Personal Profile
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
English (Fluent), Afrikaans (Fluent)
Driver's License: Yes
Citizenship: South African
Availability: Immediate
ABOUT ME
Experienced IT and telecommunications specialist with a strong focus on cybersecurity, managed services, and network architecture. I have over a decade of experience in supporting, managing, and securing both enterprise and SME environments.
I've gained practical expertise in cloud hosting, endpoint protection, firewall deployment, and customer support. I approach technology challenges with a security-first mindset and a focus on providing reliable, robust solutions that address real business needs.
I have completed the Google Cybersecurity Certificate and am eager to bring my hands-on technical skill and service excellence to a new role in a stable, growth-oriented company.
KEY SKILLS
CERTIFICATIONS
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Founder, Quesabyte IT Solutions
Built a managed IT services business from the ground up, providing comprehensive security solutions, network infrastructure, and technical support to SME clients.
Security Implementation Specialist - Qwerti
Designed and deployed multi-vendor security solutions including Fortigate, Mikrotik, and Sophos firewalls with custom rule sets tailored to client risk profiles.
Infrastructure Professional
Extensive experience in telecommunications and networking, including working for major ISPs and implementing and supporting diverse connectivity solutions (FTTH, LTE, ADSL, BDSL).
To Whom this may concern,
I am writing to express my interest in joining your technical team in a role that leverages my extensive background in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and managed services. With over a decade of experience in the telecommunications and IT sectors, including founding and operating Quesabyte IT Solutions, I offer a comprehensive skill set that encompasses both technical expertise and business acumen.
My professional journey has equipped me with hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and managing secure IT environments across diverse client scenarios. From deploying multi-vendor firewall solutions and configuring complex networks to implementing robust backup strategies and providing responsive technical support, I have consistently delivered reliable solutions that address real business needs while maintaining strong security postures.
While Quesabyte has been a rewarding entrepreneurial venture, I have made the strategic decision to transition to a stable organizational role that offers consistent income and professional growth opportunities. This decision reflects my current life circumstances rather than any diminishment of passion for technology and cybersecurity. I bring to your organization not only technical capabilities but also the problem-solving mindset and client-focused approach that successful business ownership requires.
My technical proficiency spans multiple domains, including:
- Network security architecture and implementation using Sophos, Fortigate, and Mikrotik platforms
- Windows Server and Linux administration with growing PowerShell and scripting capabilities
- Cloud services management including Microsoft 365 and Acronis backup solutions
- Remote monitoring and management using Zabbix, PRTG and other RMM tools
I am currently enhancing my formal credentials through the Google Cybersecurity Certificate program, adding to existing certifications such as ISC2 CC and Sophos Engineer. My ongoing engagement with platforms like TryHackMe (username: SynThr0n3) demonstrates my commitment to continuous learning in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.
I am confident that my technical expertise, service-oriented approach, and entrepreneurial mindset would be valuable assets to your team.
I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your current needs and explore how I can contribute to your organization's continued success.
Sincerely,
Michael Dwayne van Staden
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Experienced IT and telecommunications specialist with a strong focus on cybersecurity, managed services, and network architecture. Demonstrated success in supporting, managing, and securing both enterprise and SME environments. Proven background in launching and operating an IT services business (Quesabyte), with practical expertise in cloud hosting, endpoint protection, firewall deployment, and customer support. Currently enhancing credentials with the Google Cybersecurity Certificate and eager to bring hands-on technical skill and service excellence to a new role in a stable, growth-oriented company.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Security Operations: Cybersecurity principles, threat detection, vulnerability assessment, security architecture
- Network Infrastructure: Enterprise networking, routing/switching, troubleshooting, deployment
- System Administration: Windows Server & Linux administration, system hardening, patch management
- Service Delivery: SLA management, client communications, technical documentation, business continuity
- Security Solutions: Endpoint protection, firewall configuration, VPN implementation, access control
- Communications: VOIP systems, PBX solutions, unified communications, telecommunications infrastructure
- Cloud Technologies: Hybrid environments, backup management (VEEAM), Microsoft 365 administration
- Technical Support: Remote assistance, on-site troubleshooting, escalation management, resolution tracking
- ISP Technologies: FTTH, LTE, wireless networking, DNS management, ISP infrastructure implementation
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Founder
Quesabyte IT Solutions
2023 – 2025
Pretoria, South Africa
- Designed, deployed, and maintained comprehensive IT infrastructure solutions for diverse SME clients, focusing on security-first architectures and business continuity
- Implemented and managed multi-vendor security solutions including Fortigate, Mikrotik, and Sophos firewalls with custom rule sets tailored to client risk profiles
- Built and administered 3CX PBX systems and wireless mesh solutions across multiple client sites, ensuring reliable communications infrastructure
- Established formal SLAs with monitoring dashboards using Zabbix to provide transparent service metrics and proactive issue resolution
- Developed and implemented custom backup strategies incorporating Acronis solutions to ensure data integrity and rapid disaster recovery capabilities
- Created full business operations including branding, CRM implementation, ticketing systems, and professional web presence to establish market credibility
- Provided end-to-end client lifecycle management from initial consultation and needs assessment through implementation and ongoing support
- Transitioned operations in 2025 to pursue stable employment opportunities while maintaining client relationships
Advanced Technical Support Engineer
Qwerti
2022 – 2023
Johannesburg Metropolitan Area, South Africa
- Provided high-level technical support and escalations across multiple client environments and systems
- Specialized in FortiGate firewall configuration, VPN setup, UTM features, and policy optimization
- Delivered expert support for Microsoft 365 including Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive
- Managed Veeam backup and replication for virtual and physical infrastructure, ensuring data integrity and availability
- Administered Microsoft Windows Server environments with focus on AD, DNS, DHCP, GPOs, and Hyper-V
- Worked closely with clients and implementation teams to ensure seamless deployment and issue resolution
- Maintained SLA standards and contributed to knowledge base and junior team training
Implementations Engineer
Qwerti
Nov 2020 – Jun 2022
Johannesburg Metropolitan Area, South Africa
- Managed the deployment, configuration, and optimization of IT services for SMEs and large enterprises
- Implemented and optimized Microsoft 365 environments, including tenant setup, user provisioning, and email migration
- Deployed Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) solutions to enhance infrastructure monitoring and security
- Led mailbox migrations from IMAP/POP to Exchange Online, ensuring secure and efficient data transfers
- Deployed antivirus solutions and FortiGate firewalls to enhance cybersecurity for endpoints
- Configured and deployed cloud servers and network infrastructure on VMware Cloud and Microsoft Azure
- Installed and configured network hardware such as routers, switches, and servers for client infrastructure
- Implemented Veeam Backup & Replication solutions for data protection and disaster recovery
1st Line Technical Support Manager
Screamer Telecoms
May 2019 – Nov 2020
Centurion, South Africa
- Managed a team of 1st line technical support agents, ensuring efficient customer service and timely issue resolution
- Conducted interviews, hired staff, and provided continuous training to improve team performance
- Monitored and measured agent performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure high service standards
- Provided escalation support for complex technical issues, guiding agents in resolving challenging cases
- Assisted with day-to-day call centre operations, ensuring optimal service delivery and client satisfaction
- Created and maintained reports on team performance, including trends, problem areas, and solutions
Advanced Technical Support Agent
Screamer Telecoms
2017 – 2019
Centurion, South Africa
- Supported residential and business clients with connectivity troubleshooting and solution implementation across FTTH, LTE, and VoIP services
- Performed advanced diagnostics on network connectivity issues, optimizing client systems for improved performance
- Educated customers on best practices for network security, bandwidth optimization, and VoIP quality management
- Collaborated with field technicians to coordinate on-site installations and resolve complex technical issues
- Maintained detailed documentation of all client interactions and technical solutions in company knowledge base
Support Agent
Vox Telecom
2013 – 2017
Centurion, South Africa
- Delivered Tier 1 and Tier 2 technical support for diverse connectivity technologies including Dial-up, ADSL, FTTH, BDSL, and related services
- Managed DNS configurations, email systems, and web hosting services for business clients
- Assisted in escalations to senior technical teams, providing comprehensive documentation and initial troubleshooting data
- Participated in device provisioning processes and infrastructure maintenance activities
- Developed internal knowledge base articles to improve team response efficiency and solution consistency
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate *(In Progress via Coursera, 2025)*
- ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
- Sophos Certified Engineer
- Junior Penetration Tester Certification
- Sophos Central Endpoint & Server Protection Certified
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Security
- Endpoint Protection: Sophos Intercept X, threat detection, EDR capabilities
- Firewall Management: Sophos, Fortigate, Mikrotik - configuration, rule creation, monitoring
- VPN Solutions: Site-to-site, client VPN deployment and management
- Security Assessments: Vulnerability scanning, security posture evaluation
Networking
- Hardware Expertise: Mikrotik, Ubiquiti, enterprise routing/switching
- Network Services: DNS, DHCP, NAT configuration and troubleshooting
- Advanced Networking: VLAN implementation, traffic routing, QoS management
- Wireless: Access point deployment, mesh networks, signal optimization
Systems & Infrastructure
- Linux: Debian, Ubuntu - server hardening, service management
- Windows Server: 2016/2019 administration, Active Directory, Group Policy
- Client Systems: Windows 10/11 deployment, management, and support
- Programming: Basic Python, Bash scripting for automation
Cloud & SaaS
- Microsoft 365: Admin center, Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams
- Backup Solutions: Acronis implementation and management
- Communication Systems: 3CX PBX configuration and maintenance
- Web Services: ISPConfig hosting management
Monitoring & Management
- Network Monitoring: Zabbix implementation and dashboard creation
- RMM Tools: Remote management, automated maintenance, reporting
EDUCATION & ONGOING LEARNING
- Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate (Coursera, In Progress)
- Continuous Self-Study: TryHackMe platform (Username: SynThr0n3)
- Professional Development: Regular participation in cybersecurity webinars and industry conferences
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Driver's License: Yes
- Languages: English (Fluent), Afrikaans (Fluent)
- Availability: Immediate
- Citizenship: South African
PROJECTS
Quesabyte IT Solutions Infrastructure Deployment
2023 – 2025
- Designed and implemented secure IT infrastructure for multiple SME clients, including firewalls, VPNs, and wireless mesh networks.
- Deployed Sophos and Fortigate firewalls with custom security policies to mitigate client-specific risks.
- Configured 3CX PBX systems for reliable VoIP communication across client sites.
- Integrated Zabbix for real-time network monitoring and SLA compliance tracking.
Cybersecurity Enhancements for Qwerti Clients
2020 – 2023
- Led the deployment of FortiGate firewalls and Microsoft 365 security configurations for enhanced endpoint protection.
- Implemented Veeam Backup & Replication for robust disaster recovery solutions.
- Conducted vulnerability assessments and applied security patches to mitigate risks.
TryHackMe Cybersecurity Challenges
Ongoing
- Completed various cybersecurity challenges on TryHackMe, focusing on penetration testing, network security, and incident response.
- Earned Junior Penetration Tester certification through practical exercises.
- Maintain active profile (SynThr0n3) for continuous learning and skill development.