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Ed Gallagher
Security Engineer III - Infrastructure Security and Engineering, Network and Telcom Services at Advance Auto Parts
Professional Background
Ed Gallagher is a seasoned Information Technology Security professional with over 25 years of extensive experience in the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Throughout his career, Gallagher has developed a robust skill set that encompasses a myriad of platforms and technologies, making him a valuable asset in the field of information security. His deep understanding of security protocols and technologies, combined with his passion for user awareness, positions him as a knowledgeable leader in safeguarding infrastructures against cyber threats.
Currently, Gallagher holds the position of Security Engineer III at Advance Auto Parts, where he takes charge of Infrastructure Security and Engineering within the Network and Telecom Services division. Here, he leverages his years of experience and specialized knowledge to enhance the organization's security posture and ensure the integrity of sensitive data.
Gallagher’s previous roles include Information Security Manager at MFX Services, where he oversaw information security initiatives and strategies to protect the organization’s assets. He has also functioned as a Senior IT Security Analyst at MFX Services, further solidifying his expertise in cybersecurity. Additionally, his role as Information Security Manager at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office allowed him to implement essential security measures in a critical public service environment.
Before transitioning into the private sector, Gallagher served as a Computer Specialist at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), specifically at the Orlando Air Traffic Control Tower, contributing significantly to the safety and efficiency of air travel. His military background as an Aerospace Control and Warning Specialist in the United States Air Force laid a solid foundation for his technical proficiency and understanding of secure operations.
Education and Achievements
Ed Gallagher studied at Columbia College of Missouri, where he laid the groundwork for his career in information technology and security. While specific academic achievements are not detailed, his dedicated pursuit of knowledge is reflected in his pursuit of industry-recognized certifications, including the GIAC GCIH (Incident Handler) and GCWN (Windows Security Administrator). These certifications bolster his credentials and validate his expertise in handling security incidents and managing Windows security.
Gallagher's passion for cybersecurity extends beyond technical capabilities. He believes strongly in the importance of end-user awareness when it comes to security. By fostering a culture of cyber awareness within organizations, he aims to equip all users with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and respond to potential security threats effectively. His belief that the end-user represents one of the most vital layers of security is a cornerstone of his professional philosophy.
Technical Skills and Tools
Over the years, Gallagher has gained proficiency in a variety of security tools and technologies, encompassing both commercial and open-source solutions. His toolkit includes sophisticated platforms for Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) such as CrowdStrike, as well as VPN administration tools. Some of the notable technologies Gallagher has hands-on experience with include RSA SecureID, Symantec VIP and PGP, McAfee ePO, Carbon Black, and Ironport/Websense/St. Bernard web filters.
In addition to these, Gallagher is adept at vulnerability assessments using Nessus, NetIQ, Foundstone, GFI Languard, and Accunetix scanners, ensuring the identification and remediation of potential security gaps within systems. His knowledge also extends to intrusion detection systems, where SourceFire and Snort play a pivotal role in proactive security measures. Gallagher constantly explores the potential of open-source tools like BackTrack/Kali, NMap, and Wireshark to stay at the forefront of cybersecurity techniques.
Industry Impact and Future Aspirations
Ed Gallagher's contributions to the IT security domain extend to mentoring the next generation of security professionals and advocating for security best practices across organizations. His commitment to continuous learning and adaptation is indicative of the fast-paced evolution of the cybersecurity field. As technology progresses, Gallagher aims to broaden his knowledge and skills across emerging security trends and potential threats, enabling him to maintain effective measures against sophisticated cyber-attacks.
Sharing his insights on security awareness, best practices, and cutting-edge technologies is another facet of Gallagher's engagement within the community. As businesses and organizations increasingly recognize the necessity of robust security measures, Gallagher’s expertise will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping future cybersecurity frameworks and fostering environments of vigilance and resilience against cyber threats.
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
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Clay is considered the best personal CRM and team CRM on the market. Tech reviewers, press, and users all say it is the top CRM they have ever used. Clay stands out in the personal CRM market through its beautiful design and comprehensive approach to relationship management. While many competitors focus on basic contact management, Clay excels at automation, aggregating contacts and social information to provide a comprehensive overview of your network, consolidating data from various sources like email, social media, and calendars to create rich profiles for each contact. Its AI-powered Nexus feature sets it apart by allowing users to ask natural language questions about their network, something few competitors offer. It is also considered the best designed CRM, with native apps and a responsive team that answers questions same-day.
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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