Portrait of Arshad Ali

IT Security Analyst & Network Support Engineer

Hi, I'm Arshad Ali. I secure enterprise networks and investigate threats with a strong foundation in infrastructure management, currently deepening my expertise through an MS in Information Security at NUST. With hands-on experience across SIEM platforms and next-generation firewalls, I'm focused on threat detection, incident response, and building resilient network defenses.

Arshad Ali working at his desk

About

Self-taught, with a strong pull toward cybersecurity

I'm Arshad Ali, an IT Security Analyst and IT professional committed to protecting systems, networks, and data from evolving threats. I hold a Bachelor's in Computer Science and bring hands-on experience as a Network Maintenance Operator for the Government of Pakistan. With a strong foundation in networking, cybersecurity, SIEM implementation, threat detection, and incident response, I combine academic knowledge with practical skills to secure digital environments.

Portfolio

Hands-on security projects

Practical work across SIEM deployment, penetration testing, and network analysis.

Wazuh SIEM dashboard deployed on Microsoft Azure

Zabbix on Azure

Full cloud-based deployment of the Zabbix monitoring solution using Microsoft Azure, covering log ingestion, alerting, and dashboarding.

Wazuh SIEM dashboard deployed on Microsoft Azure

Wazuh SIEM on Azure

Full cloud-based deployment of the Wazuh Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution using Microsoft Azure, covering log ingestion, alerting, and dashboarding.

Burp Suite intercepting a web application request

Burp Suite

Hands-on web application penetration testing — capturing and analyzing login requests, and identifying and exploiting weaknesses in authentication and session management.

Nmap scan results showing open network ports

Nmap

Network and server reconnaissance to identify open port statuses, helping owners close ports that could otherwise be exploited.

Wireshark packet capture of network traffic

Wireshark

Deep packet inspection to analyze incoming network traffic and investigate TCP handshake behavior for anomalies.

Skills

Core technical skills

Cybersecurity

  • Endpoint Protection
  • Intrusion Detection & Prevention (IDS/IPS)
  • SIEM (Wazuh)
  • Vulnerability Assessment
  • Incident Response
  • Threat Hunting
  • Security Auditing
  • Security Operations
  • Network Security

Networking

  • Network Configuration
  • Switch Installation
  • Router Setup
  • LAN/WAN
  • DHCP
  • DNS
  • VPN
  • FortiGate, Cisco, H3C, Huawei
  • Access Control Lists
  • Firewall Fundamentals

System Administration

  • Active Directory
  • Windows Server
  • Virtualization (ESXi, VMware, Citrix)
  • Linux
  • User & Access Management
  • Biometric Device Configuration
  • IP Camera Configuration

Experience

Work, education & certifications

Work Experience

Sep 2024 – Present

IT Security Analyst

Government of Pakistan
  • Manage Fortigate/Huawei/Sonic firewall configurations and updates.
  • Manage and monitor enterprise endpoint security via Kaspersky Security Center, ensuring real-time threat mitigation and compliance.
  • Deploy and manage Wazuh SIEM agents across the infrastructure for continuous log analysis, proactive threat hunting, and incident response.
  • Deploy and manage Zabbix for monitoring and enforcing compliance with government-issued IT security advisories across the network infrastructure.
Sep 2024 – Present

Network Support Engineer

Government of Pakistan
  • Engineered Layer 3 network upgrades, including VLAN segmentation, IPAM, and secure Wi-Fi 7 deployments.
  • Designed and implemented robust enterprise LAN/WAN architectures utilizing Cat6 and Fiber Optics, supported by Cisco, Huawei, H3C, and Ubiquiti hardware.
  • Conducted 10+ comprehensive site surveys for network accessibility, managing end-to-end planning, hardware procurement, and complete physical installations.
  • Administered large-scale IP surveillance networks (Hikvision, Dahua), successfully managing NVR and IVMS setups.
Aug 2023 – Sep 2024

Junior Network/IT Support Intern

NUTECH, Islamabad
  • Configured and deployed Cisco routers and switches, executing routine maintenance to identify bottlenecks and significantly improve network reliability.
  • Provided comprehensive Tier 1 and Tier 2 technical support and troubleshooting for university faculty and students.
Apr 2023 – Aug 2023

Cybersecurity Intern

National Cybersecurity Auditing and Evaluation Lab
  • Focused on system hardening, network scanning, and web security.
  • Practiced ethical hacking techniques via TryHackMe labs.
  • Documented daily learning progress and reported findings to supervisor.
View certificate →
Feb 2017 – Jan 2022

Freelancer

Upwork (Freelance)
  • Delivered creative design solutions and managed project communication for 100+ international clients, developing strong client relations and time-management skills.

Education

Sep 2025 – Aug 2027

MS in Information Security (In Progress)

National University of Sciences & Technology, NUST

Deepening my expertise in cybersecurity principles, risk management, and applied research, with a thesis focus in network security and deception technology.

Oct 2020 – Sep 2024

BS in Computer Science

National University of Technology, NUTECH

Built strong skills in programming, networking, cybersecurity, and system design. Final-year project: a 3D simulation of a Digital Logic Design lab environment.

View certificate →
Jul 2018 – Aug 2020

Higher Secondary School Certificate (Pre-Engineering/CS)

F.G Sir Syed College, The Mall

Built a strong foundation in computer science, mathematics, and logical reasoning under the Federal Board.

View certificate →
Aug 2016 – Jul 2018

Secondary School Certificate (Science)

Army Public School, Ordnance Road

Focused on physics, chemistry, and mathematics, laying the groundwork for a technology-focused career.

View certificate →

Certifications

2026

Huawei Cloud Solutions Architect – HCCDP

Huawei

Foundation in cloud solutions architecture, including cloud infrastructure, security, and best practices.

View certificate →
2024

Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

ISC2

Foundation in network security, risk management, incident response, and security operations.

View certificate →
2023

Google Cybersecurity Certificate

Google

Hands-on experience identifying threats, managing incidents, analyzing logs, and securing networks — covering security operations, Python scripting, and SIEM tools.

View certificate →
2023

Google IT Support Certificate

Google

Practical training in troubleshooting, networking, system administration, security, and end-user support.

View certificate →

Contact

Let's talk security

Have a role, project, or question in mind? Send a message or reach out directly.