Tharaka Francis

Tharaka Francis

Customer Support Engineer

Followers of Tharaka Francis30000 followers
location of Tharaka FrancisColombo District, Western Province, Sri Lanka

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Technology Enthusiast | MSc Network & Infosec | BSc (Hons) Computing | MCT | Azure Solutions Architect | MCSE | MCSA | Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect | Microsoft 365 Expert

  • Education

    • Lalith Athulathmudali Vocational Training Center

      2011 -
      Linux Network Administration Red Hat Enterprise Linux

      ▸ Linux Distribution (RHEL / CENTOS)▸ Linux Kernel/Boot Process▸ Linux File Systems▸ Package Management (YUM/RPM)▸ User Management▸ Domain Name Service (BIND)▸ Introduction of open source software▸ Proxy server▸ Mail Server (Postfix)▸ Web Server Administration

    • Kingston University

      -
      Master of Science Network & Information Security Distinction

      ▸ Cryptography and Applications▸ Wireless Communications and Network▸ Data Communications▸ Network and Information Security▸ Project Dissertation (Project Title: Cost-Effective, High Availability SCCM Architecture with Cloud Management Gateway and Advanced Endpoint Security)

    • Isipathana College - Colombo 05

      -
      Advanced Level in Mathematics Stream

      ▸ Chemistry▸ Physics▸ Combined Maths▸ General English

    • University of Colombo School of Computing

      2011 -
      Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) - Dip. IT Information Technology

      ▸ Information Systems & Technology▸ Web Application Development▸ Computer Systems▸ Introductory Mathematics▸ Personal Computing▸ Mathematics for Computing▸ Programming▸ Database Systems▸ Systems Analysis & Design

    • Wrexham University

      -
      BSc (Hons) Computing Upper Second-Class Honours

      ▸ Network Management▸ Distributed Data▸ IT Project Management▸ 21st Century Computing▸ Project Dissertation (Project Title: Cost-Effective Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity Plan)

    • ANC - NetAssist International

      2008 -
      Diploma in Information Communication Technology (ICT)

      ▸ The International Computer Driving License (ICDL)▸ Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)▸ Microsoft base Programming and Networking▸ Computerized Accounting▸ Business English

  • Experience

    • Advanced Micro Technology (Pvt) Ltd

      Aug 2010 - Jan 2011
      Customer Support Engineer

      ▸Service and Maintenance of Laptops and Server (Super Micro & HP servers).▸Trouble Shooting Desktops, Laptops, and Servers.▸Operating system and Application Software Installation.▸Network installation and Maintenance, Router Configuration.▸Internet Related Application Maintenance.▸Virus Guards Installation and Troubleshooting.▸Technical support for Customers.

    • United Motors Lanka PLC

      May 2013 - Jul 2015
      IT Engineer

      ▸ Provide IT support for over 500 users in 40 branches on the system, network, and email-related issues in a Windows/Linux server and Oracle backend environment.▸ Managing and troubleshooting company LAN and WAN.▸ Installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting desktops, laptops, printers, UPS, routers, and switches.▸ ERP System Support with Local and Remote Users▸ Maintain the Kaspersky antivirus server and update client computers.▸ Maintain and update the company website.▸ Troubleshooting Internet and email-related issues (Zimbra and Outlook).▸ Video conferencing management and administration, Cisco WebEx Meetings.▸ Coordinating with outside vendors and service providers for hardware, software, and network service level issues and maintenance. ▸ Testing and evaluating new technology. Show less

    • HelloCorp (Pvt.) Ltd.

      Jul 2015 - Oct 2015
      IT Engineer

      ▸ Administering the voice servers, client infrastructure, and its diverse global clientele.▸ Managing and Troubleshooting LAN, WAN, SIP, VoIP, Server and Client infrastructure of the Sri Lankan Airlines Global Contact Center, Mobitel Contact Center, Expo Freight Logistics, Amana Contact Center, and other Global Clients such as eBay customer support Center, etc.▸ Administrating Active Directory, File Server, and other Windows 2008R2 server environments.▸ Administrating and managing server virtualization platforms, VMware and Hyper-V.▸ Administrating Office 365 cloud infrastructure.▸ Provide IT technical support for clients with remote, on-call, and client visits.▸ Following ISO 27001 Standards for Information Security.▸ Network and server monitoring with PRTG.▸ Microsoft Azure AD and ADFS service management.▸ Managing Microsoft DPM Backups. Show less

    • PwC

      Oct 2015 - Jul 2020

      ▸ Administrating AD, FSRM, DNS, DHCP, RADIUS, SCCM, MBAM, and Other Windows 2008 R2, 2012 R2, and 2016 Server environments in PwC Sri Lanka and Maldives.▸ Administrating Microsoft SQL Server 2008R2, 2014, 2016, and 2017 database environments.▸ Administrating VMware virtualization platforms.▸ Administrating Palo Alto firewall.▸ Managing server environments with CyberArk privileged access management.▸Administering endpoint security (Cylance, Windows Defender, Digital Guardian, and Thycotic).▸ Remediation of Network and Security Vulnerabilities with Qualys Vulnerability Management.▸ Administrating McAfee EPO, DLP, and Endpoint Protection on all servers.▸ Managing IT services with ServiceNow (Incidents, Problems, Change, and Knowledge).▸ Administering web servers (IIS and Apache).▸ Administrating IBM Domino, Implementing Lotus Notes-based Business Applications, and Email.▸Administrating Google Suite Enterprise.▸ Overlook the maintenance and user support functions relating to local applications, software, hardware, and servers for users in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.▸ Test, review, and update all patches, including security patches, on all servers and client PCs.▸ Review and maintain ISO 27001-ISMS security compliance.▸ Ensure compliance with firms' IT security requirements, including Information Security Management System (ISMS), in all the above areas and monitor status regularly.▸ Maintaining server backups.▸ Mobile device management with VMware Workspace ONE and MobileIron.▸ IT Procurement. Show less ▸ Administrating AD, FSRM, DNS, DHCP, RADIUS, SCCM, MBAM, and Other Windows 2008 R2, 2012 R2, and 2016 Server environments in PwC Sri Lanka and Maldives.▸ Administrating Microsoft SQL Server 2008R2, 2014, 2016, and 2017 database environments.▸ Administrating VMware virtualization platforms.▸ Managing server environments with CyberArk privileged access management.▸ Administering endpoint security (Cylance, Windows Defender, Digital Guardian, and Thycotic).▸ Remediation of Network and Security Vulnerabilities with Qualys Vulnerability Management.▸ Administrating McAfee EPO, DLP, and Endpoint Protection on all servers.▸ Managing IT services with ServiceNow (Incidents, Problems, Change, and Knowledge).▸ Administering web servers (IIS and Apache).▸ Administrating IBM Domino, Implementing Lotus Notes-based Business Applications, and Email.▸ Administrating Google Suite Enterprise.▸ Overlook the maintenance and user support functions relating to local applications, software, hardware, and servers for users in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.▸ Test, review, and update all patches, including security patches, on all servers and client PCs.▸ Review and maintain ISO 27001-ISMS security compliance.▸ Ensure compliance with firms' IT Security requirements including Information Security Management System (ISMS) in all above areas and monitor status regularly.▸ Maintaining server backups.▸ Mobile device management with VMware Workspace ONE and MobileIron.▸ IT Procurement. Show less ▸ Administrating AD, FSRM, DNS, and DHCP Server Environments in PwC Sri Lanka and the Maldives.▸ Managing server environments with CyberArk privileged access management.▸ Administering endpoint security (Cylance, Windows Defender, Digital Guardian, and Thycotic).▸ Remediation of Network and Security Vulnerabilities with Qualys Vulnerability Management.▸ Administrating McAfee EPO, DLP, and Endpoint Protection on all servers.▸ Managing IT services with ServiceNow (Incidents, Problems, Change, and Knowledge).▸ Administering web servers (IIS and Apache).▸ Administrating IBM Domino, Implementing Lotus Notes-based Business Applications, and Email.▸ Overlook the maintenance and user support functions relating to local applications, software, hardware, and servers for users in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.▸ Test, review, and update all patches, including security patches, on all servers and client PCs.▸ Reviewing and maintaining ISO 27001-ISMS security compliance.▸ Ensure compliance with firms' IT security requirements, including Information Security Management System (ISMS) in all the above areas and monitor status regularly.▸ Maintaining server backups.▸ Mobile device management with VMware Workspace ONE and MobileIron.▸ IT Procurement. Show less

      • Senior Executive - GTS (Global Technology Solutions)

        Jul 2019 - Jul 2020
      • Executive - GTS (Global Technology Solutions)

        Jul 2017 - Jun 2019
      • Senior Associate - GTS (Global Technology Solutions)

        Oct 2015 - Jun 2017
    • Wiley

      Jul 2020 - now

      ▸ Global Technical Support (On-Call and Remote)Effectively delivered comprehensive technical support to a diverse workforce exceeding 7,000 employees. Headquarters located in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA, with operations spanning over 40 countries, including the UK, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Australia, Denmark, Dubai, Singapore, Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, and beyond. ▸ OS and Application Troubleshooting Proficiently troubleshoot a wide range of operating systems (Windows, Linux, Mac) and application-related issues, such as Microsoft 365, Azure, SCCM, Intune, Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD), Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), F5 VPN, Forti Client, Five 9, AS400, SAP, Adobe apps, ServiceNow, Salesforce, Workday, and more.▸ Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Issues Acted as a reliable point of contact for advanced troubleshooting, proactively addressing long-standing OS and application issues, and delivering effective solutions to enhance system performance and user productivity.▸ Vulnerabilities Remediation and Security ScanningExecuted meticulous vulnerability remediation measures, ensuring the security and integrity of end-user systems. Conducted thorough security scans to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks, thus fortifying the organization's cyber defense capabilities.▸ Technical Support for Major IncidentsPlayed a pivotal role in providing expert technical support during major incidents, offering rapid response and resolution to critical situations. Maintained composure under pressure, effectively communicating with stakeholders, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to swiftly restore normal operations.▸ IT Project Implementation and SupportSuccessfully executed and supported various IT projects, leveraging technical expertise and collaborative teamwork to ensure seamless implementation, minimize risks, and achieve project objectives. Show less ▸ Global Technical Support (On-Call and Remote)Effectively delivered comprehensive technical support to a diverse workforce exceeding 7,000 employees. Headquarters located in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA, with operations spanning over 40 countries, including the UK, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Australia, Denmark, Dubai, Singapore, Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, and beyond. ▸ OS and Application Troubleshooting Proficiently troubleshoot a wide range of operating systems (Windows, Linux, Mac) and application-related issues, such as Microsoft 365, Azure, SCCM, Intune, Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD), Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), F5 VPN, Forti Client, Five 9, AS400, SAP, Adobe apps, ServiceNow, Salesforce, Workday, and more.▸ Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Issues Acted as a reliable point of contact for advanced troubleshooting, proactively addressing long-standing OS and application issues, and delivering effective solutions to enhance system performance and user productivity.▸ Vulnerabilities Remediation and Security ScanningExecuted meticulous vulnerability remediation measures, ensuring the security and integrity of end-user systems. Conducted thorough security scans to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks, thus fortifying the organization's cyber defense capabilities.▸ Technical Support for Major IncidentsPlayed a pivotal role in providing expert technical support during major incidents, offering rapid response and resolution to critical situations. Maintained composure under pressure, effectively communicating with stakeholders, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to swiftly restore normal operations. Show less

      • Associate Technical Specialist

        Jul 2023 - now
      • Senior Engineer

        Jul 2020 - Jun 2023
    • Microsoft

      Nov 2020 - now
      Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)

      Windows Server | Azure | SCCM | Microsoft 365

  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate

      Microsoft
      Mar 2022
      View certificate certificate
    • MCSE: Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert - Core Infrastructure

      Microsoft
      Dec 2019
      View certificate certificate
    • Google Certified Data Analytics

      Google
      Aug 2022
      View certificate certificate
    • MCSA: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate - Windows Server 2016 (Charter)

      Microsoft
      Jan 2019
      View certificate certificate
    • MCSA: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate - Windows Server 2012

      Microsoft
      Jan 2019
      View certificate certificate
    • AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials: Architecting

      Amazon Web Services (AWS)
      Oct 2018
      View certificate certificate
    • MCP: Microsoft Certified Professional - Windows Server 2012

      Microsoft
      Sept 2017
      View certificate certificate
    • International Computer Driving License (ICDL) v5.0

      ECDL / ICDL Certification
      Mar 2013
      View certificate certificate
    • Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate

      Microsoft
      Feb 2022
      View certificate certificate
    • MCP: Microsoft Certified Professional - Windows XP Professional

      Microsoft
      Mar 2013
      View certificate certificate
  • Volunteer Experience

    • Volunteer

      Issued by PwC Sri Lanka
      PwC Sri LankaAssociated with Tharaka Francis