Open to opportunities

Derek Budde

@derekbudde

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MSc Cyber Security and Software Engineer with 15+ years in network, systems and security.

Portugal

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role leveraging networks, systems and cybersecurity where I can lead technical improvements, harden infrastructure, mentor teams, and deliver reliable, secure services.

I am a seasoned computer engineer with an MSc (Merit) in Cyber Security, a BSc (Hons) in Software Engineering, and over 15 years of IT experience spanning service desk, systems administration, software development and cybersecurity. I excel at solving complex technical problems and improving operational efficiency across EMEA, APAC and AMER environments.

My background includes leading technical teams, optimizing infrastructure (virtual servers, Office 365/Azure, networking, firewalls and virtualization), and developing secure software solutions using C# and web technologies. I have a strong record of incident resolution, KPI outperformance, and implementing security hardening measures that reduced vulnerabilities and downtime.

I hold certifications including CISSP, CCNA and Microsoft credentials, and I bring hands-on expertise with PowerShell scripting, network troubleshooting, identity/access tools, and a broad hardware and systems administration skill set. I am collaborative, adaptable, and focused on delivering secure, reliable IT services and software that meet stakeholder needs.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Service Desk Engineer

Dentsu Aegis London Limited

May 2019 - Sep 2025 (6 years 4 months)

Resolved 2,988 incidents and handled 4,454 requests across EMEA/APAC/AMER, outperforming KPIs and doubling First-Time-Fix and task closure rates while maintaining ISO 20000 and ISO 27001 standards.

Service Desk ITIL Incident Management Office 365 Troubleshooting Knowledge Base ISO 27001

Software Team Lead

SHC Software Ltda

Jan 2019 - Apr 2019 (3 months)

Led a development team to deliver a School Library System and company website, integrated secure SDLC practices, optimized hiring/retention, and reduced defects through triage and stakeholder alignment.

Team Leadership C++Secure Coding SQL WordPress API Integration SDLC Documentation

Lead IT Technician

Manchester Enterprise Academy Central

Sep 2017 - Sep 2018 (1 year)

Managed infrastructure of 22 virtual servers and 549 PCs, reduced network downtime by 20%, implemented security hardening (MFA, encryption, segmentation) and improved AV/AV documentation and AV setup.

Server Administration Virtualization Office 365 Network Security GPO VoIP Wireless Troubleshooting

ICT Technician

SS John Fisher & Thomas More

Sep 2015 - Sep 2017 (2 years)

Administered curriculum servers and VLE, maintained wireless network and SIMS, developed ICT tutorials, and successfully protected school servers from WannaCry ransomware.

Active Directory VLE Network Monitoring Backup Troubleshooting

Software Developer

Equity Growth Partners

Jan 2015 - Aug 2015 (7 months)

Developed C# applications focused on geo-location mapping for property projects and provided network and hardware troubleshooting and configuration support.

C++.NET SQL Software Documentation

IT Project Consultant

SRC Group

Jan 2011 - Mar 2014 (3 years 2 months)

Developed security-focused hardware/software systems (RFID, GPS/SMS tracking, biometric ID) and encrypted data-exchange solutions while supporting full project lifecycle and data confidentiality.

Embedded Systems Biometrics Encryption Requirements Engineering

Slot Machine Technician

Casino da Figueira da Foz

Jan 2005 - Nov 2010 (5 years 10 months)

Inspected, repaired and configured slot machines, ATMs and related hardware, performed firmware updates, produced accounting/quality reports, and ensured regulatory compliance.

Firmware Diagnostics Regulatory Compliance Reporting

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Wrexham Glyndwr University

Master of Science, Cyber Security

2020 - 2022

Grade: Merit

Completed an MSc (Merit) in Cyber Security from July 2020 to June 2022, focusing on cybersecurity principles and practical defensive techniques.

Universidade Lusófona do Porto

Bachelor of Science (Hons), Software Engineering

2009 - 2013

Completed a BSc (Hons) in Software Engineering and Project Management from November 2009 to November 2013, covering software development and project management practices.