Luyanda

Cybersecurity professional with 4+ years of experience spanning software development, service desk support, NOC operations, and SOC environments. Holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Geographic Information Systems, with hands-on experience in monitoring, incident response, and system troubleshooting using tools such as Bitdefender, SentinelOne, Microsoft Azure, and RocketCyber. Familiar with platforms including ConnectWise, Microsoft 365, and CheckCentral.

Microsoft SC-900 certified and currently pursuing AZ-500, with a strong interest in cloud security and threat detection. Working knowledge of PowerShell and Python, with a focus on continuous learning and improving automation capabilities. Skilled at supporting security operations and enhancing system resilience.

SOC/NOC Engineer - BDR Solutions and Data - Cape Town, Western Cape

(2026-01)

• Monitor security events, infrastructure health, and service availability across SOC/NOC environments to ensure system uptime and security posture.
• Investigate and respond to security alerts and incidents using SentinelOne, Bitdefender, and RocketCyber, performing initial triage, analysis, and escalation in line with operational procedures.
• Support cloud and security operations within Microsoft Azure, assisting with service monitoring, access-related issues, and troubleshooting of cloud-hosted resources.
• Assist with identity, access, and service-related issues in Microsoft 365 (O365) environments, including user account and mailbox troubleshooting.
• Manage incident, request, and case workflows using ConnectWise and Salesforce, ensuring accurate documentation, prioritisation, and resolution tracking.
• Perform infrastructure and network monitoring using Zabbix, identifying performance issues, service degradation, and potential outages.
• Use CheckCentral to monitor backups, system checks, and critical service alerts, ensuring early detection of failures.
• Support security operations through log review, alert validation, and coordination with senior analysts to mitigate threats and reduce risk.
• Contribute to maintaining secure cloud operations in Azure environments, following best practices for monitoring and operational security awareness.
• Use basic PowerShell and Python scripting to assist with automation, log extraction, and repetitive task reduction.
• Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams to resolve incidents and improve overall system reliability, monitoring coverage, and security response effectiveness.

NOC ENGINEER - Fibertime Networks

(2025-07 - 2025-12)

• Monitor, analyze, and respond to real-time network alarms via NARC (Network Alarm Response Centre) systems to ensure high availability and SLA compliance.
• Perform first-line fault diagnostics on GPON/FTTH networks, including remote access to OLTs (Optical Line Terminals), ONTs (Optical Network Terminals), and associated network devices.
• Utilize OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer) traces to pinpoint fiber faults, attenuation points, splice losses, and breaks on single-mode fiber.
• Troubleshoot alarms related to SNMP traps, latency spikes, packet loss, and link down events, escalating critical incidents to L2/L3 teams when necessary.
• Work with network management systems (NMS) and ticketing platforms to log, prioritize, and track incident resolution across cross-functional teams.
• Support field technicians by providing accurate fault location data, assisting with fiber rerouting, splicing validation, and restoration strategies.
• Conduct trend analysis on recurring alarms and chronic faults to identify root causes, reduce false positives, and improve proactive maintenance.

Service Desk Analyst - CDW - South Africa

(2024-06 - 2025-06)

• Provide technical support for Office 365 users, including Exchange, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Administer and troubleshoot Exchange Online (mailbox management, email security, distribution lists).
• Manage O365 user accounts, licenses, and security settings in the Admin Center.
• Handle Active Directory user and group management (account creation, password resets, access control).
• Use PowerShell scripting for automation and bulk administrative tasks.
• Resolve IT service desk tickets related to email, collaboration tools, and access management.
• Assist with Azure AD configurations, identity management, and role-based access control (RBAC).
• Support end-users with software installations, updates, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with IT teams to implement security policies and compliance measures.
• Maintain documentation for processes, troubleshooting steps, and user guides.

Software Developer Intern - CapaCiTi/Younglings

(2023-01 - 2024-06)

• Develop, test, and maintain software applications based on project requirements.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code following best practices.
• Assist in debugging and troubleshooting software issues.
• Work closely with senior developers, designers, and project managers to deliver high-quality solutions.
• Participate in code reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate APIs, databases, and third-party services.
• Stay up to date with emerging technologies, tools, and frameworks.
• Support the software deployment process and assist with testing.

Bachelor of Science - Computer Science, Geographic Information Systems and Geology - University of Fort Hare

National Senior Certificate (Matric) - Zwelenqaba Senior Secondary School