$ whoami

Ashfak Ahmad

|

Cybersecurity-focused professional with a computing science background, hands-on SOC lab experience, and a CySA+ certification. Passionate about defending systems, analyzing threats, and building a safer digital world.

$ ./status.sh

[✓] Open to Work · Vancouver, BC · Remote OK

$ cat certs.txt

CySA+/ Security+/ ISO 27001/ GCP/ Azure

View Resume
Ashfak Ahmad, Cybersecurity Analyst based in Kamloops, BC

Open to Work

10+
Certifications
3.80
CGPA Dean's List
SOC L2
THM Path
Azure + GCP
Cloud Exp.
$ cat about.txt

Who I Am

I'm a cybersecurity-focused professional with a background in computing science and hands-on experience through lab environments and real-world technical support roles.

My interest in cybersecurity developed through working with systems, troubleshooting issues, and understanding how vulnerabilities can impact real users and organizations.

Through platforms like TryHackMe and LetsDefend, I've gained practical exposure to SOC workflows including alert triage, log analysis, and incident response simulations.

Alongside technical skills, I bring strong documentation practices, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly in high-pressure environments.

I'm currently seeking opportunities where I can contribute to a security team, continue learning, and grow as a cybersecurity analyst.

Security Operations
SOC workflows, alert triage, SIEM analysis, and incident response through TryHackMe & LetsDefend labs.
Cloud & Identity
Hands-on with Azure, GCP, AWS IAM, Entra ID, RBAC, and MFA — certified in AZ-900, SC-900, and GCP Associate.
Real-World IT Support
Technical Service Rep at Geek Squad — hardware, software, data security, and Salesforce SLA management since 2024.
$ ls -la experience/

Experience

Feb 2024 – Present
Technical Service Representative, Geek Squad
Best Buy · Kamloops, BC
  • Provide technical support across a wide range of devices and systems while ensuring data security and customer privacy.
  • Regularly troubleshoot hardware, software, and network-related issues applying structured problem-solving and documentation practices.
  • Manage secure data handling including device migrations and data transfers, ensuring confidentiality and integrity.
  • Utilize Salesforce to maintain SLA tracking and customer communication.
IT SupportSalesforceData SecurityHardware
Jan 2025 – Present
Shelter Support Worker
Pathways, ASK Wellness Society · Kamloops
  • Operate in a high-responsibility environment requiring strict adherence to policies, documentation, and confidentiality.
  • Assess risk, respond to incidents, and follow structured escalation procedures — skills directly transferable to cybersecurity operations.
  • Strengthened ability to remain calm under pressure, document incidents accurately, and make sound decisions quickly.
Risk AssessmentIncident ResponseDocumentation
Jan 2021 – Apr 2023
Customer Service Associate
Walmart · Kamloops, BC
  • Delivered efficient, friendly customer service in a high-traffic retail environment, consistently meeting daily performance targets.
  • Identified and implemented workflow improvements that reduced average customer wait times by 30%.
  • Supported the onboarding and training of new team members, creating reference guides and providing hands-on coaching.
  • Handled cash, returns, and inventory with accuracy, maintaining compliance with store policies and procedures.
  • Collaborated across departments to resolve escalated customer issues, demonstrating strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Customer SupportTeam TrainingProcess ImprovementCommunication
Dec 2022 – Dec 2023 · Volunteer
General Vice President, TRUSU Sylhet Club
Thompson Rivers University · Kamloops, BC
  • Led club operations and strategic planning alongside the President, overseeing a team of executive members.
  • Drove initiatives that increased overall member engagement and satisfaction by 15% within one academic year.
  • Facilitated regular meetings, delegated responsibilities, and ensured accountability across the executive team.
  • Acted as a primary point of contact between the club, the student union, and the wider university community.
LeadershipTeam ManagementStrategic PlanningCommunity Engagement
Aug 2022 – Dec 2023 · Volunteer
Event Coordinator, TRU MSA
Thompson Rivers University · Kamloops, BC
  • Planned, coordinated, and executed a series of cultural and community events throughout the academic year.
  • Achieved a 40% increase in event attendance through targeted outreach and improved promotional strategies.
  • Reduced logistical costs by 20% by negotiating with vendors and optimizing resource allocation.
  • Managed event timelines, volunteer assignments, and on-the-day operations to ensure smooth delivery.
Event PlanningBudget ManagementCoordinationOutreach
$ cat skills.json

Core Skills

Security Ops & IR
SIEMAlert TriageLog AnalysisIncident Response
Vuln & Threat Mgmt
NmapBurp SuiteWiresharkVuln Scanning
Cloud & Identity
AzureEntra IDAWS IAMRBAC
Network Security
FirewallsVPNsIDS/IPSPacket Analysis
Risk & Compliance
ISO 27001Risk MgmtData Privacy
IT Support
SalesforceHelpdeskSLAsDocumentation
$ cat credentials.md

Credentials

Jan 2021 – Dec 2023
Diploma in Computing Science
Thompson Rivers University · Kamloops, BC · Dean's List Fall 2022 (CGPA 3.80)
Relevant coursework: Software Architecture, Software Engineering, Computer Networks, Computer Systems, Web Development, Database Administration. Programming in Python and Java.
PythonJavaComputer NetworksDatabase Admin
Aug 2024 – Present
Cybersecurity Training — Lab Based
TryHackMe & LetsDefend · Self-Directed Remote
  • Pre-Security, SOC Level 1, and Cyber Defence learning paths completed.
  • Investigating simulated security alerts and performing network traffic analysis.
  • Tools: Nmap, Burp Suite, Wireshark, Linux CLI.
SOC L1PentestMalware Analysis
IT Support Fundamentals
Google / Coursera
↗ verify on Coursera
Basic First Aid (CPR-A)
BC & Yukon Council · Canada
Class 5 Driving License
British Columbia · Canada
$ ls projects/

Projects

PROJECT 01
Azure VM & Web Server Deployment
Configured and deployed a VM on Microsoft Azure, set up a web server, and implemented network security controls for remote access.
AzureVMNSGCloud Security
PROJECT 02
Network Traffic Analysis — TCPDump
Captured and analyzed network traffic using TCPDump, developing a custom Bash logging tool for monitoring and troubleshooting.
TCPDumpLinux CLIBash
PROJECT 03
Wireshark Packet Capture & Analysis
Inspected network packets with Wireshark, applying filters to identify performance issues and analyze suspicious traffic patterns.
WiresharkPacket AnalysisTCP/IP
PROJECT 04
IAM Role Management — AWS S3
Managed S3 bucket permissions via IAM user creation with custom least-privilege policies for secure access control and compliance.
AWSIAMS3Least Privilege

↑ Click any card to view the full case study

$ ls writeups/

Write-Ups

Networking · Fundamentals
The OSI Model Explained — What It Is, How It Works, and Where Attacks Hide
By Ashfak Ahmad  ·  8 min read  ·  Beginner friendly
Ever wonder how your message gets from your phone to a server on the other side of the world? The OSI model is the blueprint. This write-up breaks it down in plain language and shows exactly where attackers strike at each layer.
Read More →
Penetration Testing · Tools
Best Penetration Testing Tools — A Practical Breakdown
By Ashfak Ahmad  ·  6 min read  ·  Intermediate
From finding open ports to cracking passwords, penetration testers rely on a specific arsenal. This write-up covers 13 of the most widely used pen testing tools, grouped by what they do and why they matter.
Read More →
Security Awareness · Email
How to Identify a Phishing Email — Key Signs, Real vs Fake, and Analysis Tools
By Ashfak Ahmad  ·  5 min read  ·  Beginner friendly
Learn how to spot phishing emails, avoid scams, and safely analyze suspicious messages using industry-standard tools including MXToolbox, VirusTotal, and URLScan.io.
Read More →
$ ./contact.sh

Contact

Email
ashfakahmad00@outlook.com
Phone
+1 437 533-7747
LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/ashfak-ahmad
GitHub
github.com/ashfak-ahmad
Actively Seeking Opportunities

Feel free to reach out for opportunities, collaborations, or discussions related to cybersecurity. I am currently seeking a Cybersecurity Analyst role and respond within 24 hours.

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