Harshitha Vaddadi

Results-driven Cybersecurity SOC Analyst with 5+ years of experience in threat detection, security monitoring, and incident response across enterprise environments. Skilled in security alerts triage, log correlation, and cyber defense using SIEM tools like Microsoft Sentinel, Splunk, and IBM QRadar, achieving a 35% reduction in MTTC and 28% decrease in false positives. Experienced in cloud security monitoring (AWS/Azure), IOC/IOA development, risk assessment, and security controls implementation, with hands-on expertise in malware analysis, threat hunting, and SOAR automation.

Strong background in compliance monitoring, audit support, and vendor risk assessment (TPRM).

Cybersecurity SOC Analyst at Cognizant (2025-05 – Present)

Lead end-to-end incident response for critical severity events across a hybrid AWS/Azure environment, integrating threat detection, security monitoring, and incident automation.

• Lead end-to-end incident response for critical severity events across a hybrid AWS/Azure environment, integrating threat detection, security monitoring, and incident automation, reducing MTTC by ~35% through SOAR playbook optimization in Microsoft Sentinel.
• Perform security alerts triage and log correlation to identify advanced threats, including lateral movement and Mimikatz-based credential dumping activities.
• Conduct malware and phishing investigations with IOC analysis and IOA development using EDR/XDR tools, Wireshark, and VirusTotal, strengthening overall cyber defense capabilities.
• Own SIEM alert tuning while enhancing SIEM monitoring and security monitoring coverage, reducing false positives by ~28%.
• Drive vulnerability lifecycle with focus on vulnerability management, risk assessment, and security controls implementation aligned with NIST CSF and CIS Controls.
• Support compliance monitoring, security audits, and audit documentation, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
• Contribute to third-party risk management (TPRM) and vendor risk assessment initiatives by evaluating external security risks.
• Mentor junior analysts and improve documentation management, reducing repeat escalations by ~20%.

SOC Analyst at TCS (2019-07 – 2023-08)

Monitored daily security events and performed SIEM monitoring, security monitoring, alerts triage, and log correlation.

• Monitored 500+ daily security events, performing SIEM monitoring, security monitoring, alerts triage, and log correlation using IBM QRadar and Splunk.
• Investigated endpoint alerts using EDR tools, supporting threat detection, endpoint investigation, and IOC analysis workflows.
• Analyzed network traffic to support network traffic analysis and cyber defense operations, detecting anomalies.
• Supported phishing and malware analysis while contributing to detection improvements and threat hunting activities.
• Maintained detailed records for security audits, compliance monitoring, and documentation aligned with ISO 27001 and SOC 2.
• Assisted in vulnerability scanning and contributed to vulnerability management, risk assessment, and remediation tracking.

PG Diploma in Cyber Security Response Planning – Conestoga College (2024-09 – 2025-04)

PG Diploma in Big Data Solutions Architecture – Conestoga College (2023-09 – 2024-04)

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Abhyudaya Mahila Degree College (2016-03 – 2019-06)