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Asen K.

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.

🇺🇸Arlington, United States$57/hr100% JSS4.93 (92)Since Oct 2017

Earnings and projects

MRR
$74

Last 6 months ÷ 6

World#142,182 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#19,171 / 62.1k
Revenue, last 30 days
$85

Last 6 months: $446

World#93,929 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#11,608 / 62.1k
Total earnings
$161k

Billed in all: $163k

World#21,174 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#4,861 / 62.1k
Per project
$1.6k

$112 in the last 6 months

World#92,920 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#15,738 / 62.1k
Projects, last 6 months
4

Across 5 contracts

60% fixed40% hourly
World#51,813 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#7,181 / 62.1k
Projects in all
104

Across 124 contracts

53% fixed47% hourly
World#26,343 / 412k
🇺🇸Country#4,239 / 62.1k

Earnings, last 30 days

$163k+$85 earned in the last 30 daysBilled in all, before Upwork's fee · drag across the chart to see what was earned in any stretch
$162,400$162,450$162,500$162,550Oct 8Oct 23Nov 7

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.

  1. 1Unified Threat Management11 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #1Top 9%
  2. #17Wireless Security48 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #3Top 35%
  3. #27Information Security Awareness90 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #8Top 30%
  4. #31Security Operation Center135 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #11Top 23%
  5. #45PCI DSS109 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #12Top 41%
  6. #55Internet Security196 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #11Top 28%
  7. #66Security Engineering229 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #21Top 29%
  8. #76Black Box Testing252 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #5Top 30%