Michael Knittel

Michael Knittel

Security Technician Supervisor

Followers of Michael Knittel141 followers
location of Michael KnittelOmaha, Nebraska, United States

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Senior Distributed Platform Systems Engineer - Windows Operations | Cyber Remediation Lead

  • Education

    • Western Governors University

      2023 - 2024
      Master of Science - MS Cyber Security and Information Assurance
    • Western Governors University

      2018 - 2022
      Bachelor's of Science Cyber Security & Information Assurance
    • National University

      2024 -
      Doctor of Philosophy - PhD Computer Science
  • Experience

    • MasTec Advanced Technologies

      Mar 2014 - Oct 2016
      Security Technician Supervisor

      Supervised a team of 10+ technicians. Trained new technicians on AT&T Digital Life products.

    • Complete Security Solutions

      Oct 2016 - Jun 2017
      Service Coordinator
    • Broadway Restaurant Group, LLC

      Jun 2017 - Apr 2022
      Senior Information Technology (IT) Field Support

      In my role as Team Leader for Junior Technicians, I oversaw comprehensive IT support, including troubleshooting network issues, managing Sicom/Xenial, and NCR POS (Point of Sale) systems for over 60 Burger King locations across Missouri and Illinois. Beyond technical oversight, my responsibilities expanded to include strategic management tasks such as developing and implementing operational policies, coordinating field service activities, and optimizing resource allocation to ensure efficiency and service excellence.Key management duties involved:Strategic Leadership: Guided the team towards achieving service excellence through effective training, mentoring, and performance monitoring.Operational Management: Managed daily field service operations, including metric tracking, scheduling, and inventory control, to enhance productivity and meet organizational targets.Resource Optimization: Allocated human and technical resources strategically to maximize coverage and response times across all locations.Training and Development: Conducted comprehensive training programs for technicians and end-users, enhancing their proficiency in critical IT systems and security practices.Quality Assurance: Implemented quality control measures to ensure IT services met or exceeded established standards and compliance requirements.Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborated with senior management and external vendors to align IT support services with business objectives and ensure seamless technology integration.Through a combination of technical acumen and strategic management, I supported day-to-day operations and contributed to the long-term success of our IT infrastructure across the Burger King franchise network. Show less

    • RedKnowledge

      Apr 2021 - now
      Founder | Senior Engineer

      RedKnowledge is a Managed I.T. Service Provider that offers small to mid-sized businesses tailored and scalable I.T. services. With a strong focus on organization hardware and software support, our team of experienced professionals is committed to ensuring seamless and efficient I.T. infrastructure for our clients. In addition to our expertise in troubleshooting and maintaining computer systems, we excel in complete sales and support of all Google Workspace and Office 365 account and product management. Moreover, we recognize the growing importance of cloud solutions and offer a range of services, including data storage, backup, and disaster recovery, to help businesses thrive. Show less

    • Goedecke

      Apr 2022 - Jul 2023
      Systems Administrator | Developer

      I spearhead the design, implementation, and maintenance of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, including Oracle NetSuite, Infor Facts, and custom ERP solutions. My role extends to developing front-end web applications for our OneStop/Goedecke GPS resource system using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and managing Google Workspace for 100+ users.I leverage PowerShell and Python scripts to automate system backups and batch jobs. My expertise in cloud architecture led to the successful migration of web and database servers from on-premises to AWS, enhancing our IT infrastructure's efficiency and scalability. I ensure the smooth operation of over 100 devices, encompassing Windows and Mac OS desktops, laptops, and mobile devices on iOS and Android platforms.A key part of my role involves bolstering security through Web Application Vulnerability scanning and patching with tools like Qualys, Kali Linux, and Security Onion, ensuring PCI-DSS compliance for our ERP system. I've also configured and maintained network hardware, including routers and switches, and provided comprehensive support for end-user issues across various operating systems and applications.Additionally, I conduct risk analysis and draft disaster recovery plans, crucial for our company's cybersecurity insurance requirements. Show less

    • Fiserv

      Jun 2023 - now

      As a seasoned cybersecurity professional, I have recently embraced the role of Cyber Vulnerability Remediation Lead, where I specialize in identifying, assessing, and mitigating vulnerabilities within our organization's IT infrastructure. With a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and a proactive approach to threat management, I am committed to enhancing our security posture and safeguarding our digital assets against evolving cyber threats.Key Responsibilities:Vulnerability Assessment: Lead the identification and assessment of vulnerabilities in software, systems, and network infrastructures. Utilize advanced scanning tools and techniques to detect security weaknesses and prioritize them based on severity and impact.Remediation Strategy Development: Develop comprehensive remediation strategies to address identified vulnerabilities. Collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams to ensure timely and effective implementation of corrective measures.Patch Management: Oversee the patch management process, ensuring that patches and updates are applied promptly to mitigate vulnerabilities. Coordinate with vendors and internal teams to facilitate smooth patch deployments.Risk Analysis and Reporting: Conduct thorough risk analyses to understand the potential impact of vulnerabilities on the organization. Prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting current security posture, identified risks, and recommended actions.Incident Response Support: Provide expert guidance and support during cybersecurity incidents related to vulnerabilities. Assist in the investigation and resolution of incidents to minimize impact and prevent recurrence.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with various departments, including IT, development, and network teams, to foster a culture of security awareness and ensure adherence to best practices in vulnerability management. Show less As a Senior Engineer, I have been pivotal in maintaining and supporting a vast infrastructure of over 50,000 servers across multiple data centers in the United States. My expertise spans capacity management, the installation and troubleshooting of software and applications, and rigorous patch control to ensure optimal performance and security.Key Contributions and Technologies:Automation and Development: Proficient in automating routine tasks using Python and PowerShell, significantly enhancing operational efficiency. I have also developed graphical applications tailored for junior-level engineers, facilitating their day-to-day operations.Notable Projects:RFIComply: A cutting-edge application I conceived and developed using PowerShell, leveraging the UI Automation .NET API. This tool simplifies SOC compliance by enabling users to upload a list of targets and automating various tasks without the need for client software on each machine. It initiates remote sessions, scans for compliance, updates non-compliant items, captures policy and group screenshots, and compiles reports in Microsoft Word format—all executed from the user's machine.STIGnify: A specialized application designed to automate the STIG process for hardening government systems and workstations, employing the Django framework for backend processes with PowerShell integration, and Bootstrap for the frontend. This tool represents a significant stride in securing and streamlining compliance procedures.System and Network Management:Active Directory: Expert in supporting and maintaining Active Directory environments across more than 100 domains, ensuring robust access control and directory services.Incident Response and Escalation:Act as the senior point of contact for system outages, escalation issues, and application-related concerns, particularly regarding Windows Server environments.Compliance and Security: Dedicated to maintaining STIG compliance and hardening for government systems. Show less

      • Cyber Vulnerability Remediation Lead

        Feb 2024 - now
      • Sr. Distributed Platform Systems Engineer - Windows Operations

        Jun 2023 - now
  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Certified Internet Webmaster Associate (CIW)

      Certification Partners (CIW)
      Jun 2019
    • Verint IP Cameras

      Verint-Systems
      Nov 2018
      View certificate certificate
    • CompTIA Security+ ce Certification

      CompTIA
      Aug 2020
      View certificate certificate
    • ITIL Service Operation

      PeopleCert
      Mar 2019
    • CompTIA IT Operations Specialist

      CompTIA
      Jun 2020
    • CompTIA Network+

      CompTIA
      Jun 2020
    • CompTIA A+

      CompTIA
      Jan 2020
    • CompTIA Security+

      CompTIA
      Aug 2020
    • CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist – CSIS Stackable Certification

      CompTIA
      Aug 2020
      View certificate certificate
    • Level 1 Alarm License

      ESA - Electronic Security Association