Hello! I'm Daniel
​
Versatile IT professional with proven experience in service support and engineering, delivering in demanding environments such as the Armed Forces and the Private Sector. Enthusiastic, driven and highly motivated individual who is accustomed to adhering to tight deadlines and meeting SLA’s in high pressure situations. Natural team leader who is flexible and approachable with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Proven experience in both a Tier-1 and Tier-2 roles and delivery of exceptional service within multi-client managed service provider.
​
-
Confidence in conducting cybersecurity tasks such as; performing network vulnerability scans, exploiting vulnerabilities with Metasploit, identifying and exploiting web application vulnerabilities without tools, writing custom offensive security tools to aid Red Teaming operators, assessing the security settings of Windows machines and harden them, hunting for malware using YARA, hunting for threat actors on Windows networks using Python, defending web applications against common vulnerabilities.
-
Provision and direction of exceptional on-site / remote support of multiple clients prescribed by a busy service desk environment.
-
Exceptional customer support and established rapport, with often distressed clients.
-
Extraordinary telephone manner.
-
PC and Server build, configuration and installation – including all Microsoft operating systems, latest Anti-Virus products, Office Suites (inclusive of Office 365) and the ongoing troubleshooting and support of devices.
-
IT Infrastructure specialist at Layer 1, 2 and 3, structured cabling, switching configuration, design and architect, Remote access solutions such as VPN and terminal services, routing and firewall specialisms.
-
Experience of Firewall hardware such as WatchGuard configuration and troubleshooting.
-
Experience of Microsoft Server products including SBS, 2003, 2008 and 2012 both in a virtual environment and installed on physical hardware.
-
Installation, troubleshooting and configuration of Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, 2010, 2013 and Cloud based administration.
-
Phenomenal experience with regards to desktop support, Microsoft Windows 7, 8 and 10 as well as application specialisms in Adobe software, Pantone software, Hotel Perfect, Sage, Mamut and Microsoft Office applications.
-
A+, N+, ITIL, Backup Master (GFI accredited), working towards MCSI, thirst for knowledge.
-
Working knowledge of MS SQL server, installation, configuration and troubleshooting including security permissions, simple SQL queries, backup and maintenance tasks.
-
Working knowledge of virtualisation technologies inclusive of VMWare and Hyper-V. This includes, cluster management, provision of storage and building of VM’s. Backup strategies and solutions such as snapshots, replication, Veeam and VDR/ VDP.
-
Experience of VoIP technologies including 3CX.
-
Experience of WiFi troubleshooting and provision with Ubiquity infrastructure.
-
Configuration and troubleshooting of vendor specific L2/L3 infrastructure including Zyxcel/ Draytek networking equipment.
-
Experience of project management and service desk management frameworks, ITIL and PRINCE 2.
Daniel Whitford
Network Manager
Web Developer
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cornwall, UK
Email:
Date of Birth:
April 19th, 1987
​
EDUCATION
CAREER EXPERIENCE
2024-Ongoing
Internship
I am currently interning with Mossé Cyber Security Institute in their Remote Internship Programme in order to develop and acquire the industry desired practical skills. The experience I gain through successfully completing their practical skills Internship Programme will provide me with professional confidence, acumen and experience to apply for any industry technology or security team position.
2017-2024
Career Break
I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder and Fibromyalgia, which left me paralyzed for long periods of time. After gaining qualifications, learning how to treat and manage the condition, I have fully put both conditions into remission. During this time I fully focused on recovery, and never stopped till I achieved it, at which point I engaged in numerous personal growth activities.
2015-2017
Service Desk Manger
Provide first line support to CF Systems and our Customers using agreed procedures and policies and to be responsible for logging client calls, resolving desktop, network, telephony and server support queries. While managing the service desk I was an authority on possible flash points and would regularly give assistance to the service desk technicians ensuring correct procedure and targets were achieved.
2015
Service Desk Analyst
Providing user support and customer service on company-supported computer applications and platforms. Troubleshoot problems and advise on the appropriate action. Temporary Contract.
2014-2015
Network Administratior
During my time at IT West I was able to strengthen and confirm my engineering skill set, liaising with clients on various duties such as negotiating hardware quotes and ensuring a high level of customer service while performing the work required. This position required a high level of knowledge and responsibility. I would be able to fully fulfil a Network Administrator role with confidence, both client side and server side roles. Experience in server 03/08/12 gained ranging from hardware configuration to software installation, with further experience in troubleshooting and adhering to SLA requirements. Software exposure to Mammut CRM and various business applications such as QuickBooks, Sage and Hotel perfect. Solid understanding of the commercial IT industry.
ARMED FORCES BACKGROUND
After the prior training period I deployed on operations to Afghanistan with a promotion to L/Cpl, during my time on operations I worked independently setting up front line server communications, everything from arranging recees of the area of the systems, to pepping the hardware and software, to organising transport to desired location and the installation of the system, with safe return of myself to central location for further deployments.
Not only did I have the opportunity to work independently using advanced server/satellite equipment, I also supported ground operations with Single point of contact support, IT Support while in Camp Bastion leading the team that maintained and rectified any and all telecommunications and server issues for forces within Afghanistan.
​
Upon completion of my operational tour of Afghanistan I returned to the UK to continue my ongoing personal development and those around me, to this end I obtained teaching courses such as DITS and became the only Drash system trainer for the region, this meant that I taught a wide range of regiments how to use, maintain and repair the Drash system. After this I then enhanced my qualification, teaching those to teach others. I pushed for my BTEC level 3 telecommunication qualifications, and obtained it by 2011.
Certifications
HNC Computing: Software Development
HNC Computing: Technical Support
HNC Computing: Science
HNC Computing: Networking
HNC Computing: Internetworking Tech
BTECH level 3 Telecommunication
A+, N+ and ITIL v3
A.V.C.E. Information Communication
Completed the Blue Team Junior Analyst Bundle certification.
Bronze and Silver Award, completed all available Gold challenges.
Multiple certifications related to IT, Networking and Cybersecurity.
Completed Level 3 Cybersecurity Bootcamp
Ongoing certification in various Cybersecurity aspects.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Vicki Lawrence
Professional Services Manager
​
Daniel is a trustworthy, efficient and very professional member of the Service Desk. He keeps second line updated as to any issues arising from first line, and can be relied upon to complete second line tasks, and professional services tasks when required. He copes well under pressure, and has an excellent telephone manner with our customers.
Tracey Bailey
Head of Human Resources
​
Daniel is a trustworthy, efficient and very professional member of the Service Desk. He keeps second line updated as to any issues arising from first line, and can be relied upon to complete second line tasks, and professional services tasks when required. He copes well under pressure, and has an excellent telephone manner with our customers.
Daniel Merritt
Communications Specialist
​
I have worked with and for Mr Whitford on countless occasions. He is highly professional, motivated and extremely intelligent. I highly recommend Mr Whitford for leadership and professionalism.