Francesco Balzano

I am interested in all the aspects that deal with Cyber Security, in particular OT and IoT security. I currently work as Cybersecurity Data Analyst inside the Security Research team at Nozomi Networks, where I am responsible for expanding and maintaining accuracy in the vulnerability dataset. I have also gained working experience with SIEM, Antivirus systems and EDR/XDR when working as Security Analyst in Menarini; with Network Security, since I previously worked as software developer for network security tools; and with the programming of Siemens PLCs and the deployment and configuration of Building Management Systems (Desigo CC). Other topics that I have studied or worked with and in which I am interested are Malware Analysis, Penetration Testing, Cloud Computing, Blockchains, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Experience

Cybersecurity Data Analyst

Nozomi Networks

I currently work as Cybersecurity Data Analyst in the Security Research Department of Nozomi Networks, which is recognized as leader in the OT & IoT security in industrial and critical infrastructure networks, where I am responsible for expanding and maintaining accuracy in the vulnerability dataset.

October 2022 - Present

Security Analyst

MENARINI Group

I worked as Security Analyst inside the Corporate Networking, Security and Services area. My duties involved the tuning and orchestration of security appliances (mainly SIEM, EDR and Antivirus systems), the log analysis in order to steadily detect cyber security threats and possible security incidents and the creation of cyber security reports.

December 2020 - September 2022

Cyber Security Engineer

Haruspex Cybersecurity

I worked as full stack developer in the R&D team. I was responsible for the development of tools related to Network Security.

April 2019 - December 2020

Junior Field Service Engineer

Siemens S.P.A.

I designed, implemented and deployed solutions in the fields of comfort and Building Automation to meet customers needs, by programming both low levels devices (PLCs) and high level supervisors (BMS). I also held networking courses to the technical team.

January 2018 - April 2019

Education

Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna & Università di Pisa

Master Degree
Computer Science and Networking

Graduation Mark: 110/100 cum laude

Università degli studi di Firenze

Bachelor Degree
Computer Engineering

Graduation Mark: 109/110

Istituto d'Istruzione Superiore Giorgio Vasari

High School

Final Mark: 100/100

Skills

Hard Skills

I have a good understanding and practical experience with imperative programming languages. During my academic education and working experience I have gained experience with Python, Javascript, c, C++ and Java. I also did web development and so I am comfortable with HTML and CSS. In addition, I programmed Siemens PLCs at the initial stage of my career and so I have experience with ladder diagrams, digital/analog pins and things like that. I have a good knowledge of Linux and Raspberry Pi, and when I have time I like to play with these amazing boards. Some time ago I felt in love with Information Security and I decided that I would have pursued a career in this field. I started working as programmer for network security tools, then I worked as security analyst, where I learned how to use and administer enterprise-grade security tools in a corporate environment. I am currently working in the OT and IoT security space, and my interests embraced Ethical hacking (I got CEH certification during this journey) and now shifted more towards malware analysis and reverse engineering.

Soft Skills

I like to cultivate healthy relationships and I always try to be polite and genuine both at home and at work. I have played team sport since I was a kid and for me is natural to think and act as a team member. I never give up and I am really satisfied when my team achieves its goals after all our hard work.

Interests

I really like reading, practising outdoor sports, socializing, having relax on weekends and enjoying a cold beer during hot sunny days! I like the things that make you astonished and challenge your mind, like Escher's and Magritte's art! I remember the first time that I saw Magritte's Empire of Lights at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice. I spent some minutes looking at the painting with the feeling that something was wrong, and when I finally realized that the colors of night were reversed, I felt amazed and fooled ;)

Awards & Certifications

  • eLearnSecurity Certified Malware Analysis Professional (Verify on INE)
  • Nozomi Networks Certified Engineer (Verify on Credly)
  • Esame di stato - Ingegneria dell' Informazione, Sezione A (Università degli Studi di Firenze)
  • EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (ID = ECC1630784925)
  • Comptia Security+ (ID = F3W4HHME8HQ11VGG)
  • European Computer Driving License (ECDL)