Akua Amos-Abanyie
Claymont,DE
Summary
Results-driven cybersecurity leader with over a decade of experience in security operations, incident response, and automation. Proven expertise in managing SOAR initiatives, developing scalable playbooks, and enhancing threat detection capabilities. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, aligning security strategies with business objectives, and driving continuous improvement in cyber defense operations.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Security Automation Manager
Vanguard
11.2022 - Current
- Lead the Security Automation (SOAR) team, delivering a 40% reduction in average incident response time through the deployment of over 30 automated playbooks.
- Collaborate with threat intelligence and incident response teams to streamline triage workflows, increasing SOC efficiency by 30%.
- Oversee the development and optimization of Splunk SOAR and Tines workflows, reducing manual analyst intervention by 60% across high-volume alert categories.
- Provide strategic direction for automation initiatives and ensure alignment with organizational security goals.
SIEM Analyst
Vanguard
08.2019 - 10.2022
- Created security monitoring rules, dashboards and reports for SOC2 controls, threat hunting and incident response in Splunk.
- Gathered requirements to assist in building and testing playbooks in Splunk SOAR to minimize hands on time for incident handlers.
- Monitored and maintained scheduled reports, dashboards and correlation searches for accuracy and performance.
- Mentored junior team members in best practices for utilizing the full range of features and capabilities within the organization's SIEM platform.
- Increased system security by developing custom correlation rules for SIEM platform.
- Assisted with the documentation of standard operating procedures to improve incident response times and CSOC functions.
Incident Handler
Vanguard
01.2017 - 08.2019
- Monitored Vanguard's infrastructure for security events, triaging and average of 100 alerts weekly and reducing false positives by 20% through refined detection logic.
- Maintained and updated over 50 technical documents and workflows, improving consistency and reducing onboarding time for analysts by 20%.
- Monitored network security tools to identify suspicious or potentially malicious traffic.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to enhance network visibility, leading to a 10% increase in detection coverage across critical assets.
- Participated in 10+ cross-functional security projects, including tool evaluations and process automation pilots.
Systems Engineer
Vanguard
04.2015 - 01.2017
- Integrated third-party physical security products into the production environment.
- Provided tier 3 technical support and conducted security software training.
- Led the evaluation and implementation of RFID system to track over 30,000 assets.
- Coordinated system upgrades and integrations for global security applications.
Software Developer
Vanguard
06.2013 - 04.2015
- Developed middle tier business logic for the cashflow engine within Personal Advisor Service project.
- Contributed to systems analysis, design, and integration testing using agile methodology.
- Debugged issues related to elevated functionality developed during project lifecycle.
- Improved code quality by implementing unit and integration tests.
Production Support Analyst
Vanguard
07.2012 - 06.2013
- Developed technical fixes for production defects in Financial Advisor Services applications.
- Worked with business counterparts to resolve critical issues efficiently.
- Performed technical upgrades for compatibility with new vendor software versions.
Education
Master of Science - Information Systems
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA06-2014
Bachelor of Science - Engineering Management Systems
Columbia University
New York, NY05-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Mathematics
Arcadia University
Glenside, PA05-2009
Skills
- Analytical Thinking
- Cross-Team Collaboration
- Workflow Optimization
- SOAR Playbook Development
- API Management
- Incident Response
- SIEM Correlation
- Effective Communication
- Project Management
Certification
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- CompTIA Security+
- Splunk Certified Power User
- Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals
Timeline
Security Automation Manager
Vanguard
11.2022 - Current
SIEM Analyst
Vanguard
08.2019 - 10.2022
Incident Handler
Vanguard
01.2017 - 08.2019
Systems Engineer
Vanguard
04.2015 - 01.2017
Software Developer
Vanguard
06.2013 - 04.2015
Production Support Analyst
Vanguard
07.2012 - 06.2013
Master of Science - Information Systems
Drexel University
Bachelor of Science - Engineering Management Systems
Columbia University
Bachelor of Arts - Mathematics
Arcadia University
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