Curriculum Vitae

I was given 'special' access to the computers in Carndonagh School, while still a student there. This involved the job of testing and installing new software on the school's new computer system and preparing lists of operating instructions for the other students. {We were Irelands first IBM compatable PC equiped school previous systems had always been based on Apple IIe systems} I also as a hobby tailored some software to work in the new network & gem environment. After a few months of this work, I became so familiar with the system that teachers would call me out of class to help if they were experiencing any problems with the system.
I also was one of only three students allowed access to the modems and was given access passwords for our local Eirpac node {frame relay pad} from here we were able to place a connection to any other Eirpac connected computer, we were set up with a shell account on one of Dublin City University's Vax systems as a user of the D.C.U. VAX you could then gain access to E-mail and Information Systems such as Prestel Campus 2000 and ECHO. {at this stage ip was not in common use}

While I was at Magee College I saw the gradual change from the old Coloured Book Protocols to the now common bind/dns & ip based naming/connection conventions, I was able to access ftp & gopher sites, bulliten boards, M.U.D.'s and a host of other pre web Information Systems {now hardly used}.
With the introduction of HTTP/HTML I was able to access information available on the World Wide Web and have even helped with the construction of Students Home Pages. I also developed an interest in the emergence of security issues such as network problems and anti-virus strategies. After several widespread infections, I started keeping up to date a/v software from MacAfee, Norton, Dr. Solomon etc. and started fixing and reporting viruses undetected by the university's system, such as the first infection by the famous 'jack the ripper' virus. I also for cash fitted friend's parents' systems with c.r.c. based software {alteration detection}.

After graduating in November 96 I started working as a product support rep. with Stream International which involved installing and setting up Tcp/ip, ppp internet & terminal dial up connections on a range of computer/modem types from Psion organizers to pentiums/power Macintoshes also instruction of users in use of software, E-Mail protocols such as UUencoding, HTML, Pop3, ASCII & Nisa , MIME types, HMI. Also I was involved in the administration & control of user's access and billing {where applicable} for a few months to get a better picture of the non technical side of the administration of a computer network. During my time with Stream I was also selected to be part of a group sent to the U.S. for two 3 month training courses in network systems and windows 95/NT. Also I was involved in course on resolving printer issues, incompatibilities troubleshooting steps, network related issues.

While working with EUnet/Esat Net, in a support position I gained greater insight into the operation of DNS, smtp, proxies & firewalls and many other setup/diagnostic/resolution issues with a wide range of systems, as well as internetnetworking technically incompatable systems. I've also dealt with some of the 'politics' involved with dealing with other isp's / internic {& IEDR for .ie domains}, and I've had the experience of working directly with many IT managers in many large organisations, this has given me great insights into the uses and applications that buisness want/ need & can take advantage of.

Also I have been involved in the setup and management of a .ie domain and have been managing the Primary DNS server myself, also the web, mail and the other servers for the domain, this has been a huge learning experience as it was my first opportunity to install & administer Live Linux Based systems from start to completion.

when working as a Senior Technical consultant for the Network Services group within esat net. I was involved in recomending solutions for customer internet connectivity/security needs, and then implementing (and troubleshooting should problems arise later) these solutions. Also I was regularily involved in troubleshooting and diagnosis of problems with 3rd pary setups, where either the 3rd party is unable or unwilling to provide support to the customer with the problems they experience when trying to configure the system to connect to us(esat net). Typical cases would be, troubleshooting ISDN line connections being brought up {to often} by misconfigured nt services/desktop machines, Limiting access to open mail relays on customer sites with mis-configured mail servers, Setting up firewalls / proxies /mail-servers/ viruswalls etc., Configuring cisco routers for leased-line & ISDN ip based wans and internet connections, also any 'never seen before' problems/systems I was normally the Technician sent out.

While working as a Security Architect for Internetworking Strategies (Ireland) Ltd. I was involved in all my previous duties with more of an emphasis on security and security auditing {including penetration testing, OS hardening etc.}

while self employed was involved more with custom solution, ssh based remote control/configuration/repair, systems that mail alert customers and myself of any possible intrusions/alterations/anomalies etc. mainly for more secure firewall-1, mailserver & webserver implementaions, this lowers support costs for the customer and increases their confidence in their security. Also running diagnostics such as penetration tests site and system auditing, troubleshooting network issues, setting up vpns {from wan mesh's to client server remote access vpn's}. Occasionally designing/reccomending/setting up systems in conjunction with customer IT staff so as to train them in the instalation/maintenance of further similar sytems. and a large amount of time on cleanup/troubleshooting of other companies installs that are underperforming/failing which often involves dealing with systems that i'm not familiar with but as the basics are always there i've had no failures so far except when the systems were clearly functionly incapable or implementation incompatible such as firewalls with no site to site vpn functionality etc. related work involves analisis and preperation of reports outlying why such systems were non-functional {innappropriatly supplied} to aid customers to get the re-funds they deserve.

While working in kerna, I was doing mainly support/instalation/troubleshooting of remotely managed systems, (firewalls,routers,switches and application servers), networks ranged from small to enterprise wans.

Now while working in INCA Networks I continue to work in most of the fields above with a primary focus on secutity then resiliance to failure, both in design and in implementation, also when brought in to troubleshoot/redesign/rebuild failing/aging systems. we work closely with our customers and partners to ensure that in providing the solution they want we also ensure the systems are as secure/resiliant as permissable (an often neglected aspect by our peers).

My interests include Computing (mainly Communications, e.g. Linux sytem configuration, W.W.W. HTML Authoring,) TV/Video/Films, Reading, Music, Art, Travelling, Hill walking / Hitch hiking, Swimming & Cycling