William Rodriguez
Cybersecurity Engineer | Security Architect | Educator
Apex, US.About
Highly accomplished Cybersecurity Engineer and Architect with over 18 years of experience in IT security, risk management, and system administration, complemented by an MBA in Entrepreneurship. Adept at translating complex technical concepts into actionable security strategies, leading comprehensive cybersecurity programs, and fostering a strong security culture within diverse organizational environments. Proven ability to design and implement robust security solutions that align with business objectives and regulatory compliance standards like CMMC.
Work
Apex, NC, US
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Summary
Educates a diverse student body on foundational IT principles, cybersecurity, and system administration.
Highlights
Delivers comprehensive instruction to over 100 IT students per semester in core technology concepts, including networking, system administration, and cybersecurity.
Facilitates learning in both virtual and in-person environments, adapting teaching methodologies to diverse student needs and learning styles.
Develops and updates curriculum for an essential IT course, ensuring content remains current with industry best practices and emerging cybersecurity threats.
Raleigh, NC, US
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Summary
Manages and enhances comprehensive cybersecurity defenses for a major university, focusing on endpoint protection, compliance, and cultural development.
Highlights
Engineers and deploys advanced endpoint protection solutions across the university, safeguarding critical assets and sensitive data for thousands of users.
Maintains and ensures CMMC compliance for the Secure Research (SURE) environment, protecting high-value research data and intellectual property.
Deploys and implements a suite of security tools across the university infrastructure, significantly enhancing overall security posture.
Co-chairs the CyberSecurity Awareness team, developing and executing initiatives to cultivate a robust cybersecurity culture across the university community.
Orlando, FL, US
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Summary
Spearheaded the establishment of the first dedicated IT Security Architect function, transitioning from Senior System Administrator to build and mature a comprehensive cybersecurity program for the college.
Highlights
Established and led the inaugural IT Security Architect role, building a foundational security culture and framework across the entire college.
Integrated cybersecurity into the contract approval process, collaborating with the risk management team to mandate HECVAT assessments for all cloud contracts, enhancing vendor security posture.
Developed and delivered comprehensive end-user security training, including new hire orientation and departmental sessions, significantly elevating campus-wide security awareness.
Directed the implementation of secure system templates, collaborating with System Administrators to standardize security configurations across all college systems.
Authored and approved all firewall rules, partnering with the network team for seamless implementation, and maintained the Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system to enhance threat detection.
Co-developed and revised the college's privacy policy to align with evolving data standards, successfully incorporating GDPR compliance requirements.
Orchestrated campus-wide cybersecurity awareness campaigns, including National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) initiatives, to promote best practices and reduce organizational risk.
Orlando, FL, US
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Summary
Managed technical operations for a remote site, ensuring high system availability and optimal user productivity.
Highlights
Managed a technical team at a remote site, overseeing all IT operations and support functions for McGraw-Hill.
Ensured high system availability and reliability, minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency for critical business processes.
Optimized IT infrastructure and support services, enabling all users to perform their job functions effectively and without interruption.
Skills
Cybersecurity
Endpoint Protection, CMMC Compliance, SIEM Management, Firewall Management, Risk Management, Security Awareness Training, Incident Response, GDPR Compliance, Data Privacy, System Security, Infrastructure Security, Network Security, Cloud Security, Security Architecture.
IT Management & Operations
System Administration, IT Operations, Technical Leadership, Team Management, Project Management, Cloud Contract Review, System Availability, IT Infrastructure.
Education & Training
Curriculum Development, Technical Instruction, Adult Learning, Public Speaking, Cybersecurity Education, Mentorship.
Business Acumen
Business Requirements Alignment, Strategic Planning, Entrepreneurship, Stakeholder Engagement, Policy Development.
Interests
Personal
Family, Health and Fitness.
Professional Development
Teaching, Reading, Continuous Learning.