Prateek Khare
Noida
Summary
Dynamic Network Security Consultant with proven expertise at HCL Technologies, specializing in Palo Alto firewalls and Prisma Access deployment. Adept at implementing robust security policies and managing complex firewall integrations. Recognized for enhancing network resilience and mitigating vulnerabilities, while leading teams to achieve high-impact results in fast-paced environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Consultant
HCL Technologies Limited
Noida
01.2022 - Current
- Lead deployment, operations, and support for Palo Alto Firewalls in the Adecco project
- Act as Security Track Lead for P1/P2 incident bridge calls, ensuring rapid containment and resolution.
- Manage 90+ Palo Alto Firewalls globally across multiple regions.
- Plan and execute high-value initiatives including firewall migrations, rulebase cleanup, Panorama integration, and on-prem to Azure migrations.
- Implement firewall changes such as PAN-OS upgrades, IPsec VPNs (partners), GlobalProtect, security/NAT policies, and routing aligned with infrastructure requirements.
- Identify and remediate vulnerabilities, CVEs, and DDoS threats using Palo Alto security advisories and best practices.
L3 SME
Concentric India Limited
Chennai
09.2021 - 01.2022
- Managed L2 incident and ticket handling for Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA), ensuring timely resolution of complex customer issues.
- Acted as escalation point for L1 engineers, providing technical guidance and driving effective issue resolution.
- Led and mentored team members on troubleshooting PAC files, forwarding methods, Zscaler Client Connector (ZCC), authentication, and latency-related issues.
- Tracked and reported team utilization and ticket resolution metrics, improving operational efficiency and SLA adherence.
- Ensured consistent incident closure quality while maintaining customer satisfaction and service reliability.
Network Security Consultant
Infinity Labs Limited
Noida
11.2019 - 03.2021
- Professional Services Consultant at Palo Alto Networks, leading end-to-end customer engagements including requirement gathering, solution design, implementation, validation, and knowledge transfer.
- Deployed Prisma Access Cloud (Quick Start) from scratch to production, covering Service Connections, Remote Networks, and Mobile Users (GlobalProtect – Pre-logon, User Logon, On-Demand).
- Implemented secure authentication frameworks using SAML (Okta, Azure AD, GCP) with MFA, LDAP, and RADIUS integrations.
- Fine-tuned security posture following industry best practices, including HIP profiles, Threat Prevention, Antivirus, Vulnerability Protection, URL Filtering, SSL Decryption, User-ID, and HA (Active-Passive).
- Designed and configured IPsec VPNs, security policies, routing, User-ID redistribution, group mapping, and deployed on-prem Palo Alto firewalls and Panorama per customer scope.
Network - Administrator
Hipad Technologies Ltd.
Noida
08.2018 - 10.2019
- Managed the entire organizational network with asymmetric routing, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for office users and production lines.
- Delivered on-demand network changes for production environments based on customer production plans, ensuring zero impact to manufacturing operations.
- Designed and implemented VLANs and routing on Cisco Catalyst 3850/2960 multilayer switches to connect LAN infrastructure with multiple customer servers.
- Monitored and controlled network traffic using Sangfor NGAF and Cisco ASA 5515-X, maintaining security and performance across the enterprise network.
- Administered enterprise servers and IT operations, including Active Directory, File/Print servers, Citrix ERP, biometric access systems (ZKTeco), remote user support, asset tracking, and vendor coordination for IT procurement.
Network Engineer
Wipro InfoTech Ltd.
Lucknow
07.2015 - 11.2017
- Ensured high availability and integrity of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) network, providing L2 network support for BSNL leased line circuits and Cisco networking devices.
- Responded to network incidents and outages, performing root-cause analysis and remediation in strict adherence to contracted SLAs.
- Delivered remote technical support to users across a large, geographically distributed government network.
- Coordinated with a 974+ member network engineering team, supporting e-Governance services across 885 network locations throughout Uttar Pradesh.
- Managed change management, escalation, documentation, and reporting, including publishing daily, weekly, and monthly outage reports to senior management.
Network Engineer
Softpro India Computer Technologies Pvt Ltd
09.2013 - 06.2015
- Maintained and enhanced the enterprise network infrastructure, installing new network devices and implementing improved connectivity and security strategies.
- Troubleshot LAN/WAN connectivity issues, ensuring reliable network flow and minimal downtime across the organization.
- Provided network and desktop technical support to 120+ employees, resolving day-to-day operational issues efficiently.
- Administered Cisco routers (2851, 2821) and switches (2960, Catalyst 3650), ensuring stable and optimized network operations.
- Performed periodic OS and software upgrades/patching for Windows workstations and collaborated with vendors for IT procurement and equipment recommendations.
Education
Bachelors in Technology -
Babu Banarsi Das Northern India Institute Of Technology (BBDNIIT)
Lucknow01.2013
12th -
SKD Academy
Lucknow01.2007
10th -
City Montessori School
Lucknow01.2005
Skills
- Palo Alto Networks Security: NGFW packet flow analysis, App-ID, User-ID, Content-ID, Security Policies & Profiles (Threat Prevention, AV, Vulnerability, URL Filtering), SSL/TLS & SSL Decryption, Certificates, High Availability (A/P)
- Prisma Access (Panorama-Managed): End-to-end deployment and operations of Service Connections, Remote Networks, Mobile Users (GlobalProtect – Pre-logon, User Logon, On-Demand), onboarding, validation, and optimization
- Remote Access & VPN: IPsec VPN (CPE ↔ Prisma Access), GlobalProtect architecture, routing design, User-ID redistribution, group mapping, and traffic steering
- Authentication & Identity: SAML integrations (Okta, Azure AD, GCP), MFA, LDAP, RADIUS, authentication profiles and policy enforcement
- Panorama Operations: Centralized policy management, firewall onboarding, upgrades, log forwarding, template & device-group management, and integrations
- Networking Foundations: Routing (Static, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP – working knowledge), Switching (VLAN, STP/RSTP, EtherChannel, gateway redundancy), WAN/LAN troubleshooting
- Platforms & Devices: PA-5220, PA-3220, PA-850, PA-460, PA-440, PA-220, VM-Series (100/200/300/500); Cisco ASA 5515-X (basic), Sangfor FW; Cisco routers & switches
Certification
- Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices (CCENT 100-105)
- Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices (CCNA 200-125)
- Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)
Personal Information
- Father's Name: Rajesh Chandra
- Date of Birth: 08/19/89
- Gender: Male
- Marital Status: Married
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Hindi
Native
Native
Disclaimer
I, hereby, declare that all the above information is correct to the best in my knowledge and is subject to verification.
Timeline
Associate Consultant
HCL Technologies Limited
01.2022 - Current
L3 SME
Concentric India Limited
09.2021 - 01.2022
Network Security Consultant
Infinity Labs Limited
11.2019 - 03.2021
Network - Administrator
Hipad Technologies Ltd.
08.2018 - 10.2019
Network Engineer
Wipro InfoTech Ltd.
07.2015 - 11.2017
Network Engineer
Softpro India Computer Technologies Pvt Ltd
09.2013 - 06.2015
Bachelors in Technology -
Babu Banarsi Das Northern India Institute Of Technology (BBDNIIT)
12th -
SKD Academy
10th -
City Montessori School