● Available for Opportunities

AATISH SHRESTHA

Network & Security Infrastructure Specialist

MSc Cybersecurity | 4+ Years Experience | Cisco Certified Security Professional

Bridging network administration and cybersecurity to build robust, secure infrastructure that balances performance, security, and cost-effectiveness.

4+ Years Experience
99.8% Uptime Achieved
60% Security Incidents Reduced
5 Cisco Certifications
[01]

About

I'm a Network & Security Infrastructure Specialist with a unique combination of hands-on network administration experience and advanced cybersecurity expertise. With an MSc in Cybersecurity from the University of West London and multiple Cisco security certifications, I bridge the gap between building robust network infrastructure and securing it against evolving threats.

What I Bring to Organizations:
Over 4+ years, I've designed, secured, and managed enterprise IT infrastructure that balances three critical factors: performance, security, and cost-effectiveness. I don't just implement firewalls—I optimize network topology. I don't just patch vulnerabilities—I architect defense-in-depth strategies that support business growth.

My Expertise Spans:
🔹 Network Infrastructure: Routing & switching (OSPF, BGP, VLANs), LAN/WAN design, VPN solutions, DNS/DHCP management, and mail server administration (Postfix, SMTP)
🔹 Security Operations: Threat detection & response, vulnerability management, firewall configuration (Cisco ASA, pfSense, Fortinet), IDS/IPS deployment, and security monitoring using SIEM tools
🔹 System Administration: Windows Server (2012-2022), Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS), Active Directory, VMware ESXi/vSphere, and virtualization optimization
🔹 Infrastructure Security: Defense-in-depth architecture, network segmentation, access control, secure WLAN deployment, and cloud security (AWS, Azure)

My Approach:
I believe the best IT infrastructure is invisible to end-users—it just works, securely and reliably. Whether it's designing network segmentation that improves both performance and security, or implementing monitoring systems that detect threats before they become incidents, I focus on solutions that deliver measurable business value.
[02]

Experience

System and Network Administrator
Mercantile Communication
Nov 2021 - Jun 2022 · 8 mos | Durbar Marg, Kathmandu
Managed secure enterprise network infrastructure supporting 200+ users across multiple locations with 99.8% uptime. Key Achievements: • Implemented defense-in-depth security architecture reducing security incidents by 60% • Redesigned network topology with security segmentation improving performance by 35% • Administered VMware ESXi environment hosting 50+ VMs with security hardening, reducing costs 30% • Deployed next-generation firewalls with IPS capabilities balancing security and network performance • Configured secure mail infrastructure (Postfix) with SPF/DKIM/DMARC protecting 300+ accounts • Implemented PowerDNS with DNSSEC achieving sub-5ms query response times • Established VPN solutions enabling secure remote access for 50+ users • Deployed Veeam Backup with encryption achieving 99.9% backup success and 2-hour RTO • Conducted vulnerability assessments remediating 95% of critical security gaps within SLA • Monitored infrastructure using SolarWinds, PRTG, and Zabbix for threat detection
Technologies: VMware ESXi, Windows Server, Linux (Ubuntu), PowerDNS, Postfix, Cisco Firewalls, VPN (IPSec/SSL), Veeam, SolarWinds, PRTG, Wireshark, Zabbix
System Administrator
Silver Lining Pvt Ltd
Feb 2020 - Nov 2021 · 1 yr 10 mos
Administered secure multi-platform IT infrastructure achieving 99.5% availability while implementing comprehensive security controls. Key Achievements: • Managed Windows Server 2016/2019 and Ubuntu Linux environments with security patching • Administered VMware infrastructure with security isolation and encrypted storage • Implemented firewalls, network segmentation, and access controls protecting critical systems • Deployed cloud security solutions for AWS/Azure including identity management and encryption • Configured Active Directory with security best practices and privilege management • Monitored infrastructure security using SIEM tools and conducted log analysis for threats • Performed security assessments and risk analysis recommending infrastructure improvements • Implemented automated encrypted backup solutions supporting disaster recovery • Secured wireless infrastructure supporting 100+ users with network isolation • Participated in incident response including containment, analysis, and system recovery
Technologies: Windows Server, Ubuntu Linux, VMware, Active Directory, AWS, Azure, SIEM, Firewalls, Wireless Security
Network Support Engineer
Mercantile Communication
Apr 2018 - Feb 2020 · 1 yr 11 mos | Kathmandu, Nepal
Provided technical support for secure network infrastructure including routers, switches, and security appliances. Key Achievements: • Configured VLANs, access controls, and security policies on network infrastructure • Implemented network monitoring using LibreNMS and Zabbix for 150+ devices • Assisted in firewall configuration, VPN deployment, and security policy implementation • Troubleshot network and security issues achieving sub-2-hour resolution times • Performed network traffic analysis identifying performance bottlenecks and security anomalies • Supported infrastructure capacity planning considering performance and security requirements • Maintained comprehensive security configurations and network documentation
Technologies: Cisco Switches/Routers, VLANs, Firewalls, VPN, LibreNMS, Zabbix, Wireshark
Intern
Mercantile Communication
Nov 2017 - Mar 2018 · 5 mos | Durbarmarg, Kathmandu
Gained foundational knowledge in network administration and information security operations through hands-on learning and support of senior engineers.
[03]

Certifications

Ethical Hacker
Cisco Networking Academy
Issued: January 2026
Penetration Testing Social Engineering Vulnerability Assessment Exploiting Apps/Networks IoT Security
Network Defense
Cisco Networking Academy
Issued: July 2025
Firewalls Defense-in-Depth Access Control Cloud Security Network Hardening
Endpoint Security
Cisco Networking Academy
Issued: July 2023
Host-based IPS WLAN Security Windows/Linux Security Network Attacks
Cyber Threat Management
Cisco Networking Academy
Issued: July 2023
Incident Response Risk Management CVSS Disaster Recovery Threat Intelligence
Introduction to Cybersecurity
Cisco Networking Academy
Issued: June 2023
Threat Detection Network Vulnerabilities Privacy & Confidentiality Best Practices
[04]

Technical Skills

Network Infrastructure

Cisco Routing/Switching OSPF BGP VLANs LAN/WAN TCP/IP L2/L3 Protocols VPN (IPSec/SSL) DNS/DHCP PowerDNS DNSSEC Mail Servers Postfix SMTP

Security Technologies

Firewalls (Cisco ASA) IDS/IPS Defense-in-Depth Network Segmentation Access Control SIEM Vulnerability Assessment Penetration Testing Incident Response Threat Intelligence Risk Management WLAN Security Endpoint Security

Systems & Virtualization

Windows Server (2012-2022) Linux (Ubuntu/CentOS) Active Directory VMware ESXi VMware vSphere Virtualization Veeam Backup Disaster Recovery

Monitoring & Tools

SolarWinds PRTG Zabbix LibreNMS Nagios Cacti Wireshark SNMP Network Analysis

Cloud & Scripting

AWS Azure Cloud Security PowerShell Bash Python

Security Expertise

Ethical Hacking Social Engineering Exploit Development IoT Security CVSS Cyber Kill Chain Diamond Model Cryptography
[05]

Contact

Location
Kathmandu, Nepal
Status
Open to Network Security & Infrastructure Roles