Professional Profile

Christopher Clarkson

Engineer & Consultant | Cloud Security & DevSecOps

Location: West Yorkshire, UK

Professional Summary

Detail-driven and highly qualified Security Architect and Engineer, CISSP, and CCSP with a comprehensive background in Cloud and Application Security, Secure Software Supply Chain, Security Architecture & Solutions Design, PKI & Encryption, and DevSecOps. Known for promoting continuous integration and delivery through configuration management, security automation, and scripting. A skilled leader, communicator, and mentor with an educational background in computer science and a proven track record in development and consultancy. Member of (ISC)², British Computing Society, and EC-Council, advising on security architecture and best practices, enhancing software security, and designing cloud security solutions.

Core Competencies

Security:
- Cloud Computing (AWS, GCP)
- Secure Software Supply Chain
- Offensive Security & Purple Teaming
- Security Architecture & Solutions Design
- Zero Trust architecture
- PKI & Encryption
- Application & Cloud Security Engineering
- Containerization & Orchestration
DevSecOps:
- Continuous Integration & Delivery
- Configuration Management (Ansible, Chef)
- Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation)
- Security Testing (Security as Code)
- Security Automation (Posturing, Compliance, Remediation)
- Scripting & Automation (PowerShell, BASH, Python)
- Security Infrastructure Deployment & Administration (Hashicorp Vault, Prisma Cloud)

Professional Experience Summary

Strategic Security Architecture and Development

Secure Software Supply Chain Solutions:
- Developed and implemented scalable platforms ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing security.
- Elevated the security of software supply chains within critical sectors like defense and national security.
Advanced Security Architecture:
- Promoted “Shift-Left” approaches and pioneered Git-Ops-driven secure Software Development Life Cycles (SDLC).
- Achieved substantial reductions in vulnerabilities and improved overall security posture.
Custom Security Platforms:
- Created platforms for large-scale code analysis, detection, remediation, and testing.
- Revolutionized vulnerability identification and remediation efforts organization-wide.
Comprehensive Security Standards:
- Authored security architecture programs outlining application and cloud security standards, patterns, and concepts.
- Ensured consistent and unified security practices across various organizations.

Automation and Continuous Integration/Delivery

Automated Secure Software Delivery:
- Integrated tools like SonarQube, Semgrep, Mend, and Trivy into CI/CD pipelines.
- Enabled rapid identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities, enhancing secure delivery efficiency.
Production-Ready Deployment Programs:
- Leveraged cloud-native continuous delivery toolchains and adhered to Git-Ops principles.
- Ensured reliable, efficient, and secure software delivery across multiple projects.
Enhanced Access Management:
- Implemented HashiCorp Vault for application, CI/CD, and integration secrets management.
- Demonstrated commitment to stringent security measures and prevention of unauthorized access.

Leadership and Mentorship

Team Leadership and Mentorship:
- Provided guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering professional growth.
- Developed high-performing engineering teams and cultivated a culture of continuous improvement.
Technical Consultancy and Client Engagement:
- Provided strategic consultancy services in software, cloud engineering, security engineering, and operations.
- Successfully led diverse software and security projects, implementing DevSecOps processes.
- Cultivated strong client relationships, delivering tailored solutions that met or exceeded expectations.

Innovative Security Solutions and Practices

Security Knowledge Base Development:
- Established centralized reference materials for security design reviews and operational readiness assessments.
- Streamlined decision-making processes, elevating security practices through informed choices.
Cryptographic Strategies:
- Defined and implemented cryptographic strategies for secure data handling.
- Ensured compliance with local regulations and integrated cloud-based hardware security modules.
- Enhanced data protection and integrity across various applications and environments.
Technical Leadership in Security and Engineering:
- Demonstrated consistent technical leadership, fostering excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
- Spearheaded business growth and transformation, turning startups into reputable consultancy firms known for high-quality technical solutions and expertise.

Qualifications

Certified Information Security Systems Professional (CISSP) | (ISC)²
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) | (ISC)²
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEHv8) | EC-Council
Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFIv8) | EC-Council
AWS Solutions Architect Professional | AWS
Splunk Fundamentals I & II | Splunk

Affiliations

Member | (ISC)² | 2018
Member | British Computing Society | 2015
Member | EC-Council | 2014

Additional Skills

Development: Golang, Rust, C#, Python, JavaScript/Typescript
Tools: Kubernetes, Hashistack (Vault, Vagrant, Nomad, Consul, Packer), Microsoft Azure (Active Directory, Service Bus), ArgoWorkflows, ArgoCD, Terraform, Helm, Ansible
Technical: User Security, Identity & Access Management, Requirements Gathering, Analysis & Design, Application Security Assessment, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessment
Hard Skills: Consulting, User Training, Agile & Scrum Methodologies, Business & Stakeholder Engagement, Change & Configuration Management
Soft Skills: Team Leadership, Mentoring, Coaching, Interpersonal Communication, Adaptability, Flexibility

Interests

Hacker: Bug-Bounties and Research
Motorcycling
Rock Climbing and Bouldering
“Maker” (Electronics)
Drone Pilot

For inquiries or to discuss a potential project, please reach out via email or DM. Let’s work together to enhance your software security and achieve your goals.