Samyuktha Harshini Padmanabhuni
Hello! I'm Samyuktha Harshini Padmanabhuni, a recent graduate from George Mason University, where I earned my Master’s in Information Systems with a focus on Cybersecurity. I’m currently working as a Security Analyst Intern with PISTOS IT, a firm based in Atlanta. While it’s an unpaid role, it’s a treasure trove of hands-on experience, and I’m getting to apply my knowledge in real-world situations.
Right now, I'm on the lookout for Security Engineer and Security Analyst roles that will allow me to dive deeper into cybersecurity. I’m passionate about protecting data, identifying vulnerabilities, and building stronger, more resilient systems. My experience includes working with tools like Wireshark, Burp Suite, and Metasploit, and I have a knack for analyzing complex security issues, solving problems, and finding innovative ways to improve system defenses.
Aside from my technical skills, I bring a collaborative spirit to every team I join and am constantly looking for ways to enrich my skill set. If you're looking for a dedicated security professional with a genuine love for learning and a proactive approach to challenges, let’s connect!
Experience
IT Security Engineer Intern
As an IT Security Engineer Intern, I conducted security assessments on various applications to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, focusing on strengthening application security. My role involved developing and implementing secure coding practices, assisting in incident response, and providing guidance on security best practices to reduce risks of exploits and ensure data confidentiality and integrity.
I collaborated with cross-functional teams to design secure network architecture, conducted penetration testing, and applied industry-standard security frameworks to enhance the security posture of the organization. Additionally, I assisted in:
- Integrated and managed Forcepoint DLP solutions to monitor and protect sensitive organizational data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Conducted proactive threat hunting activities, leveraging advanced techniques and Forcepoint’s behavioral analytics to identify and mitigate risks across enterprise systems.
- Performed log analysis and correlation to detect anomalies, escalating critical incidents for further investigation.
- Configuring and managing cloud security tools, including firewalls and Cloud Security Posture Management tools.
- Participating in incident response activities, including containment, eradication, and recovery efforts.
Data Security Analyst
During my internship, I utilized IBM platforms and tools like Open Pages to effectively implement Governance, Risk, and Compliance practices. As part of a collaborative team effort, we developed controls for a company based on NIST and ISO protocols to safeguard employees from unnecessary privileges. My responsibilities encompassed managing account deletion and creation processes, ensuring proper privilege assignments within groups, and maintaining compliance with various privilege levels. Additionally, I gained proficiency in working with Active Directory.
Teaching Assistant
I currently serve as a Teaching Assistant for the undergraduate course "Operating Systems and Labs" within the Cyber Security Engineering department. My responsibilities include assisting students with troubleshooting various lab errors, addressing conceptual misunderstandings, supporting SEED Labs activities, and evaluating assignments and exams.
Projects
Content Book Recommendation and Semantic Analysis
Network Security Assessment using Nessus, Qualys, and Nmap
OWASP Top 10 Vulnerability Assessment
Security Monitoring and Intrusion Detection System
Automated CI/CD Pipeline with AWS and Docker
PrivEdge: Private Training with GAN and Multi-Party Computation
Education
George Mason University
GPA: 3.7
SASTRA deemed University
GPA: 3.82
Skills
Technical Skills
+Programming Languages: Python, Java, SQL, C, C++, Perl, JS, HTML, CSS
Operating Systems: Linux, Windows, MacOS
Software Development: Git, Agile Development, Docker
Cybersecurity Skills
+Application Security: OWASP, SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting
Threat Detection: SIEM, EDR, Incident Response
Vulnerability Management: Nessus, Qualys, Burp Suite
Tools and Technologies
+Security Tools: Metasploit, Wireshark, Wazuh
Automation & Scripting: Bash, Perl, PowerShell
Data Analysis: R, Excel
Interests
In my early years, I was all about arts, writing, and poetry, with my nose perpetually in a book. But then I moved to the U.S., where things took a lively turn! Now, I’m a self-proclaimed cultural sponge, always on the hunt for opportunities to meet people from every corner of the world—think campus events, international festivals, or even an accidental chat at the coffee machine. I've made it my mission to learn as much as possible about different cultures, and I like to say I’m collecting life experiences like stamps in a passport.
Outdoors, I’m all about rock climbing, trekking, and hiking, fueled by equal parts enthusiasm and maybe a touch of overconfidence. Escape rooms, though, have become my true calling—something about finding my way out of pretend peril feels oddly comforting! And when I’m not climbing rocks or solving puzzles, you’ll probably find me rolling strikes at the bowling alley or racking up high scores at the arcade.
Of course, I’m also a big fan of cozy TV nights and can’t resist binging on a great show while serving up home-cooked meals for friends (or unwitting taste-testers). I’ve mastered quite a few dishes through YouTube tutorials, especially Indian recipes, because there’s something incredibly satisfying about making a complex dish and nailing it.
When the kitchen isn’t calling, I’m diving into K-dramas and K-pop, or humming along to the latest hits, with the occasional kitchen dance break thrown in. And then there’s my nerdy side—troubleshooting Windows machines, dabbling in Capture the Flag competitions, and basically tinkering with anything tech-related.
So, here I am: a bookworm turned adventurer, with a soft spot for karaoke, escape rooms, and Korean dramas.