Aspiring Cybersecurity Professional.
- Gene Spafford
Hello World!
I’m Zach, a technology enthusiast with a genuine curiosity and a strong work ethic. Welcome to my personal corner on the web!
I was naturally drawn to technology from a young age, inspired by my mom who was an engineer and my dad who was a builder, I was destined to merge creativity and innovation. Throughout high school I was captivated by mechatronics, spending countless hours tinkering with electronic circuits, programming Arduino and Raspberry Pi with C++ and Python which led to creating my own YouTube channel, a small but cherished platform where I share my passion with over 1,200 subscribers.
My affinity for technology guided me to enrolling in a computer science program at Sheridan College. Here, I dove headfirst into the real-world applications of technology, connecting with professionals, and enhancing my skill set through various co-op placements. The real-world exposure I gained from my co-op experience was instrumental in shaping my career path and served as a catalyst, steering my professional aspirations towards the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.
My sights are firmly set on specializing in cybersecurity and risk management. I'm fully engaged in studying to obtain my CompTIA Security+ certification, laying the groundwork for a robust career in cybersecurity with the ultimate goal of securing my CISSP designation.
My goal is not just personal achievement but to contribute to a safer, more secure digital world, one byte at a time.
Senior IT Risk Analyst
RBC Wealth Management
Oct 2024 - Present
IT Risk Analyst Co-op
RBC Wealth Management
May 2024 - Sept 2024 (5mos)
Cybersecurity Risk Management Analyst Co-op
RBC Global Asset Management
May 2023 - Dec 2023 (8mos)
Cybersecurity Compliance Analyst Co-op
BlackBerry
Aug 2021 - April 2022 (9 mos)
Enterprise Technical Support Analyst Co-op
BlackBerry
Jan 2021 - Aug 2021 (8 mos)
Deck Coordinator, Lifeguard & Instructor
City of Mississauga
Jul 2017 - Dec 2022 (5 yrs, 6 mos)
Certified in Cybersecurity
ISC2
OneTrust GRC Professional
OneTrust
Credential ID C78068
OneTrust Certified Privacy Professional
OneTrust
Credential ID C78068
Emergency/Standard First Aid CPR/AED
Lifesaving Society Canada
Credential ID: ATZ0BB
CYBERNEXUS | HACKVILLE 2023 PRIZE WINNER
A platform where students can access technology and digital literacy regardless of financial barriers.
https://devpost.com/software/cybernexus
KELLER | HACKVILLE 2022 PRIZE WINNER
A decentralized education platform concept for students. Won the Web3 and Decentralization in Education prize.
https://devpost.com/software/kellerai
KIRRA | HACKVILLE 2021 2nd PLACE WINNER
A directory of creative work to represent indigenous women. Also awarded the best use of domain by Domain.com
https://devpost.com/software/kirra
Filmmaking (www.svpstudios.ca)
Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Calisthenics, Basketball, Swimming
DIY/Electronics
Backcountry Camping
NLS Certification with Emergency First Aid & CPR
Lifesaving/EFA Instructor with High Five PHCD
Bishop's Medal Award for over 5 years of service
Amassed 7 First Place, 7 Silver, 2 Bronze in Taekwondo Regional Tournaments
Gallery Management Ambassador
PGA TOUR
1-month
Junior Instructor
City of Mississauga
1-year
Senior Altar Server
Cristo Rei Parish
5-years
Taekwondo Volunteer
Black Belt World Taekwondo
1-year
SOC2, ISO27001, NIST, OneTrust, Jira, Confluence, QlikView, Deloitte Connect, Sales Force, MS Office, O365, Information Security, Vulnerability Assessment, Incident Response, Log Analysis, Java, Html 5, CSS, JavaScript, C#, C++, Python; GNS3, Wireshark, Packet Tracer, SQL, Linux, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Electronics, User Experience, Microsoft Office, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Lightroom, Video Production, Photography, Editing, Project Management, First Aid, CPR, Communication, Taekwondo, Time Management, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Work Ethic, Leadership