Prakash Balu

Role: Lead Security Architect
Strategic Leadership & Security Governance
• Directed enterprise-wide security architecture by creating common reference frameworks, guardrails, and engineering standards for multiple business units.
• Defined and implemented policies aligned with ISO 27001, NIST, PCI DSS, and GDPR to ensure regulatory compliance and secure operations.
• Led forward-looking initiatives for “Security of the Future”, including frameworks for AI security, quantum computing risks, and next-gen cloud security.

Technical Architecture & Solutioning
• Architected and deployed advanced EDR/XDR solutions including CrowdStrike, Microsoft Defender, Cybereason, and Cortex XDR for enterprise-grade threat detection and response.
• Designed and operationalized Zero Trust Architectures, significantly enhancing access controls and reducing security risks across distributed environments.
Risk Management & Threat Operations
• Perform proactive threat hunting and incident response, leveraging KQL (Kusto Query Language) for log analytics and IOC analysis across hybrid environments.
• Collaborated with Procurement, Risk Management, and Development teams to embed security early in solution design and vendor contracts.
Innovation & Industry Collaboration
• Drove cybersecurity innovation through strategic vendor partnerships and participation in external standards bodies and cybersecurity forums.
• Maintained active engagement with external security professionals to stay ahead of emerging threats and technologies includes gathering data on active ATP groups.
Enablement & Stakeholder Engagement
• Acted as a trusted technical advisor to internal and external stakeholders, defining engagement plans and building trust in the organization’s security posture.
• Promoted a culture of security by leading training sessions, mentoring developers, and embedding security into CI/CD pipelines and agile workflows.

Role: Operations Lead, Technology Platform

• Administered and optimized CrowdStrike, Cybereason, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, and SentinelOne to enhance threat detection and organizational security posture.
• Developed advanced KQL (Kusto Query Language) queries for proactive threat hunting, log analysis, and incident identification across endpoints and cloud environments.
• Integrated CrowdStrike ZTA (Zero Trust Architecture) with Okta to enforce Zero Trust principles and secure access controls.
• Conducted alert triage, incident response, and IOC (Indicator of Compromise) analysis to identify and mitigate security threats.
• Served as the primary client liaison, addressing project requirements, providing strategic guidance, and ensuring alignment with security objectives.
• Mentored team members in incident response, threat hunting, and operational best practices to improve team effectiveness.
• Led weekly client huddles and monthly reviews to maintain operational alignment and drive continuous improvement.
• Delivered project milestones, ensuring seamless transitions to steady-state operations.
• Managed compliance reporting and security audits to meet GDPR and ISO 27001 standards.
• Oversaw the deployment, configuration, and management of endpoint security solutions to ensure optimal performance and alignment with security goals.

• Managed endpoint security systems and infrastructure.
• Proficient in executing and optimizing policy management and lifecycle strategies.
• Conducted threat identification and resolution.
• Designed and executed unique security strategies specific to client requirements.
• Enhanced adherence to regulations and standards through effective compliance measures.

• Facilitated technical assistance for McAfee products.
• Delivered expert guidance in security consulting and technical assistance.
• Streamlined policy implementation and ensured accurate configuration updates.
• Conducted comprehensive troubleshooting to resolve technical issues.
• Delivered impactful contributions to enterprise-wide projects and solutions.

• Handled comprehensive security management for robust infrastructure.
• Efficiently managed and executed multiple IT projects across various stages of the project lifecycle.
• Managed troubleshooting and maintenance of IT infrastructure.
• Managed relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Prepared detailed financial reports and ensured accurate budgeting compliance.
• Managed and maintained Salesforce CRM systems effectively.
• Developed and implemented IT policies to enhance governance.
• Enhanced user competence through targeted instructional programs.

• Optimized resource planning solutions by managing and refining ERP frameworks.
• Configured, monitored and optimized systems within Windows Server ecosystem.
• Offered networking solutions while providing comprehensive desktop support.