Parthiv Desai

Cybersecurity Engineer | Threat Management | Cloud Security | Infrastructure Automation

About Me

I am a cybersecurity graduate from Johns Hopkins University (M.S., Cybersecurity, 4.0 GPA) with hands-on experience in product security, threat exposure management, and cloud security operations across large enterprise environments. My work focuses on validating security findings, analyzing real-world exposure, and supporting risk remediation efforts through automation and cross-team collaboration.

Previously, I supported enterprise network and cloud security operations at FM Global, where I worked extensively with firewalls, infrastructure-as-code, DNS, and Kubernetes security controls. I enjoy solving security problems that sit at the intersection of systems, scale, and real operational risk.

Outside of cybersecurity, I enjoy playing cricket, football, and golf, as well as exploring hiking trails. Sports continue to shape my teamwork, discipline, and strategic thinking, which I bring into complex security and engineering challenges.

Education

Johns Hopkins University, Whiting School of Engineering
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Graduated: Dec 2025
California State University, Fullerton
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Graduated: May 2023

Work Experience

PayPal
Cybersecurity Engineer Intern | June 2025 – Sept 2025
  • Leading an evaluation of enterprise vulnerability management platforms, analyzing platform behavior, issue tracking workflows, and validation accuracy to support decisions on replacing existing tools.
  • Built a Python-based security verification and data validation script that uses custom inputs (e.g., subscription IDs, rule names) to compare platform findings, display total match statistics, and export missing or mismatched vulnerabilities for deeper analysis.
  • Contributing to triage and remediation efforts by assisting with issue tracking, ownership identification, and cross-team coordination.
  • Supporting broader threat exposure initiatives by researching tooling workflows and proposing improvements based on real-world observations and validation tests.
FM Global (Factory Mutual)
Cybersecurity Specialist Co-op | July 2024 – June 2025
  • Managed 300+ firewall requests, 50+ incidents, and 200+ technical tasks across Azure Firewall, Palo Alto (Panorama), NSGs (Terraform Cloud), and Kubernetes Calico policies.
  • Refactored a 3,000-line Terraform NSG module into modular structures improving clarity, change tracking, and audit alignment via Terraform Cloud.
  • Investigated and resolved WAF and F5 blocks tied to OWASP threats, recommending secure exception handling and input sanitization.
  • Configured redundant Prisma Access IPsec tunnels for secure onboarding of global offices into the FM perimeter.
  • Delivered IaC changes using Terraform and YAML across NSG, ASG, DNS, and Calico policies via Azure DevOps and GitLab pipelines.
  • Proactively assessed URLs and IPs with VirusTotal, AbuseIPDB, and BrightCloud, blocking malicious indicators and submitting recategorization requests for false positives.

Projects

Secure Chat System Implementation

Developed a secure chat application in Python, integrating RSA and DSA for encryption and digital signature verification. Implemented secure session key distribution, chat functionalities (INVITE, ACCEPT, ENDCHAT), and dynamic key generation for enhanced security. Utilized cryptography library for robust security features; streamlined user experience with intuitive command-line interface.

Network Security Assessment Platform

Conducted a comprehensive security assessment on a firewall, DNS, and web server within a VMware environment, utilizing tools such as nmap, Wireshark, OpenVAS, and OWASP ZAP. Identified and analyzed vulnerabilities across internal and external network segments. Formulated risk mitigation strategies, emphasizing enhanced network resilience and robust configuration management.

Titan Talks – Scrum Master and Developer

Successfully led and coached two cross-functional Scrum teams, enhancing project operations efficiency by 80%. Facilitated Scrum ceremonies ensuring a clear understanding of goals and tasks among the team. Collaborated closely with the Product Owner in refining the product backlog. Identified and resolved team impediments, ensuring on-time project delivery. Led the design and implementation of the application's UI using JavaScript and HTML/CSS.

Qit - Full Stack Developer

Developed 'Qit', a mobile social media app for students. Created comprehensive documentation meeting the app requirements. Utilized Dart with Flutter for front-end UI, ensuring a modern user interface. Integrated a Firebase back-end database, implementing high-security policies for data protection.

SenRobo – solo project

Mechanically assembled SenRobo. Established a custom Bluetooth controller application. Used Arduino app for movement and sensors, leveraging C++ and JavaScript. Achieved a releasable SenRobo in 3 months.

Responsive Personal Portfolio – UI/UX Designer and Programmer

Established UML diagram and implemented on the website. Built a responsive website using ReactJS, HTML/CSS, and JavaScript. Successfully deployed a portfolio website with domain and web hosting.

Academia MasterMind – Lead Developer and Designer

Developed "Academia MasterMind," a web-based quiz game spanning subjects like science, math, and history. Designed a streamlined login/signup and avatar customization feature. Implemented a dynamic scoring and leveling system, motivating users with avatar upgrades. Allowed flexible post-game choices, enhancing user engagement. Integrated backend operations to ensure personalized user experiences.

Skills

Cybersecurity
SIEM, Incident Response, Threat Detection & Response, Vulnerability Management, IDS/IPS, EDR, Risk Assessment, RSA, DSA, AES, HIPAA, NIST, ISO 27001, Firewall Configuration, Network Vulnerability Analysis, Intrusion Detection, Secure Communication Protocols, OpenSSL, Digital Signature (RSA, DSA), Cryptography in Linux
Cloud Security & Infrastructure
Azure Firewall, NSGs/ASGs, Terraform, Terraform Cloud, Calico Kubernetes, DNS Configuration, Azure Portal, Infrastructure Automation, CI/CD Pipeline Security, Azure DevOps, GitLab, Agile/Scrum
Cybersecurity Tools
OpenVAS, OWASP ZAP, nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, Greenbone, SNORT, FireMon, Strata Cloud, VirusTotal, AbuseIPDB, BrightCloud, Powershell
Programming Languages
Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, C#, Perl, Dart, Ruby, HTML/CSS, JSON
Operating Systems & IDEs
Kali Linux, Windows OS, VMware ESXi, Android, VS Code, Oracle VM VirtualBox, Google Colab, Jupyter Notebook
Back-end Technologies
Microsoft SQL, Firebase, MongoDB, RStudio, sklearn, pandas, Rest API
Machine Learning
Regression Analysis, Classification Algorithms, Python for Machine Learning
Data Scientist Tools & Libraries
RStudio, Microsoft SQL, Queries, Python, numpy, sklearn, pandas, Matplotlib, Database and Relational Mapping
Languages
English, Hindi, Gujarati

Certifications

Honors and Awards

Contact Me

Email: Parthivsd99@gmail.com

LinkedIn | GitHub