GOAL
Add value doing things I love with smart people I can both learn from and mentor.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Co-author of bash Cookbook 2nd (O’Reilly 2007, 2017) and bash Idioms (O’Reilly 2022).
- IT professional since 1991, specializing in Information Security since 1997.
- Demonstrated ability to write comprehensive scripts and documentation to clearly communicate complex material.
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
- Proficient in Red Hat/CentOS and Debian/Ubuntu Linux administration, automation, and integration.
- Telecommuter since the late 1990s; effective independently and on teams.
- Member of CSI, ISSA, InfraGard, PLUG (Philly LUG) and other industry groups.
- For more information, including published articles and tools: About JP , Old BASIC, C and other source code , and https://github.com/vossenjp/.
EXPERIENCE
2015–Present: Senior Security Engineer — BT Assure Threat Monitoring, Reston, VA
- Collaborate on design, implementation, debugging, and QA of Assure Threat Monitoring systems.
- Support, troubleshoot, automate, document, and improve systems and devices.
- Maintain/upgrade Linux development and testing environments (physical + virtual).
- Write, update, and improve internal tools and documentation.
- Facilitate configuration and code retention/revision control.
- Provide Perl/bash automation support to other teams.
2014–2015: Senior Systems Engineer — Silent Circle, Washington DC
(Silent Circle acquired SGP)
- Support, automate, and improve IT systems for global customer service, IT, and Engineering.
- Write and update documentation for multiple groups.
- Assist with operations across global data‑centers using ESXi and Ganeti/KVM (CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu); Ansible configuration.
- Provide Perl/bash scripting automation and support.
2014–2015: Director, Customer Support — SGP Technologies SA, Washington DC
- Designed/built the customer support operation for global rollout of Blackphone.
- Wrote most initial support documentation; edited the remainder.
2005–2014: Senior Security Engineer — BT Global Services (Sensor & Platform Engineering), Santa Clara, CA
(BT acquired Counterpane)
- Delivered custom Red Hat/CentOS Linux security “platforms” for managed log monitoring, retention, and IDS.
- Improved processes, automation, and documentation across Platform Delivery.
- Implemented automated and semi‑automated signature update systems.
- Collaborated on design, debugging, QA, troubleshooting, training, and mentoring.
- Maintained Linux development/testing environments.
- Provided Perl/bash automation support.
- Facilitated revision control with CVS/SVN and documentation (MediaWiki).
2002–2005: Integration Manager — Counterpane Internet Security, Cupertino, CA
- Managed integration of customer networks into Counterpane’s managed security monitoring service.
- Ensured customer satisfaction and successful service adoption.
- Developed and updated the Integration Methodology.
- Performed research/testing to integrate unique customer environments into monitoring workflows.
2004–2005: Technical Writer — TechTarget SearchSecurity.com, Needham, MA
- Wrote monthly “Network Security Tip” articles for SearchSecurity.com and Network Security Newsletter.
- Answered user-submitted security questions in the “Ask the Expert” forum.
- See About JP for article links.
2001–2003: Technical Editor — Information Security Magazine, Norwood, MA
- Tested new security products and wrote technical reviews.
- Researched/wrote feature pieces on network security technologies and practices.
- Provided technical fact‑checking for editorial staff.
- See About JP for article links.
1997–2002: Network Consultant I/II/III — AlphaNet Solutions, Inc., Wayne, PA
- Developed documentation, methodologies, processes, and training materials for an Information Security Practice.
- Authored numerous technical documents (firewalls, hardening, VPNs, glossary, templates, etc.).
- Performed security assessments and drafted Information Security Policies.
- Designed/implemented perimeter and authentication security solutions.
- Participated in Executive Advisory Council at CEO request.
1994–1997: Consultant — The Reohr Group, Inc., Valley Forge, PA
- Provided 2nd/3rd‑level support for 500+ international email users (MS-Mail, Lotus Notes, AT&T EasyLink).
- Managed/administered PC testing lab, including automation projects.
- Coordinated/implemented network integration, system admin, installation, and support for major MS‑Mail projects.
1993–1994: Systems Support Analyst — Day & Zimmerman Information Solutions, Radnor, PA
- Delivered 1st and some 2nd‑level hardware/software support for Enterprise Help Desk.
- Performed NetWare and HP‑UX user/permission administration.
- Re‑engineered IP address assignment procedures and documentation.
1991–1993: PC Support Specialist — Popular Club Plan, Garfield, NJ
- Managed purchasing, installation, maintenance, programming, troubleshooting, and support for 150+ microcomputers.
CERTIFICATIONS
- CISSP (2000–present)
- MCSE (late 1990s)
- CheckPoint CCSE (3.x) — mid/late 1990s
- WatchGuard WCSP — mid/late 1990s
- Novell CNA (NetWare 3.x) — mid‑1990s
EDUCATION
- BS, Information Science — University of Pittsburgh
- Minor: English Writing