Open to opportunities

Matthew McFarlane

@matthewmcfarlane

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Cybersecurity Analyst delivering SOC operations, incident response, and vulnerability management to reduce risk.

Jamaica

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a remote-friendly role where I can lead SOC monitoring, incident triage, and vulnerability remediation—using SIEM, NIST/OWASP, and cloud security controls—to strengthen detection and resilience with a team that values continuous improvement.

I’m a cybersecurity professional with 8+ years of progressive experience in security operations, incident response, and infrastructure defence across regulated and enterprise environments. I’m a hands-on practitioner focused on practical security outcomes, from monitoring and triage to risk remediation and recovery planning.

I work deeply with SIEM and detection capabilities, including Microsoft Sentinel and Elastic SIEM, and I support investigations through RCA and incident management workflows. I also run vulnerability and control activities using Nessus and UpGuard, and I strengthen cloud security with Azure AD and Microsoft Defender—guided by NIST and OWASP for security posture assessments.

In my most recent Systems Administrator role, I conducted security posture assessments and built formal IT remediation plans, prioritising vulnerabilities across infrastructure, endpoints, and data systems. I led the implementation of a SIEM solution to centralise log monitoring, improved service desk operations to a 4.99/5 customer satisfaction rating, and collaborated on a comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP).

Beyond operations, I bring a build-and-verify mindset from earlier software and IT support roles, including secure coding practices and automated monitoring. I’m currently completing an MSc in Information Security and Digital Forensics and I’m CompTIA Security+ certified—while also serving as a part-time IT Lecturer, designing competency-based training aligned to national standards.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Part-Time IT Lecturer

Current

Heart Trust/NTA

May 2026 - Present (1 month)

Designed and delivered competency-based IT training aligned with NCTVET vocational standards, developing lesson plans, interactive modules, and hands-on assessments across Computer Applications, Data Management, and mobile device configuration. Integrated data security, digital ethics, and professional communication into daily coursework to produce job-ready graduates.

IT Training NCTVET Standards Mapping Lesson planning Assessment Design Data Security Professional communication

Current

Systems Administrator

Current

Real Estate Board / Commission of Strata Corporation

Jul 2024 - Present (1 year 11 months)

Conducted security posture assessments and created IT remediation plans to prioritize vulnerabilities across infrastructure, endpoints, and data systems. Led incident triage with RCA, managed change and patch lifecycles, implemented SIEM-based log monitoring, and built a disaster recovery plan; improved IT service desk results to a 4.99/5 customer satisfaction rating.

Security Assessments Vulnerability Management Incident Triage And RCA Change Management Patch Management SIEM Azure Active Directory Disaster Recovery Planning

System Administrator

Mahoe Gaming Enterprise Ltd

Dec 2020 - Jul 2024 (3 years 7 months)

Managed enterprise system and network security by monitoring firewall settings, enforcing access controls, and supporting disaster recovery through routine backups. Administered Azure Active Directory and deployed applications on Microsoft Azure, implemented secure VPN communications, and supported endpoints and PBX maintenance; also configured theft-control and device tracking using Prey.

Access Control Backup VPN Azure Active Directory Prey Device Tracking

Software Developer/Technical Support

Travel Agency Tribes

Mar 2019 - Jun 2020 (1 year 3 months)

Performed server performance evaluations and vulnerability checks, producing reports to support security and operational decisions. Built automated server monitoring scripts, implemented database backup/restoration and integrity checks, developed secure consumer-facing features with Elixir and JavaScript, and resolved customer issues using Freshdesk.

JavaScript HTML CSS Automated Monitoring Scripts Database Restores Kubernetes DigitalOcean Freshdesk

IT Support Specialist

Hinduja Global Solutions

Feb 2018 - Mar 2019 (1 year 1 month)

Served as site lead for approximately 1,500 end users, providing troubleshooting and hardware maintenance while managing deployments of 100+ computers. Monitored network performance using Smokeping and Cacti, managed Active Directory and Lansweeper asset tracking, and handled security using Symantec Endpoint Protection alongside compliance-focused security participation.

Active Directory Administration Lansweeper Cacti Help Desk Support Hardware Maintenance Symantec Endpoint