phishing simulations, created various awareness materials, gave presentations
• Managed a budget of one million euros

• Main point of contact for the provisioning of end devices and operating systems
• Pre-installation of software according to company guidelines and integration into the corporate network (Wi-Fi, VPN, domain)
• User support with setup, process improvements, and handling of returns (RMAs)

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.

• Operation and further development of a SASE infrastructure based on Netskope

• Designed and implemented Azure Kubernetes Clusters, and managed DNS and Firewall solutions, enhancing network security and reliability.
• Led projects using Agile Scrum methodologies to streamline development cycles and improve project efficiency.
• Fostered and maintained relationships with suppliers to ensure timely project deliverables and resource availability.
• Managed continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) pipelines using Jenkins, Sonar, GitHub, Bitbucket, and Terraform within the BMW Azure Cloud environment.
• Utilized Fortify SSC and Contrast AST for robust application security testing.
• Directed DevOps engineering initiatives on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), focusing on streamlining development and deployment processes.
• Service Now governance, risk und compliance (GRC&IRM).

• Migrating legacy machines from the “red world” to the “green world”
• Adapting Active Directory and Group Policy Objects for Microsoft Server/Client versions 2000/2003/2008/2008R2/2029
• Utilizing SMP methodologies

• Completed 25+ hands-on labs focusing on digital forensics, incident response, and advanced threat hunting techniques.
• Earned top-tier badges in malware analysis, enterprise log analysis, and threat intelligence gathering.
• Developed specialised skills in forensic report writing and evidence collection methodologies to support incident investigations.

Enterprise & Cloud Security Architect supporting the modernization of the SDK application landscape as part of the KVNeo transformation program. Responsible for enterprise architecture, cloud governance, security architecture, and the definition of technical standards for strategic business applications.

Key responsibilities include architecture governance, target architecture development, cloud and integration architecture, security-by-design, and the translation of regulatory requirements into sustainable technical solutions across multiple business domains.

Responsibilities and achievements

• Designed and reviewed target architectures for strategic insurance applications and enterprise services.
• Developed architecture documentation based on Arc42 and Architecture Decision Records (ADRs).
• Defined governance models, architecture principles, and technical guidelines for cross-domain initiatives.
• Supported the modernization of archive, document management, and output management platforms.
• Designed integration architectures using REST APIs and event-driven communication patterns.
• Led architecture discussions with enterprise architects, development teams, product owners, and business stakeholders.
• Translated regulatory requirements such as DORA and ISO/IEC 27001 into practical architecture decisions.
• Designed security concepts covering Identity & Access Management, authorization, authentication, auditability, and logging.
• Supported SIEM integration, security monitoring, and enterprise logging concepts.
• Evaluated technical risks, technical debt, and architecture improvements while providing decision papers for architecture boards.
• Established architecture governance processes and contributed to enterprise-wide transformation initiatives.
• Supported cloud governance activities and the definition of secure cloud architecture standards.
• Facilitated architecture workshops and coordinated cross-functional stakeholders across business and IT.

Technologies & Methods Microsoft Azure • Arc42 • Architecture Decision Records (ADR) • REST APIs • Event-Driven Architecture • Microsoft Entra ID • Active Directory • IAM • SIEM • Cloud Governance • Enterprise Architecture • Security Architecture • Azure API Management • Jira • Confluence • Draw.io • DORA • ISO/IEC 27001 • Agile • Scrum

• 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)