Daniel Christenson Email & Phone Number

Montgomery, Us

• Led the cybersecurity program for a credit union with assets ranging from $400M to $600M, transforming security operations to ensure critical infrastructure protection.• Mentored and directed a cross-functional cybersecurity team, aligning security initiatives with organizational goals through strategic planning, which enhanced incident response, vulnerability management, and overall security governance. • Oversaw comprehensive security assessments, including penetration testing, vulnerability scans, risk assessments, and IT controls audits. Served as the main point of contact for external audits while coordinating internal audits to identify and mitigate security gaps proactively.• Created and implemented the organization's cybersecurity roadmap, setting strategic initiatives that strengthened the credit union's security posture, ensured compliance with regulatory requirements, and guided strategic investments in cybersecurity.• Enhanced email security by introducing a user-friendly email reporting program, leading to a 30% reduction in successful phishing attacks and improving overall employee security awareness.• Spearheaded a Zero Trust Security Initiative by deploying ThreatLocker and implemented next-generation Network Access Control (NAC) utilizing Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE). Reducing the organizations' attack surfaces and increasing visibility into endpoint activities.• Utilized XDR and SIEM tools to conduct in-depth threat hunting and forensic investigations, identifying potential threats and enabling rapid incident response. This proactive approach reduced the time to detect and respond to threats, significantly improving the overall security posture.• Delivered insightful security briefings and risk assessments to C-suite executives and the Board of Directors, ensuring alignment between cybersecurity efforts and the organization's strategic vision and risk tolerance.

Tulsa, Oklahoma, Us

• Provided part-time cybersecurity consulting services as a vCISO for DCNR during a leadership transition.• Oversaw and assisted in day-to-day cybersecurity operations in a reduced role, ensuring smooth transitions and coverage across critical functions.• Advised senior management on incident response strategies, data protection, and aligning cybersecurity objectives with the organization’s broader goals, ensuring continuity during the CISO vacancy.• Trained and mentored internal staff, transferring critical knowledge and responsibilities to prepare them to assume essential cybersecurity functions.

Tulsa, Oklahoma, Us

• Led incident response and malware analysis efforts, improving response times by 35% by developing streamlined response strategies and enhanced communication protocols.• Developed and optimized a comprehensive vulnerability management program using Qualys and Burp Suite, achieving a 75% reduction in critical vulnerabilities within six months.• Managed the organization’s security awareness training program using KnowBe4, reducing simulated phishing click rates from 14% to 3%, significantly improving user awareness and reducing insider threats.• Formulated and implemented the organization’s first comprehensive cybersecurity policies based on the NIST framework, ensuring compliance with federal and state security guidelines.• Spearheaded the deployment of air-gapped backups, enhancing data protection and ensuring business continuity during a ransomware attack or other critical incidents.

Tulsa, Oklahoma, Us

• Monitored and responded to Splunk SIEM alerts, effectively prioritizing and escalating incidents based on severity, ensuring rapid mitigation, and minimizing downtime.• Utilized Cisco AMP, ThreatGrid, and SecureX to proactively detect and respond to threats, improving the organization's overall security posture.• Conducted continuous network traffic analysis for unusual or suspicious activity using IDS/IPS systems and Cisco Umbrella, contributing to enhanced visibility and threat detection.• Managed and configured firewalls, executing configuration changes in response to tickets, ensuring secure and compliant network access across systems.• Collaborated with IT teams to improve incident response processes, reducing response times and ensuring effective communication during security incidents.

• Collaborated with a team of interns in an NVLAP-accredited Voting System Test Laboratory (VSTL) to implement U.S. Government and international voting system specifications, ensuring adherence to strict governance frameworks.• Shadowed VSTL engineers, gaining hands-on experience in cybersecurity governance by following NIST guidelines and industry best practices for secure voting systems.• Conducted hardware and software testing to ensure voting system confidentiality, integrity, and availability in compliance with VVSG and EAC regulatory requirements.• Set up and managed secure voting laboratories, ensuring testing environments met governance standards outlined in the VVSG to maintain accuracy, security, and compliance.• Compiled and analyzed test results, producing detailed reports contributing to the certification and governance oversight of voting systems for use in U.S. and international elections.• Assisted in system hardening to mitigate risks, ensuring voting systems adhered to established governance and security controls.

Auburn, Al, Us

• Provided comprehensive technical support, including troubleshooting hardware, software, and network issues for end users to ensure minimal downtime.• Performed system hardening on workstations, applying best practices to enhance security and reduce vulnerabilities.• Maintained and re-imaged over 70 machines, improving system performance and stability.• Utilized server virtualization technologies, improving resource efficiency and enhancing system security.• Deployed Group Policy and software updates, ensuring compliance with data protection protocols and maintaining system availability.• Conducted internal audits of product licenses, leading to cost savings by optimizing unused licenses.• Supported Active Directory management, handling user account setup, password resets, and access controls.