Asen K.
Cybersecurity Expert | CEH | CISSP | CNSS
I’m a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) with over 15 years of hands-on cybersecurity experience and more than 300 completed engagements. I specialize in penetration testing, social engineering, vulnerability management, incident response, and security program leadership. I’m also the creator of XDRAIV, a cybersecurity platform developed from real-world experience to support advanced detection, log analysis, and regulatory compliance. I hold a Master's in Cyber Security and Information Assurance (graduated with distinction from National University, San Diego, CA) and am currently pursuing a PhD in Cybersecurity. My work blends deep technical knowledge with practical risk management and executive-level strategy. ✅ Virtual CISO & Security Program Leadership As a Virtual CISO, I help companies build and mature their cybersecurity programs from the ground up. Key areas of focus: - Security Operations Architecture (SIEM, SOAR, EDR/XDR, etc.) - Strategic selection and deployment of security technologies - Regulatory compliance support (GDPR, NIS2, ISO 27001, etc.) - Vulnerability Management lifecycle – from detection to remediation - Policy and process design aligned with business risk 🛡️ Penetration Testing & Offensive Security I lead and execute offensive security engagements that go beyond scanning. My services mimic real-world threats to test and improve your defenses. Key services include: - Web app & API security testing - Internal/external network penetration testing - Threat modeling and attack surface analysis - Advanced social engineering campaigns (phishing, pretexting, physical access) 🎓 Cybersecurity Training & Awareness I provide hands-on, practical training programs for both technical teams and executive stakeholders. Programs include: - Regulatory frameworks (GDPR, NIS2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, etc.) - Security awareness and phishing simulations - Secure development & DevSecOps workshops - Incident response tabletop exercises Tools & Technologies I work with Burp Suite, Nessus, OpenVAS, Qualys, Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, SonarQube, HP Fortify, Wazuh, GoPhish, KnowBe4, PhishFrenzy, Suricata, and ELK. I use Python, Bash, C#, and SQL for scripting and automation. I have hands-on experience with both Linux and Windows environments, supporting threat detection, lateral movement analysis, and secure infrastructure design. I bring a balance of technical depth and leadership experience to every engagement. Whether you need strategic guidance, a security assessment, or specialized training, I’m ready to deliver results that matter.
Earnings and projects
Last 6 months ÷ 6
Last 6 months: $446
Billed in all: $162,502$163k
$112 in the last 6 months
Across 5 contracts
Across 124 contracts
Earnings, last 30 days
Skill rankings: #1 in 1 skill of 15
Rarest: top 9% in Unified Threat Management, of 11. Ranked by MRR among everyone on Upwork with the skill.
- Unified Threat Management11 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #1Top 9%🇺🇸#1 of 3
- #17Wireless Security48 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #3Top 35%🇺🇸#3 of 15
- #27Information Security Awareness90 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #8Top 30%🇺🇸#8 of 23
- #31Security Operation Center135 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #11Top 23%🇺🇸#11 of 21
- #45PCI DSS109 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #12Top 41%🇺🇸#12 of 22
- #55Internet Security196 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #11Top 28%🇺🇸#11 of 31
- #66Security Engineering229 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #21Top 29%🇺🇸#21 of 64
- #76Black Box Testing252 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #5Top 30%🇺🇸#5 of 15