Paul G.

PROFILE SUMMARY Microsoft Certified Security Expert and seasoned professional in Azure Cloud, Identity, and Microsoft 365, with a distinguished career at leading companies including IBM, EMC, Microsoft, and NetApp. Recognized for designing and executing large-scale enterprise environments (250,000+ seats) and leading the migration of over 1.5M users to Microsoft 365 and Azure platforms. Specializing in digital transformation and modern identity security, with deep expertise in Microsoft Entra ID capabilities. This includes architecting and implementing robust solutions like Conditional Access, Identity Protection, Privileged Identity Management (PIM), and Lifecycle Workflows. Proven success in deploying next-generation identity features such as Continuous Access Evaluation, Passwordless Authentication, Verified ID, and managing complex B2B/B2C collaboration scenarios. Expert in securing Azure workloads and cloud infrastructure for enterprise resilience. Proficient in leveraging Microsoft Defender for Cloud (formerly Azure Security Center) to enhance posture and drive Exposure Management. Hands-on experience with key Azure security components including Networking Security Groups (NSGs), Azure Firewall, Key Vault, and securing PaaS/IaaS workloads such as App Services, Virtual Machines, and Kubernetes (AKS). Dedicated to driving efficiency and innovation through advanced automation with PowerShell, Graph API, and Python, integrating DevOps pipelines, and optimizing hybrid environments. Hands-on expertise in Microsoft Security Operations, focusing on the Defender XDR suite and Microsoft Sentinel for comprehensive threat detection, automated response, and incident investigation. Highly skilled in threat hunting with KQL and the MITRE ATT&CK framework, configuring custom protections, tuning high-fidelity detections, and orchestrating automation with playbooks and Security Copilot. Expertise spans Defender for Endpoint, Identity, Cloud Apps, and Office 365, ensuring a unified XDR approach as well as Purview for compliance. CURRENT CERTIFICATIONS  Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert – SC-100  Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate – SC-200  Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate – SC-300  Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator Associate – SC-401  Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals – SC-900  Microsoft Certified: Teams Administrator Associate  Microsoft Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert  Microsoft Certified: Security Administrator Associate  MS-200: Planning and Configuring a Messaging Platform  MS-500: Microsoft 365 Security Administration  MS-101: Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security  MS-100: Microsoft 365 Identity and Services  MCTS – Managing Office 365 Identities  MCTS – Forefront Identity Manager 2010