Vlad Gostom

 (201)783-7501

recompiler@omnistep.com

 

OBJECTIVE

To obtain a challenging position as a network security professional.

 

SUMMARY

               Tools and Utilities:

NMap – Utilized nmap for penetration testing and verifying server integrity. Utilized logging to database, performed comparison on results of scheduled scans and produced reports.

Nessus – Setup, configured, maintained and updated nessus. Wrote own custom rules, performed scanning, and scheduled automated scanning, logging and alerting.

SNORT – Setup, configured and maintained snort in passive sensor mode and in in-line mode. Customized rule set and wrote custom rules. Participated in rewriting the libpcap sniffer used by snort and the database logging plug in due to them being intentionally crippled by SourceFire. Participated in a project that utilized snort and several other custom written applications. Active participant in Bleeding Snort.

EnCase – participated in a course approved by Guidance Software, performed various coarse work in a lab environment. Successfully completed the computer forensics and investigations exam with a perfect grade. Assisted in investigating compromised honeypot machines and in handling internal investigations.

CGI, Web and Network Vulnerability Scanners – Utilized various web vulnerability scanners and ‘fuzzers’ to perform black box and gray box testing against web based applications and web servers. Some of the utilities included Appscan, WebInspect, Spi Proxy, SpiKe Proxy, Fiddler, source insight, Olydebug, Metasploit Framework, SSL Digger, Paros, Wikto, WEB Scarab, Internet Information Security Scanner, Qualys.

Programming Languages: C++, SQL, C#, PHP4, PHP5, ASP, Perl, Turbo Pascal, Turbo Assembler

            OSes and Environments: Windows 95/98/NT/2K/XP/2003, Linux, UNIX, Apache, Checkpoint Firewall, Cisco PIX, Tipping Point IPS, Webalizer, IIS4, IIS5, LDAP

 

EXPERIENCE

 

NET2S New York, NY
Senior Security Engineer (November 2006 – Present)

Performed penetration testing for global banking, telecommunications and service industry clients. Performed over 300 vulnerability assessments, for fortune 200 companies. Developed information security guidelines, vulnerability assessment guidelines, best practices, and incident response plans for clients. Supervised the on-site vulnerability assessment team, reviewed reports, conducted quality assurance, scheduled vulnerability assessments, managed relationships with clients. Performed comparative testing against competing vulnerability assessment teams and clients overseas assets.

Performed vulnerability assessments on web applications, embedded network devices, VoIP telephones, and ISP infrastructure that included WiFi as last mile solution.

 

Protiviti New York, NY

 Senior Consultant – Technology Risk Division (September – November 2006)

            Performed penetration testing for various financial institutions. Audited for compliance to industry best practices, internal policies and various guidelines in preparation for internal audit, SOX audit or PCI audit.

Designed and helped implement network intrusion detection system for the largest VoIP provider in the world. Deployment included designing and writing custom signatures for use within the organization.

Conducted vulnerability assessments for units of New York City Government.

 

NET2S New York, NY
Security Analyst (December 2005 – September 2006)

Part of the team testing every Internet facing application client has, including Brokerage services, Payroll, multiple financial applications, Retirement Services, Tax tools, and intranet portal.  Tested client’s authentication methods and Single Sign On Solutions for intranet/extranet portal, as well as custom hosted environments.

Utilizing proven test methodologies, was instrumental in increasing network security and security awareness.  Performed Gap Analysis of security factors, and recommended mitigating strategies and tactics for gaps.

Testing performed using off-site and on-site machines, at various hours of day and night.

 

Network Security Solutions. Newark, NJ
Consultant (March 2004 – December 2005)

Participated in full life cycle development of an Intrusion Detection/Intrusion Prevention Systems. Developed specifications, implemented numerous modules, conducted code review and supervised a team of developers, conducted testing.

Performed security auditing and penetration testing on government and private networks.

Wrote specifications and implemented a secure setup and configuration of a security appliance with Security Enhanced Linux, Apache, PHP, Postgres SQL, WebMin and various other software packages.

Designed, implemented and maintained an IDS testbed network for evaluating IDS systems. Worked with Bleeding SNORT group to test and optimize SNORT rules.

Audited malicious code (viruses, worms, exploits) to research more effective detection techniques.

Wrote custom exploits to audit proof of concept systems, products, and competing systems.

Designed and implemented a 2012 node cluster to simulate a wireless ad-hoc network for testing various aspects of Future Warrior Combat System. Participated in various DARPA funded contracts.

Helped found and currently leads the response team responsible for investigating reports of compromised architecture for clients employing the CONEX Guard IPS. The team is also primarily responsible for maintaining and analyzing the deployed honeypot network.

 

NJIT- Smart Campus Project Newark, NJ
Senior Applications Developer and Network Operations (2003 – 2005)

Implemented and deployed applications for wireless community network systems and research projects. Lead a development team working on ActiveCampus. SmartCampus allows for real time location of users of a wireless network. Responsibilities included configuring and securing all project servers and infrastructure. Project is run in conjunction with UCSD. Supported various NSF funded studies.

 

Spraga LTD Somerville, NJ
Network Security and Systems Operation (2003 – 2004)

Designed, deployed and secured a wireless network in downtown Somerville NJ. Developed and maintained applications to enable customer tracking and billing.

 

Reed Elsevier New Providence, NJ
WEB Applications Developer (1999 - 2002)

Performed development and troubleshooting of PHP4 applications. Developed PHP4 applications to help maintain and automate various procedures on UNIX. Developed web interfaces for UNIX shell scripts. Assisted in transition from IIS/ASP to apache/PHP including carrying out full code conversion.  Participated in full life cycle development of a web based applications.

 

 

 

 

 

EDUCATION

 

         

2000 – 2005

New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark NJ. (Information Systems, Minor in Legal Studies)

2004

Computer Forensics and Investigations Course + hands on lab

2003

Network Security Auditing and Best Security Practices Course + hands on lab

2002

Advanced cryptography, Security and protocol analysis coarse

2002

Cyber Law and Computer Investigations Course

1996 – 2000

Middlesex High School, Middlesex NJ.