Zscaler Experts in Germany

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

• Consultant for system architecture, AI agents & integration, coach for data & process logic, Graph-RAG approaches, security and data protection.
• On-premise AI solutions with high compliance and performance requirements.
• Architecture decisions, operational setup, strategic prioritization & deployment.
• Technologies: LiveKit JS SDK, LiveKit Agents, Web Audio API, JS, AudioWorklet, Loki, vLLM, Zscaler, Docker, Neo4j, MySQL, Python.
• Models: GPT-OSS 20B, Whisper large v3 turbo, Qwen3-TTS.

• Development of comprehensive services in cybersecurity, IT governance, and AI
• Building and delivering strategic security solutions such as vCISO service, ISMS, SOC-as-a-Service (SIEM, SOAR, use cases, playbooks, threat hunting, incident response), AI-driven risk and compliance tools, and frameworks for outsourcing and third-party risks
• Supporting companies in meeting regulatory requirements and certifications (ISMS, NIS-2, DORA, CRA, KRITIS, ISO 27001, TISAX, BSI IT Baseline Protection, EU AI Act)
• Promoting innovations in cybersecurity automation, AI governance, and secure digital transformation
• Responsible for company growth, client relations, and strategic partnerships

• All Windows clients are managed in a hybrid, central AD
• Client standardization
• Implementation of information security policy requirements
• Development of new infrastructure services delivered as a managed service by a new provider
• New IT platform is a central and secure directory service
• M365 Azure AD
• MS terminal services
• Zscaler
• M365 cloud for workplace management
• PaaS / SaaS is procured through a new provider

• Consulting on an ongoing IT security architecture project
• Documenting past progress and planning next steps
• Applying and implementing the BSI IT baseline protection
• Building and maintaining security management systems
• Applying the ISO 27001 standard series
• Integrating ITIL processes into security architectures
• Collaborating with public clients, regulatory authorities and internal and external service providers

• Conceptual consulting for securing business processes
• Consulting on planning and implementation of IT and IT security projects
• Security and policy checks, process optimizations, emergency planning
• Project management and interim management in IT infrastructure and information security

Overview of relevant projects:

• 2025: Consulting on a DLP concept for Digid GmbH.
• 2025: Consulting a client after a cybersecurity attack that compromised the IT infrastructure and where the attacker obtained M365 tenant admin rights. Investigated the IT infrastructure and restored it. Developed recommendations to improve IT security.
• 2025: Continued the projects listed below for Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Norddeutsche Landesbank.
• 2024: Created a DNS concept including advice on DNS strategy and technology, DNS design, DNS security, load balancing, reverse lookup zones, and automation. Created a DHCP concept including advice on DHCP design, a central DHCP management system and automation. Advised on operating the mentioned products, the operational processes, and updated IT documentation and IT service descriptions for Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
• 2024: As-is analysis and assessment of the network and security infrastructure established by providers in terms of overall architecture including design and components. Designed solution proposals to improve current operations for performance and security maximization as well as complexity reduction. Presented the results to C-level, their causes and possible solutions including required decision templates. Developed a SASE concept based on a zero-trust architecture for Norddeutsche Landesbank.
• 2024: Continued the projects listed below for Atlas GmbH and Deutsche Vermögensberatung AG.
• 2023: Consulting on resolving findings from an IT security assessment of the IT infrastructure, conducting proofs of concept for DDoS protection and digital experience monitoring (DEM) with Zscaler (ZIA, ZPA & ZDX), creating a new security architecture based on zero trust, redesigning a Cisco ISE implementation, and designing a DNS security solution to protect guests and financial advisors for Atlas GmbH / Deutsche Vermögensberatung AG.
• 2023: Continued the projects listed below for Digid GmbH, Vaillant Group GmbH (until 09/2023), Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (until 05/2023), and Union Investment IT-Services GmbH (until 07/2023).
• 2022: Created and reviewed whitepapers for infrastructure and security architectures, and planned new network infrastructures for the German Aerospace Center.
• 2022: Developed a concept for the technical and procedural modernization of a disaster recovery plan for United Nations Volunteers.
• 2022: Developed a concept for migrating measurement data to a cloud environment, introduced network access control, and conducted an awareness training for Digid GmbH.
• 2022: Developed a network segmentation concept for DZ Hyp AG.
• 2022: Developed a network segmentation concept for the Federal Employment Agency.
• 2021: Developed a new load balancer architecture concept for Bundeswehr Fuhrparkservices GmbH.
• 2021: Conducted a vulnerability scan and penetration test of a web frontend including analysis and recommendations for remediation considering risk and likelihood for the client ifi GmbH.
• 2021: Consulting, design, and subproject management for implementing a network access control solution (certificate authentication and MAC address bypass) and macro segmentation (area and zone concept based on dynamic device assignment) in office and production IT for Vaillant Group GmbH.
• 2021: Upgraded and optimized LAN and WLAN infrastructure for United Nations Volunteers.
• 2021: Developed a target concept for modernizing the IT security infrastructure including the DMZ (Cisco switches, firewalls, WSA, ESA, SMA), internet connections, admin and management networks, and the wireless LAN, including overseeing implementation for the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources.
• 2021: Created a micro-segmentation concept based on Cisco DNA, SGT, and zero trust for Union Investment IT-Services GmbH.
• 2021: Reviewed and updated ISMS level 3 policies and created procedure instructions for Software AG.
• 2021: Project lead for the global tech refresh project Meraki WLAN 2.0, coordinated the outsourcing of LAN/WLAN infrastructure to a managed service provider, and created a WLAN concept for automated guided vehicles for Heraeus Infosystems GmbH.
• 2021: Project management and technical support for the 'Transition of SIEM/SOC Services' project migrating a client to a shared environment, and took on the interim role of Head of Security Operations at Datagroup SE.
• 2021: Conducted a workshop for the future implementation of mobile device management for Allgeier Experts Go GmbH.
• 2021: Subproject management for implementing a firewall rule management tool and recertifying NAC endpoints based on 802.1x and MAB for Union Investment IT-Services GmbH.
• 2020: Developed a network segmentation concept for two data centers based on Cisco and VMware for Aareon AG.
• Recorded and analyzed the current network architecture including project initiation.
• Designed a micro-segmentation concept in the data center and access network.
• 2020: Infrastructure and security architecture audit for Stuttgarter Versicherung AG.
• Analyzed the IT infrastructure and security architecture regarding network and security component configurations. Also reviewed contracts, process documents, and manuals for completeness. Developed recommendations to improve the stability and operation of the infrastructure. Created a network segmentation concept and led the project to implement the measures from the audit.
• 2020: Consulting on setting up an ISMS-light for Josera foodforplanet GmbH & Co. KG.
• 2020: Security architecture consulting for Datagroup SE.
• Developed a future IT infrastructure and IT security architecture.
• Documented the current IT architecture of all 23 entities.
• Made recommendations to optimize the IT infrastructure and drafted a comparison of a traditional perimeter security concept versus a zero trust model.
• Created a security zone concept.
• Designed an IT infrastructure architecture in coordination with all entities.
• 2018 - 2019: Stream lead in the cybersecurity program at Deutsche Lufthansa AG.
• Responsible for designing and implementing 9 projects in IT security infrastructure and user access management, as well as managing project managers and experts.
• Project area: Network segmentation and access control.
• Project area: Security architecture.
• Project area: Privileged, identity & access management.
• Project area: Simplify user authentication (MFA).
• Project area: Mobile & endpoint security.
• Project area: OT security.
• Project area: E-enabled aircraft.
• 2018: Security architecture consulting for Deutsche Lufthansa AG.
• Project management for the development, evaluation, and management of the company-wide information security architecture.
• Developed a security strategy and a roadmap to align the security architecture with the zero trust model.
• Evaluated market security solutions, services, and tools.
• Defined requirements for RFPs and assessed proposals.
• Developed, maintained, and monitored security architecture artifacts.
• Conducted security assessments of existing and new IT systems and security services.
• 2018: ISMS consulting for GLS IT Services GmbH.
• Advised on implementing and initially operating an ISMS based on ISO27001.
• Audited the IT environments of GLS country subsidiaries.
• Analyzed and assessed IT security risks and derived necessary measures.
• Developed solution proposals in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
• Managed the project and handed over the ISMS to operations.
• 2016 - 2018: Security pre-sales consultant for Cisco Systems GmbH.
• Provided nationwide strategic and conceptual consulting to major enterprise and financial and insurance clients on Cisco and Meraki security products and services such as Firepower, WSA, ESA, Stealthwatch, and ISE.
• 2017 - 2018: Designed and implemented an ISMS for Verivox GmbH.
• Conducted various BIAs and gap analyses.
• Developed security policies based on ISO 2700x.
• Served as interim information security officer.
• 2017: Developed an emergency concept for VPV Lebensversicherungs-AG.
• Reviewed and updated the IT emergency manual.
• 2016: Consulting and project management for designing cloud & hosting services for Vodafone Group Services GmbH.
• Analyzed and optimized the sell-build-run process.
• Created detailed level designs for cloud products.

• Planning, documentation, installation, and configuration for customer projects
• Fortinet Firewall, FortiAnalyzer, FortiManager
• Cisco FMC (Firewall Management Control)
• WLAN survey and report creation with the Ekahau tool
• Cisco Meraki
• Alcatel Switches
• Cisco Switches, Cisco Nexus Switches
• Project management with customers, SLA contracts

Projects:

Project: RWE – Development of a company-wide Zero Trust cybersecurity architecture (CITADEL) Role: Senior Enterprise Cybersecurity Architect / Zero Trust Architect Company: RWE AG Description: Concept and implementation of the strategic CITADEL cybersecurity target architecture at RWE, based on the Zero Trust architecture principle and aligned with regulatory requirements such as NIS2, ISO 27001 and company-wide security governance policies. The goal was to build a measurable, auditable and scalable security architecture with a strong focus on Identity Governance, compliance transparency and operational manageability. Responsibilities & Achievements:

• Zero Trust architecture design: Developed a company-wide Zero Trust reference architecture (Identity, Device, Network, Application, Data) including trust zones, control points and enforcement mechanisms according to NIS2.
• Identity & Access Governance (IGA): Designed and introduced IGA governance structures including role models, recertification processes, segregation of duties (SoD) and lifecycle management for identities and access.
• Security governance & KPIs: Defined and implemented security KPIs and metrics to manage Zero Trust maturity, identity risks and compliance at the management level.
• Compliance & reporting: Built standardized compliance reports and dashboards to support internal audits, external assessments and regulatory evidence (e.g. NIS2).
• Architecture & stakeholder alignment: Worked closely with Enterprise Architecture, IT operations and business units to integrate the CITADEL architecture into existing IT and security landscapes.
• Strategic security consulting: Advised programs and projects on Zero Trust compliance, identity centricity and regulatory requirements in the energy and critical infrastructure (KRITIS) environment. Technologies & Methods: Zero Trust Architecture, NIS2, Identity Governance & Administration (IGA), IAM, RBAC, SoD, Entra ID, SailPoint, Zscaler, Terraform / IaC, Policy as Code, security KPIs, compliance reporting, NIST 2.0, ISO 27001, Enterprise Security Architecture, governance frameworks, risk & control management

Project: Scalable AI Workbench Platform on Microsoft Azure Role: Cloud Architect & Engineer Company: Siemens Energy Description: Design, development and operation of a secure, modular cloud infrastructure to support Data Science, Machine Learning and AI applications for various engineering teams at Siemens Energy. Responsibilities & Achievements:

• Cloud architecture: Designed and implemented an Infrastructure-as-Code solution (Terraform) for automated provisioning of Azure resources (Resource Groups, Storage Accounts, Cosmos DB, Application Insights, networking, PostgreSQL Flexible Server, Azure Container Apps, Azure Container Registry).
• Developer portal: Used Backstage with custom frontend and backend plugins (Node.js, TypeScript, React.js, PostgreSQL, Container Apps) to enable self-service and empower developers, data scientists and AI/ML engineers.
• Role-based access control: Implemented Azure RBAC to grant targeted access (e.g. Storage Blob Data Contributor, Reader) to engineering groups (e.g. AI Engineers) for relevant resources.
• Data platform engineering: Built and configured a multi-layered storage landscape (Raw, Curated, Vector data), including automated container creation and access control for advanced analytics and AI workloads.
• DevOps integration: Integrated with Azure DevOps for CI/CD pipelines to automate deployment, monitoring and compliance.
• Security & compliance: Implemented Private Endpoints, network policies and Managed Identities to ensure data protection and regulatory compliance.
• Collaboration: Worked closely with cross-functional teams to align the cloud infrastructure with business and technical requirements and drive digital transformation at Siemens Energy. Technologies: Azure, Terraform, Azure DevOps, Cosmos DB, Application Insights, Azure Storage, Private Endpoints, Azure Synapse, Azure Machine Learning, Azure Entra ID, RBAC, Backstage, Node.js, React.js, PostgreSQL, Python (automation), Git

• On-site implementation and upgrade of the life cycle infrastructure for a global partner of a Hays customer.
• On-site implementation for international locations in APAC & AMER.
• Executed on-site life cycle infrastructure upgrades for sites IN-NDA, IN-MOX, US-CAX, US-MOT, CN-YAN, and IN-MOR according to customer requirements. This included project management, administration, network design, optimization, as well as planning and deploying redundant OM4 and OS2 fiber and redundant power systems.
• Designed, upgraded, and migrated data centers for the above sites, including international on-site travel to the USA and India.
• Led and oversaw the network team, providing remote and on-site support for cabling work.
• Created network documentation, including L2 and L3 Visio drawings, IP address planning, network patch plans, power plans, bayface layouts, access point layouts, ISP carrier layouts, data center planning, downtime planning and scheduling, hardware checklists, network device configuration, implementation, test plans, and proposal evaluations.
• Extensive experience with Cisco hardware, including switches (9200, 9300, 9400, 4500, 3850, and 2960 series), WLC (9800, 5505, 3504, and 2800 series APs), ASA (55xx series), and NG Firepower (1010, 1120).
• Maintained documentation, including NetBox, PRTG monitoring, RADIUS, DNS, DHCP, and KX handover sessions, troubleshooting & trainings.
• Life Cycle Technical Guide & Control

• Technical and strategic support for the task force to build a globally available service unit focused on Microsoft Azure Cloud under the Follow the Sun principle and SAFe

• Management and administration of the TOPdesk ticketing system for efficient handling of incidents and service requests within IT Service Management (ITSM)
• Implementation and management of new features in the system for continuous process optimization
• API integration and automation (Freemarker Java Markup Language, FIQL queries) for flexible and efficient system customizations
• Development and code implementation using GIT and Visual Studio Code / Secure Shell for stable, secure, and versioned code
• Automated data imports with action sequences to reduce manual processes and increase efficiency
• Performance optimization in the TOPdesk system: introduced an automated ticket distribution function, reducing execution time from 5 minutes to 30 seconds
• Interface implementation between JIRA and TOPdesk for seamless integration of projects and processes
• Co-development of the TOPdesk–Salesforce–SD-Jira integration to improve the customer service experience
• Collaboration on the loyalty program (Rewe Bonus) to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty
• Support for company-wide ServiceNow rollout: user and role management, upgrade set configuration, creation and customization of transform maps including the definition of coalesced fields
• Development of a temporary interface between ServiceNow and TOPdesk to ensure data consistency and transition processes