Aber Abozkhar

About the Candidate

Cybersecurity Frameworks- Risk Assessment & Mitigation-Information Security Management-Gap Analysis-Data Analytics -ISO Standards & Privacy Applications-Client Engagement-Relationship Building

A motivated and skilled Software Engineer with a Master’s degree from Concordia University in Software Engineering and advanced Information and Cybersecurity Leadership Certification from uOttawa-PDI.

Professional experience in Cybersecurity best practices, regulations, and compliances with sound understanding and application of NIST-CSF and ISO 27001. Currently enhancing knowledge in Python, R, and SQL. Seeking employment to utilize skills and knowledge effectively for the growth of the organization and become an asset.

œ  Advanced proficiency with various computer programs and software applications, including but not limited to MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, & Outlook), Google Suite (Gmail & Google Drive/Docs/Slides), Internet research tools, virtual meeting technologies, and social media platforms.

œ  Basic background in network connectivity troubleshooting.

œ  Excellent technical writing and research abilities with a proven commitment to continuously upgrading knowledge and skills in IT and cybersecurity.

œ  Productive self-starter with exceptional talent to collaborate effectively with clients, stakeholders, and colleagues across all levels in the organization.

œ  Strong communication skills; fluent in English & Arabic, and intermediate in French.

Technical Skills:          

Programming Languages            Java and C++ [Intermediate] | Python, R, and SQL [Intermediate]

Automatic Tools                         Logiscope and JDeodorant [Advanced, ~2 years of working knowledge]

Design Lead, Capstone Project: Information Security Management System (ISMS) Planning – Tea & Toast | February 2022

§  Collaborated with a team in designing an ISMS plan for Tea & Toast (a retirement home advisory service provider).

§  Participated in a meeting with the client and collected the required information to establish the context of the organization.

§  Conducted gap analysis to determine whether the client is meeting expectations and using its resources effectively.

§  Addressed the 4 pillars of cybersecurity – Security, Safety, Privacy, & Technology.

§  Identified, assessed, and documented in detail the risk to the CIA (Confidentiality, Integrity, & Availability) of the client’s assets and resources.

§  Developed and recommended solutions to mitigate risks

Employment & Volunteer Experience
South-East Ottawa Community Health Center | Ottawa, Canada                                                             October 2019 – March 2020

(An organization that works with the diverse community of South-East Ottawa, with partners throughout the region to provide and advocate integrated and holistic primary health care, social services, and community development.)

TEAM LEADER VOLUNTEER

§  Provided deep technical assistance in resolving issues that the clients may face.

§  Supported in IT-related tasks such as identifying and troubleshooting software or computer system issues.

§  Established relationships with various stakeholders including the clients, community partners, and colleagues.

§  Responded to over 100 phone calls and emails to address clients’ problems which led to improving the team metrics.

§  Provided assistance and referrals in applying for appropriate programs and services.

§  Handled financial transactions with speed and accuracy according to organizational policies and procedures.

§  Collaborated with staff members in gathering requirements to reach the desired outcomes.

OCDSB International Language Program | Ottawa, Canada                                                                       October 2018 – April 2019

(Institution that offers different International Languages at 11 elementary schools as After School Programs.)

Business analyst Volunteer     

§  Helped in identifying and troubleshooting a problem or fault within the software or computer system.

§  Gathered requirements in leading the team to reach the desired outcome.

§  Led and supervised small group instruction and conversation activities.

§  Collaborated with a team member to organize and set up materials and activities for each week.

§  Assisted clients in applying for programs and services provided.

Concordia University | Quebec, Canada                                                                                                 January 2013 – December 2014

(An English-language public comprehensive research university in Montreal, founded in 1974.)

ADMINISTRATIVE/EVENT COORDINATOR

§  Welcomed the parents, guardians, and families of new students to the university community; provided general information about available services offered by the institution.

§  Worked with parents in exploring various ways of supporting individual students to ensure their success such as referring them to math tutoring classes.

§  Organized social and collaborative activities for students, parents, and instructors.

§  Participated in meetings and contributed ideas to ensure ongoing resources and support for parents.

Al Jumhouria Bank | Yefran, Libya                                                                                                      September 2008 –February 2011

(Is a financial institution located in Libya and part of the Depository Credit Intermediation industry.)

Customer Service Representative

§  Responded to hundreds of customer inquiries, providing information on bank accounts, policies, products, and services to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.

§  Maintained a calm and polite demeanor especially when customers expressed dissatisfaction and disappointment to effectively address concerns.

§  Provided technical support to customers on a wide range of banks’ products and services.

§  Developed strong public relations strategies to promote products, ideas, and services aligned with the company’s vision, objectives, and promotional policies.

§  Built knowledge of the entire line of products and services provided by the bank.

Practice Firm Training                                                                                                                         February 2022 – March 2022
Axiom | Toronto, Canada                                                                                                                              

(A management consulting and IT services company serving small enterprises to large organizations in North America.)

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND CYBER SECURITY STUDENT TRAINEE

§  Gained a practical understanding of how to implement information and cyber security tasks, internal security audits, and penetration testing in an actual work scenario through a trainer-led virtual platform.

ACN-WS Mentorship Program | Ottawa, Canada                                                                          February 2022 – March 2022

(A partnership between Accenture and World Skills that aims to prepare IT professionals in finding gainful employment in Ottawa.)

§  Mentored on the overall IT landscape and received support in creating the right resume, preparing for job interviews, navigating networks and resources, and advancing onwards.

Academic Qualification & Professional Development

• Master of Science in Software Engineering         Concordia University (Canada) / Earned, June 2015
• Bachelor of Computer Sciences                          Aljabal Algharbi University (Libya) / Earned, June 2004
• Security Systems Professional Essential Labs: Learning Tree International (Canada) | March 2022 – In Progress
• Introduction to Python Training: Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (Canada) | March 2022 – In Progress
• Data Analytics Program: Skills For Change in partnership with TD Bank (Canada) | January 2022 – March 2022
• Advanced Information and Cyber Security Leadership Certificate: University of Ottawa – Professional Development Institute (Canada) | November 2021 – March 2022
• Computer Skills Course
• Service Excellence & IKEA Customer Experience Training
• Software Tools Course
• Communication in the Canadian Workplace
• Empowering Newcomer Women Program