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I help small and mid-sized businesses secure and streamline their Microsoft , cloud, identity, and end-user environments. With 12+ years of experience across IT operations and cybersecurity, I support organizations that need a trusted expert to improve security posture, stabilize systems, and reduce day-to-day technology risk without adding unnecessary complexity. I can help with: • Microsoft security reviews and hardening • Entra ID / Azure AD, MFA, Conditional Access, and identity governance • Intune and endpoint management • Email security, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and Defender policy configuration • SharePoint, Teams, and Microsoft tenant administration • Network and infrastructure security improvements • Incident response planning and security baseline assessments • Ongoing IT support for cloud and hybrid environments Clients work with me when they need someone who can communicate clearly, solve problems quickly, and bridge the gap between IT operations and cybersecurity. If you need help strengthening your Microsoft environment, improving identity and endpoint security, or building a more reliable IT foundation, I’d be happy to discuss your project.

𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 | 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐉𝐨𝐛 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 | 𝟏𝟏+ 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐓 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 Need a reliable IT partner who solves problems fast, communicates clearly and delivers measurable results? That’s exactly what I do. I am an experienced IT Support Specialist, System Administrator and AI integration expert with a proven track record of helping businesses streamline operations, boost performance, and strengthen security across multi-platform environments. I operate through a vetted global community of engineers and product specialists across multiple industries (including Oil & Gas, LegalTech, Retail, Web3, Automation, AI systems). What I Bring to Your Team: AI Architecture Design AI Development (Agents, Platforms, Products) AI Commercialization Advising AI Strategy for Market Trends and Insights End-to-End IT Support: Troubleshooting, helpdesk ticketing, and remote support (Windows, macOS, Linux) System Administration: Windows Server (2008–2019), Active Directory (GPO, Users & Groups), DNS/DHCP, SAN/NAS setup, backup & recovery Cloud Administration: Office 365, Google Workspace, AWS, Azure Security & Compliance: Endpoint protection, VPN configuration, SSL, firewall management Automation: PowerShell, Bash, n8n, Zapier, AI-based workflows to save time and reduce errors E-commerce & Web Platforms: Shopify user/app management, WordPress security, domain & SSL setup Documentation & SOPs: Clear, actionable process guides for internal teams HR Support: Helping HR with technical hiring for multiple positions WHAT I BUILD - AI-Powered Products & MVPs RAG systems, multi-agent workflows, AI copilots, chatbots, document intelligence Voice AI & Conversational Systems Vapi, Retell, Twilio integrations - from IVR to complex voice agents Full-Stack AI Applications FastAPI + React + PostgreSQL + Pinecone - production-ready, not prototypes Workflow Automation n8n, Make, Zapier - connecting AI to your existing tools and processes I combine deep technical knowledge with clear, proactive communication to ensure you always know the project status and next steps. Let’s connect and discuss how I can make your IT systems faster, safer, and more efficient.

Is your IT infrastructure holding your business back? I help small and mid-sized businesses and the MSPs that support them- build reliable, secure, and scalable IT environments that work. With 10+ years of hands-on experience as a Tier 3 MSP engineer, I've managed complex environments across dozens of clients: setting up and migrating to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, designing bulletproof backup strategies, hardening endpoints, and keeping infrastructure humming, even when things go wrong. Here's where I can add immediate value: → MSP Support & Escalations: I step in as a senior resource when your team hits a wall. RMM tools (Datto, Syncro, Kaseya), PSA platforms (ConnectWise, Autotask), and complex escalations are my wheelhouse. → Backup & Disaster Recovery: I design and manage backup solutions using MSP360, Vembu, SolarWinds, and Datto Backupify, covering local, cloud, and Microsoft 365 environments so your data is always recoverable. → Cloud Migrations: Whether moving from on-prem to Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, I handle migrations cleanly, minimizing downtime and user disruption. → Infrastructure & Security: From SonicWall and Sophos firewalls to VMware/Hyper-V virtualization and endpoint protection (ESET, Bitdefender), I build environments that are both performant and secure. I'm detail-oriented, communicative, and know how to work independently; you won't need to hand-hold me if you need a senior IT professional who can hit the ground running. Let's talk!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Jabran was quick to respond, knowledgeable, and always available throughout the project within minutes! I plan to continue working with Jabran for future projects to help our business grow!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Jabran gave me a thorough security audit / vulnerability assessment for my law firm. He was extremely knowledgeable, professional, and helpful. I feel much safer with my business thanks to his great advice on cybersecurity. I can recommend Jabran with the highest confidence. Thank you Jabran!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Great Job Jabran, we hope to outsource your services soon for our monthly software and security protection." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Enjoyed working with Jabran. Jabran is very knowledgeable about cybersecurity and data privacy. Our 3 hour project was time and money well-spent for my business. Great resource for small businesses. Will hire again." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Jabran is skilled, friendly, and great to work with. I hired him for my business's security needs." Hello and nice to meet you! Looking to get that security compliance completed? Maybe you're burned out with managing cyber security for your small business. Pulling your hair out trying to implement cyber security in your organization, but don't know where to start? 👋I can help! Allow me to introduce myself! I am Jabran, an expert Cyber Security Professional with experience in managing small business IT and cyber security needs. I am well versed in GRC (Governance, Risk and Compliance) and Implementing cyber security tools in organizations A little bit of background on my Education and experience: Bachelors Degree from Illinois Tech in Information Technology & Management Masters Degree from Virginia Tech in Information Technology & Management Certifications: CISSP CISA (In Progress) CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ My work experience consists of being a Systems Administrator, Cyber Security Engineer, and currently as a Cyber Security Risk Assessor. I have extensive Governance, Risk, and Compliance experience with the following: -Create Information Security policies and standards. Which include, but not limited to: Incident Response Plan, AI Security, Disaster Recovery, Information Security, Access Management, Network Security, Data Protection, Encryption, Third Party/Vendor Management, and more. -Worked with these Information Security Frameworks - NIST CSF, ISO 27001, CIS Controls v8.1 -Worked with these Controls: - NIST 800-53B, CIS Controls v8, ISO 27001 Annex A -Successful testing of controls, implementation and remediation of controls, and communicate with auditors -Conduct Risk Assessments Based off NIST 800-37 and ISO 31000 -Perform third party risk assessments, review vendor reports, maintain a vendor risk register -Answer security questionnaires -Help clients achieve a SOC 2 Attestation Report/ISO 27001 Certification -Enterprise Risk Management: Conduct qualitative and quantitative risk assessments. Calculate Inherent risk, residual risk Here is my IT/Cyber Security Engineering experience: Provide recommendation and consultation on IT - Assisting with choosing IT tools that achieve business goals, how to setup systems, best practices, etc. Working with Microsoft 365: Entra ID, Microsoft 365 Admin, Teams Admin, Exchange Admin, Purview, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, setting up Conditional Access Policies, App Protection Policies, Intune Deployment and Management, Managing Windows Updaets. Deploying and managing PCs physically and in the Cloud. Deploying EDR solutions such as Microsoft Defender, SentinelOne, CrowdStrike, Sophos, MalwareBytes to over 1000 devices. -Deploy SIEMS to 15+ organizations -Implement MFA/2FA within an organization -Setup successful recurring Security Awareness Training Programs using KnowBe4, Cofense, Huntress, etc What my business offers - I can manage cyber security for devices in your organization, which includes: -EDR Deployment and Monitoring -Data Loss Prevention Solutions -Password Management -Security Awareness Training -Patch/Update Management -Cloud Backups -24x7 Security Operations Center -Security Best Practices Does my profile sound like a match for what you are looking for? If so, send me a message and let's get started on securing your organization! Cyber criminals/Attackers/Hackers don't wait, why are you?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I help CEOs, founders, and industry leaders build powerful personal brands backed by secure, scalable IT systems — while also supporting growing SaaS and service businesses to automate operations, reduce support load, and scale with confidence. I work with leaders and teams (15–50 users) to design, run, and optimize their online IT infrastructure: CRM, helpdesk, automation, payments, subscriptions, digital products, and secure collaboration systems. My work has helped teams cut response times by up to 60%, save 10–15 hours per week, and reduce SLA breaches and operational risk. Beyond development, we support visibility through professional social media design, SEO, and brand positioning, ensuring that when someone searches your name, your digital presence reflects authority and trust. 🧠 Fractional IT Management I’m an IT Support & Automation Specialist with 5+ years of experience, currently operating as a Technical Support Team Lead at enterprise scale and a Fractional IT Manager for startups and SMBs. I’ve supported organizations across SaaS, healthcare, consulting, education, and digital agencies, helping founders and leadership teams stay productive, secure, and focused — without IT becoming a bottleneck. Managing IT shouldn’t feel overwhelming for leaders. I bring enterprise-grade systems thinking into smaller, fast-moving environments so your business runs smoothly, securely, and predictably. 🛠️ Proven Experience (Almost 10,000 Upwork Hours) Over 9000+ Upwork hours, I’ve helped startups and SMBs with: ⚙️ IT Administration & Security Microsoft 365 & Google Workspace User provisioning, onboarding/offboarding Permissions, access control, 2FA Email security & deliverability (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) Backups, monitoring, uptime reliability 🎧 Helpdesk & Support Operations Zendesk, Intercom, Front SLA setup, escalation rules, macros Knowledge bases & SOPs CSAT tracking & support process optimization 🔄 Automation & SaaS Integrations Zapier, Make (Integromat), HubSpot workflows CRM pipelines & reporting dashboards Customer journey & lifecycle automations ☎️ Communication & Telephony RingCentral, Dialpad, Twilio Shared inboxes, smart routing, integrations 🌍 Remote Team Enablement Scalable onboarding systems Documentation & SOPs Workflow optimization for distributed teams 🖥️ Web & Infrastructure Support WordPress administration VPS / cPanel / CyberPanel / Hostinger Performance tuning & uptime monitoring 🎯 What Makes Me Different Clients choose me because I don’t just fix issues — I build systems that prevent them from returning. ✅ Operates at both leadership and execution level ✅ Long-term partner, not a one-off technician ✅ Clear communicator who translates tech into business outcomes ✅ Resilient problem-solver focused on root causes ✅ Fast turnaround with structured, documented delivery ✅ Trusted by founders who value reliability and discretion 🤝 Who I Work Best With If you’re a CEO, founder, ops leader, or support lead who needs a hands-on IT partner to build, run, and secure your digital systems — whether for a project, retainer, or fractional IT leadership — let’s talk.

Hello! My name is Russell Mickler, Principal Consultant for Mickler & Associates, Inc. I've been leading IT organizations since 1996, serving in roles like VP of Information Technology, Director of IT, and Manager of IT. Since 2003, he has helped hundreds of small businesses worldwide use technology better as a private consultant. During the 1990's, I earned technical certifications in the Microsoft NT and Novell Netware platforms. After earning my Master’s Degree in Technology in 2000, I earned my Computer Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification in 2004. I've resold and supported Google products since 2007 and feel I've come to specialize in Google's offerings. In 2015, I earned my Google Apps Certified Deployment Specialist certification; in 2019, I earned my Google Cloud Certified Collaboration Engineer certification. A published technical author, I teach for universities across the country. I can help you with expert, real-world experience with: Implementing Best Practices Writing and Auditing IT Policies, Procedures, and Work Instructions Microsoft Windows 10 and Server Apple Products and MacOS Microsoft 365 Microsoft Office Google Workspace Disaster Recovery and Data Backups iOS and Android Integration And if you have any questions, message me here at Upwork. Thanks for your time and consideration!