Open to opportunities

Andrew Simmonds

@andrewsimmonds

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Cybersecurity specialist with hands-on incident response and systems hardening.

New Zealand

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What I'm looking for

I seek a hands-on cybersecurity role focused on threat detection, incident response, and systems hardening within collaborative, growth-oriented teams.

I am a driven cybersecurity specialist with practical experience monitoring and responding to threats, decommissioning legacy endpoint solutions across 2,000+ devices, and delivering security consulting using Microsoft Security, Entra ID, Azure Intune, Exchange, CrowdStrike Falcon, and Microsoft Sentinel. I hold a NZ Diploma in Cybersecurity (Level 6) and have completed projects in ethical hacking, cryptography, network security and cybersecurity management.

I combine technical skills with strong communication and teamwork developed across internships and customer-facing roles, and I am committed to continuous improvement and applying pragmatic, results-focused approaches to protect critical systems and support clients' security needs.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Cyber Security Specialist

Ember Technology

Jan 2024 - Jan 2025 (1 year)

Monitored and analysed security alerts, managed decommissioning of legacy antivirus across 2,000+ endpoints, and provided security consulting to multiple clients while optimising Microsoft security platforms.

Microsoft Defender Entra ID Endpoint Security Security Monitoring Antivirus Migration Incident Response

Technical Support Specialist

Harvey Norman

Jan 2023 - Jan 2024 (1 year)

Troubleshot hardware, software and network issues for customers, assisted sales and cashier duties, and delivered positive technical support outcomes in a retail environment.

Technical Support Troubleshooting Windows OS Customer Service Peripheral Support

Casino Games Dealer

Christchurch Casino Limited

Jan 2019 - Jan 2023 (4 years)

Dealt table games including Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat and Poker, handled cash and chips, and maintained high standards of customer service in a fast-paced environment.

Customer Service Attention To Detail Communication High Pressure Service Conflict Resolution Compliance

Marketing Intern

Haizol

Jan 2016 - Jan 2017 (1 year)

Supported marketing activities including English translations, SEO implementation, industry research, and collaboration within a large multilingual team.

Marketing Translation SEO Market Research Cross Cultural Communication Content Writing Team Collaboration

Cyber Security Intern

Datacom

Jan 2024 - Present (1 year 9 months)

Supported the cyber security team, gained hands-on experience with CrowdStrike, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Sentinel and Burp Suite, and completed an ASD Essential Eight project.

Microsoft Defender Burp suite

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Ara Institute of Canterbury

New Zealand Diploma, Cybersecurity; IT Technical Support

2022 - 2024

Activities and societies: Recipient of North-Asia Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence Scholarship for study in Japan; coursework in cybersecurity data analysis and information systems security.

Completed New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity (Level 6) and New Zealand Diploma in IT Technical Support (Level 5), covering ethical hacking, cryptography, network security, cybersecurity management, practical technical support, Python, SQL, web design, and Linux systems.

University of Canterbury

Bachelor of Commerce, International Business

2015 - 2018

Activities and societies: Awarded the Prime Minister's Scholarship for Asia and completed an internship in Shanghai, China.

Completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in International Business with a minor in Economics, focusing on management, marketing, economics and finance coursework.