Hasam Khaliq

Network and cybersecurity professional with six years of hands-on commercial infrastructure experience at Openreach (UK's largest broadband and telephone network infrastructure company), combining deep knowledge of physical and logical network architecture with an active transition into security operations. Held roles as both Frames Engineer and Network Engineer, managing internal exchange infrastructure, external plant connections, and full-copper to fibre broadband deployments at customer premises. CompTIA Security+ certified (issued August 2025, verified via Credly) and currently pursuing CREST CPSA accreditation through Optima Training Academy, backed by a self-built home lab covering offensive security techniques, traffic analysis, and threat documentation.

Network Engineer / Frames Engineer at Openreach (BT Group) (2009-01 – 2015-12)

Held dual responsibilities across two infrastructure roles within Openreach, covering both internal exchange-level operations and external network deployment. Worked across the full physical network stack, from main distribution frames inside BT exchanges through to customer premises fibre broadband installation.

• Managed and maintained Main Distribution Frames (MDF) and Internal Distribution Frames (IDF) within BT telephone exchanges, controlling the physical routing of all copper and fibre connections entering and leaving the exchange.
• Executed circuit provisioning, jumpering, and network patching for both residential and business services across ADSL, FTTC (VDSL), and PSTN technologies, building a practical working knowledge of how traffic enters, routes through, and exits a core network node.
• Managed LLU (Local Loop Unbundling) infrastructure within the exchange, facilitating third-party operator connections and maintaining strict physical separation of network segments.
• Maintained detailed records of all circuit changes, patching operations, and fault resolutions within Openreach's internal OSS systems — developing rigorous documentation habits directly transferable to SOC ticketing and incident management workflows.
• Operated within a physically secured, access-controlled BT exchange environment, gaining firsthand experience of physical security controls, restricted access procedures, and secure site compliance.
• Deployed and maintained FTTP (Full Fibre to the Premises) connections at customer premises, installing ONTs (Optical Network Terminals), configuring CPE routers, and testing end-to-end optical signal integrity using industry-standard test equipment.
• Managed external network plant including underground duct systems, street-level distribution cabinets, and distribution point connections — mapping how physical infrastructure translates to logical network segments, a key competency for network-level threat analysis in a SOC.
• Diagnosed and resolved complex network faults spanning multiple infrastructure layers, from physical fibre breaks and copper degradation through to misconfigured equipment at both exchange and customer end, developing a systematic fault-isolation methodology closely aligned with security incident triage.
• Collaborated with internal NOC and planning teams, working within strict SLA windows and change management processes. Experienced in communicating technical faults clearly across teams with varying levels of technical knowledge.
• Consistently met performance and quality standards in a regulated telecoms environment with zero tolerance for undocumented changes or procedural deviation.

ADI Driving Instructor at Self-Employed (2020-01 – Present)

• Managed a full, independently run client portfolio with no oversight — scheduling, progress tracking, and professional accountability handled entirely autonomously, demonstrating the self-direction required in a SOC analyst role.
• Performed continuous real-time risk assessment in dynamic, unpredictable environments — developing the composure and structured thinking required to monitor, identify, and respond to emerging threats proportionately.
• Translated complex technical material into clear, accessible guidance for clients across all ability levels — directly applicable to writing non-technical incident summaries and communicating security findings to stakeholders.
• Maintained detailed compliance records aligned with DVSA regulatory standards, reinforcing a strong process-adherence mindset consistent with SOC documentation, audit trails, and chain-of-custody requirements.