Systems Engineering / Cybersecurity

Scott Owens

Systems Manager & Cybersecurity Specialist
Brandon, MS 601.283.2027 scottowens77@gmail.com LinkedIn

Results-oriented IT Security Administrator and Systems Manager with over 20 years of experience securing and optimizing complex enterprise infrastructures. Expert in bridging network operations and cybersecurity, with specialized proficiency in Azure cloud environments, next-generation firewalls, and vulnerability management. Proven track record of minimizing downtime, leading disaster recovery planning, and implementing robust security frameworks across government and corporate sectors.

20+Years in enterprise IT & security
99.9%Server and network uptime maintained
1,700End users supported (current role)
100%HIPAA compliance maintained
Capabilities

Technical Skills

Security Operations
Vulnerability Management & Patch Remediation Advanced Network Security and Threat Mitigation Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
Identity & Cloud
Identity & Access Management (IAM) Mobile Device Management (MDM) Cloud Infrastructure and Security (Azure)
Infrastructure
Server Infrastructure & Networking Virtualization Management (VMware) Task Automation
Governance & Resilience
Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery (BCDR) Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Team Leadership and Mentoring
Career History

Professional Experience

IT Security Systems Administrator March 2024 — Present
Community Care Partners · Lafayette, LA (Remote) Active
  • Orchestrate endpoint, email, identity, and browser threat detection using SentinelOne, Darktrace (Email & Identity), and Conceal SSE to identify and neutralize breaches across the full attack surface.
  • Conduct vulnerability assessments and digital risk monitoring via Tenable Nessus, RoboShadow, and ReliaQuest GreyMatter, remediating findings to reduce organizational attack surface.
  • Administer identity and access management via Microsoft Entra ID and Intune, enforcing MFA, conditional access, and least-privilege access across the remote workforce.
  • Manage Cisco Meraki networking stack — firewalls, switches, and wireless access points — along with ISP connectivity across 115 physical healthcare clinic locations, ensuring secure segmentation and reliable network availability.
  • Conduct periodic HIPAA Security Rule audits, assessing administrative and technical safeguards to maintain 100% compliance with ePHI protection standards.
  • Administer Microsoft 365 Security configurations (Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams) and Azure cloud infrastructure, implementing threat protection and data loss prevention policies.
  • Administer KnowBe4 security awareness platform, executing phishing simulation campaigns and employee training to strengthen security culture.
  • Streamline endpoint and fleet management using ConnectWise Automate/Asio (RMM/PSA) and PowerShell automation, improving patch compliance and help desk efficiency across the environment.
Senior Network Administrator March 2020 — March 2024
Mississippi Lottery Corporation · Flowood, MS
  • Configure and manage Cisco switches, Cisco Meraki access points, and Palo Alto Networks firewalls, architecting secure, segmented network infrastructure across the organization.
  • Administer virtualized server environments (VMware), Dell PowerEdge hardware, and EMC Avamar/Data Domain backup infrastructure — including facilities backup generators — ensuring high availability, lifecycle planning, and data center resiliency during outages.
  • Supervise the Help Desk team while managing vendor contracts, procurement, and service level agreements (SLAs); administer cross-platform endpoint management via Microsoft Intune and Mosyle MDM for Windows and Apple devices.
  • Maintain and secure air-gapped systems critical to lottery gaming integrity and regulatory compliance.
  • Manage ISP circuits and vendor relationships to ensure reliable, redundant network connectivity.
  • Conducted vulnerability scans using Tenable Nessus to identify security gaps across servers, workstations, and network devices, then prioritized and remediated findings through targeted patch deployment to reduce organizational risk.
  • Deploy and monitor Palo Alto Cortex XDR and Cylance endpoint protection, leveraging AI-driven detection to prevent malware and advanced threats.
  • Manage Active Directory, Microsoft Windows Server, SQL Server, Azure, and Microsoft 365 (Exchange, SharePoint, Teams), supporting hybrid infrastructure and enterprise collaboration.
Systems Manager August 2017 — February 2020
Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration · Jackson, MS
  • Supervised and managed the Help Desk team, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations, while establishing SLAs for ticket response and resolution times.
  • Managed state check printing operations on large-scale high-volume Xerox production printers — including MICR printing and check stock security controls — ensuring secure, accurate, and timely production of state payroll and vendor payments while maintaining compliance and auditability of state financial disbursements.
  • Oversee IT asset lifecycle management, including hardware procurement, deployment, and retirement.
  • Maintain documentation for systems, configurations, and standard operating procedures across the department.
  • Develop and deliver end-user training programs on new systems and security best practices.
  • Serve as liaison between IT staff and agency leadership, translating technical issues into business impact.
Lead Systems Administrator 2013 — July 2017
Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration · Jackson, MS
  • Directed network security architecture, configuring and maintaining Cisco ASA and Fortinet FortiGate firewalls to secure the agency network perimeter.
  • Led email security strategy, administering Cisco IronPort Security Appliance, Sophos PureMessage, and Barracuda Message Archiver for threat filtering, compliance, and retention.
  • Owned endpoint security posture agency-wide through deployment and management of Sophos Intercept X and Trend Micro endpoint protection solutions.
  • Led infrastructure modernization projects, evaluating and implementing new server, storage, and backup technologies.
  • Owned disaster recovery strategy and planning across server, storage, and backup infrastructure.
  • Mentored and provided technical guidance to junior systems administrators, serving as escalation point for complex issues.
Senior Systems Administrator January 2012 — 2013
Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration · Jackson, MS
  • Administered VMware ESXi and vSphere virtualization environments, provisioning and maintaining virtual servers for agency applications.
  • Maintained Microsoft Windows Server infrastructure and physical server hardware (IBM System X, Dell PowerEdge).
  • Administered SAN storage infrastructure and deployed software updates/patches via Microsoft SCCM across the server and workstation fleet.
  • Managed Microsoft Active Directory, including Group Policy Objects (GPOs), OU structure, and user/group provisioning.
  • Managed backup and disaster recovery operations using EMC Data Domain, EMC Networker, ExaGrid, and Veeam.
  • Served as agency webmaster, developing and maintaining agency website content using HTML, CSS, and Adobe Dreamweaver/Photoshop.
Additional Experience

Earlier Career

Help Desk Analyst (Part-Time) — Hudson's Bay Company, Jackson, MS (2015–2016)
Provided first-level technical support to store employees and corporate staff, troubleshooting hardware, software, and POS system issues. Monitored network circuits and switches across store locations for outages, escalating and coordinating repairs to minimize connectivity disruptions.
Systems Administrator — Mississippi Department of Education, Jackson, MS (2009–2011)
Resolved escalated technical issues from the Help Desk team, providing support for complex system and application problems. Managed Microsoft Active Directory and Novell e-Directory environments, along with Microsoft Exchange 2010 and Novell GroupWise mail servers. Administered VMware ESXi/vCenter server cluster and managed Dell PowerEdge and HP ProLiant physical server hardware. Managed Windows Server 2003/2008 R2 and Linux SUSE server environments supporting agency infrastructure. Administered Symantec Backup Exec and EMC Data Domain backup infrastructure, including weekly rotation of LTO Ultrium tapes for secure offsite storage. Managed deployment and lifecycle of desktop/laptop hardware (Dell, HP, Apple) and Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop virtual application delivery across the agency.
Help Desk Analyst (Tier 2) — Comcast Cable Communications, Madison, MS (2008–2009)
Provided technical support to internal employees and field technicians, troubleshooting hardware, software, and network connectivity issues. Diagnosed and resolved connectivity issues related to signal loss, modem configuration, and network outages, guiding customers through remote troubleshooting steps.
Help Desk Analyst — Integrity Online (2006–2008)
Diagnosed and resolved residential and business internet connectivity issues, troubleshooting modems, routers, and signal disruptions to restore service quickly. Logged, tracked, and resolved high-volume support tickets within SLA timeframes, maintaining accurate documentation of troubleshooting steps and resolutions.
Help Desk Analyst — Water Valley Interchange, Oxford, MS (2005–2006)
Supported dial-up, DSL, and VoIP services across multiple legacy operating systems, configured email clients across a wide range of platforms, and built, repaired, and upgraded custom computer systems for residential and business clients.
Sales Associate — Circuit City, Jackson, MS (2003–2004)
Advised customers on television and computer purchases, processed point-of-sale transactions, and supported merchandising in a high-volume retail environment — an early foundation in customer service and consumer electronics.
Background

Education

Bachelor of Applied Science, Cybersecurity
University of Southern Mississippi
GPA 4.0 · December 2025
Associate of Arts, General Studies
Hinds Community College
May 2018
Recognition

Honors & Certifications

Summa Cum Laude — University of Southern Mississippi (December 2025)
President's List — University of Southern Mississippi (August 2025)
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (May 2025)
Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) — 2022