Hire the Best Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) in Arlington, VA

I’ve worked in the field as a Sr. Network, Security, and Systems Architect / Engineer for 20+ years. I troubleshoot complex WAN/LAN issues across almost any network vendor, design secure architectures, and administer Windows and Linux server environments for everything from single-office small businesses to large enterprises with international footprints. In recent years, a major focus of my work has been AI/LLM security and ISO 42001. I’ve helped design, build, and secure AI/LLM technologies, including data protection, access control, governance, and monitoring around AI systems. I also build AI/LLM solutions for operations and security teams—using LLMs to accelerate investigations, summarize and analyze logs, enhance SOC workflows, and improve day-to-day decision-making. I treat AI and LLM components as first-class assets in the security architecture, aligned with ISO 42001 and existing GRC frameworks rather than as disconnected experimental tools. My core strength is combining deep technical engineering with compliance-grade security. I have extensive experience with PCI-DSS, HITRUST/HIPAA, NIST, ISO 27001/27002, SOC1/2 Compliance and related frameworks. I’ve performed assessments and audits of existing environments and then designed the network, system, and security controls needed to actually comply: segmentation, firewalls, IAM, logging, monitoring, backup/DR, and incident response. I am the former CISO for a large organization in Washington, DC and now provide fractional CIO/CISO services. I help small and medium-sized businesses achieve enterprise-level security postures on realistic budgets. As a fractional leader, I work with executives to build end-to-end security and IT strategies so they can meet due diligence requirements, reduce breach risk, protect IP, and preserve reputation and revenue. Certifications & Skills (highlights) CISSP, CCSFP (PCI-DSS, HIPAA/HITRUST, Privacy/PII, ISO 27001, CERT-RMM) AI/LLM Security and operational efficiencies using Artificial Intelligence technologies ISO 27001 Implementer; experience with ISO 42001 and AI/LLM governance Cisco networking and security (CCNA R&S, CCNA Security) MySQL / MSSQL DBA; Linux and Windows Server engineering (AD, SQL, Exchange) Engineered high-volume LAMP (+Java) e-commerce platforms and 1500-node mixed Linux/Windows networks Global Firewall Engineer and WAF (Cisco, Palo Alto, Fortinet/Fortigate AWS and Azure design, security, and administration; Apache hardening and Mod-Security VMware/vSphere and Citrix virtualization for Dev/QA and auto-provisioned infrastructure Scripting and automation for system administration, plus performance tuning and optimizations for systems, databases and applications

I am a seasoned Cyber Security Practitioner with over two decades of experience. My expertise spans a wide range of compliance and security frameworks, including ISO 27001, CMMC, SOX ITGC, NIST RMF, AICPA SOC-2 Type 1 and Type 2 attestations, FedRAMP, FISMA, and HIPAA. I am adept at aiding senior management in achieving strategic cybersecurity and IT security objectives, crafting security development roadmaps, and conducting maturity assessments. Throughout my 20-year career, I have collaborated with various private sector entities, notably large financial organizations, and have also engaged with U.S. federal government civilian agencies. My role often involved leading projects to assess clients' security and compliance standards against regulatory and industry-specific frameworks. I hold a degree in Computer Science from the City University of New York, Queens College, and hold several professional certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Project Management Professional (PMP), ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, and Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO). I am a U.S citizen and currently reside in state of Maryland.

Cyber Security expert with over 18 years of experience helping organizations strengthen security, achieve compliance, and protect digital assets from evolving threats. My expertise spans Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC), Cloud Security, Endpoint Protection, and Vulnerability Management. I’ve supported Fortune 500 companies and SMBs, guiding teams through audits, frameworks, and implementations that align with industry standards and reduce risk. With backgrounds in Electrical and Computer Engineering and an MBA, I combine technical depth with business insight to deliver strategies that are secure, scalable, and aligned with organizational goals. 🎯 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 & 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 • Cyber security Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) • AI Consulting - Architecting AI Solutions to Business Workflows • Cloud Security (AWS, Azure, GCP) • Email Security (Mimecast, Proofpoint, Barracuda) • Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, Azure AD • Endpoint Security (CrowdStrike, Tanium, Tenable, Wiz, Qualys) • Vulnerability Management & Remediation • Security Operations & SIEM (Splunk Certified Architect) • SOC 1 & 2, NIST, GDPR, ISO 27001, CIS Controls, HIPAA, PCI-DSS • AI & Agentic Automation in Cybersecurity • Threat Detection, Incident Response, Risk Assessments • HelpDesk Support MAC/PC updates and management 📌 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 • 18 years of cybersecurity leadership supporting global enterprises • Former roles at ElysiumCYberAI, Splunk, Booz Allen Hamilton, and VT iDirect • Cyber security AI Architect, Cybersecurity Manager, Solutions Architect Manager, Cloud Security Manager • Guided organizations through M&A integrations, IT compliance audits, and security transformations • Designed and implemented scalable cloud and endpoint protection systems • Partnered with executives to align cybersecurity with business and regulatory goals ✅ 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗪𝝾𝗿𝗸 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 me • Experience across industries - SMB (Small and Medium Businesses) and Fortune 1000 • Proven track record in mitigating risk and reducing attack surfaces • Certified Splunk Architect II with 8 advanced certifications • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, M.S. in Computer Engineering, M.B.A. in Technology Management • Hands-on expertise with leading security tools and compliance frameworks • Strategic, results-driven mindset focused on measurable security improvements