We’d like you to meet Simon, our Telecoms Support and Cyber Security Analyst who has been a valued member of the Net-Defence team since 1998.
We recently sat down with Simon to discuss his career journey at Net Defence, his accomplishments, and his day-to-day responsibilities within his role. Read what he has to say below.
Why don’t you start by telling us about your career journey at Net-Defence?
My career at Net Defence started with a business administration apprenticeship back in 1998. Shortly after joining the team, I realised I had a keen interest in telecoms and becoming a technician within the sector, so I began to self-train with our in-house Samsung phone system, as well as enrol on courses to achieve the relevant qualifications. This is where I first developed a strong interest in technology and communications.
It wasn’t long before I moved into an engineering role, where I was responsible for installing and programming traditional Samsung and BT Rhapsody PBX phone systems using PSTN and ISDN technology. From this, I was able to gain valuable technical experience in the telecoms sector, learning the ropes from other engineers and taking several relevant courses in my own time, to gain insight, knowledge and qualifications that would help push my overall career development.
In the late 2000s, I was promoted to Telecommunications Supervisor, overseeing a team of engineers as broadband speeds increased due to the introduction of new technologies, such as ADSL2+. This turned out to be an excellent time to start this role because it allowed me to oversee the massive expansion of SIP and VOIP technology from a management perspective and become familiar with all aspects of these systems just as they began to dominate the market.
Fast forward to 2022, and I was given the opportunity to pursue my passion for all things cyber by transitioning into a Cyber Security role within the company while continuing to lead the communications division. Shortly after taking on my new role, I became an official assessor for Cyber Essential Certifications, assisting businesses in achieving CE certification. I am currently undergoing additional training to broaden my knowledge and expertise in the industry.
My career development over the last 26 years, which has been heavily supported by Net-Defence, has been incredible. I am grateful to have been given the opportunities I have which have allowed me to develop important industry skills and move into roles that are aligned with my interests.
What qualifications and certificates have you achieved throughout your career?
I have received several qualifications through my time at Net Defence. These include:
- Samsung and BT telecoms certifications
- Samsung advanced call management certifications
- Samsung call centre software certifications
- Learning Tree qualifications in VOIP, SIP and Windows Server Platform
- NCSC Cyber Essential Training Certifications
- ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification
What are your day-to-day responsibilities in your current role?
As part of my role at Net Defence, I am responsible for several crucial day-to-day responsibilities. One of these responsibilities includes managing all external communications with customers, such as resolving faults and answering queries.
As well as this, I am responsible for managing and maintaining our in-house Avaya Aco System, marking Cyber Essentials Assessments for IASME and our customers, and creating and implementing Cyber Awareness Training and Phishing Simulations for employees across all Ogilvie Group companies weekly. On top of this, I complete at least 8 hours of cyber security training per week to further expand my knowledge in the field.
A huge thank you to Simon for sitting down with us and discussing his career journey and professional development so far.
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Simon for his contributions to our company over the last 26 years. This is an incredible accomplishment, and we are grateful for all of your hard work over the years and everything you achieved for our organisation.
