Malik Usman Firdous

As  Sr. Software Associate at New York Theological Seminary, I provide comprehensive support for computer hardware and software, ensuring the seamless integration and operation of various technologies. Proficient in platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, I manage and optimize collaboration tools, addressing issues promptly and contributing to the smooth functioning of essential systems within the seminary. My role encompasses troubleshooting, maintenance, and support to guarantee a reliable and efficient IT environment for the seminary community.

In my dual capacity as a Senior Software Associate, I leverage over 5 years of software development experience and pursue an ongoing master's degree in CyberSecurity. Proficient in backend development, DevOps, microservices, blockchain, Node.js, MongoDB, AWS, Shopify, and MERN Stack, I bring a wealth of technical expertise to my role. Leading cross-functional teams, I optimize software performance, implement data protection measures, and design scalable and robust application architectures. Passionate about staying abreast of emerging technologies, I apply innovative solutions to create cutting-edge software projects. A detail-oriented problem solver, I am committed to writing clean, maintainable, and efficient code.

New York Theological Seminary – New York, NY Senior Software Associate 03/2023 -Present

Engineer and oversee a robust two-factor authentication process. Facilitate data migration between various cloud platforms. Designed and managed scalable web applications for efficient data extraction and analysis. • Developed and deployed high-efficiency databases and table structures for web applications, leading to enhanced data management and data integrity and increased application response time by 50%. • Streamlined software development with a comprehensive CI/CD pipeline on GitHub, resulting in a 40% reduction in manual deployment time and a 50% decrease in production defects. • Introduced advanced DDOS and Man-in-the-Middle attack prevention strategies, diminishing successful attacks by 60% and strengthening cybersecurity defenses against new threats. Directed end-to-end implementation of Microservices architecture, achieving a 50% decrease in system downtime and a 30% enhancement in system performance. Provided first-line support for users, addressing hardware, software, and network issues. Managed Google, Zoom and Microsoft admin panel with latest security standards.

BevyCommerce, Communitech Hub – Waterloo, Canada 1/2020 – 1/2022 Senior Backend Developer

Implemented robust security and data protection protocols (RSA, DES, AES, Digital Signature). Designed innovative database and application architecture. Employed Microservices architecture for enhanced system efficiency. • Enhanced data management efficiency through advanced SQL queries and scalable non-SQL solutions, attaining a major 40% improvement in query response time and increased data transport effectiveness. • Accomplished a significant 50% reduction in customer support inquiries and boosted average order value by 15% by engineering custom Shopify apps with MERN Stack. • Slashed script creation time by 60% and increased testing efficiency by 25% through optimization of testing procedures with reusable Cypress test scripts. • Achieved a 45% reduction in website page load time and a 25% surge in site speed through server-side optimizations. • Developed engaging websites utilizing HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, and Node.js. • Applied expertise in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and proficiency in executing tasks using Liquid, the templating language specific to Shopify. • Familiarity with the functionalities and potentialities inherent in Shopify Plus • Developed a distinctive automatic discount logic in Rust and demonstrated proficiency in managing and optimizing product listings for improved user experience and site performance. • Experienced in Shopify app development with expertise in frontend Liquid, backend GraphQL, and REST for seamless customization and advanced functionality implementation.

Route Trading Limited – Wah Cantt, Taxila, PAK 3/2017 – 12/2019 Full Stack Developer Enabled communication across servers and APIs through development of integration solutions/libraries. Granted selective data access at smart contract and protocol tiers by engineering and releasing diverse decentralized apps. • Led entire development lifecycles for decentralized apps, including instituting permission-based data controls at smart contract and protocol levels, leading to a 35% elevation in user privacy and a 55% reduction in unauthorized data access. • Translated complex blockchain concepts for non-technical stakeholders by constructing robust systems. • Developed and administered backend services and infrastructure supporting core blockchain products. • Carried out comprehensive research to upgrade protocols and construct novel financial agreements.

Master of Science in Cyber Security (Jan 2024) (GPA: 3.87/4.0) The City College of New York, The City University of New York – NY o Relevant Courses: Algorithm | Penetration Testing | IoT Lab | Computer Communication Network | Network Security | Data Privacy For Data Scientist | Secure Operation System | Law and Policy Issues in Cybersecurity. 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Dec 2019) (GPA: 3.73/4.0) Comsats University Islamabad Wah Campus – Wah Cantt, Taxila, PAK Relevant Courses: Data Structure | OOP | Operation System | Computer Communication Network | Network Security | Machine Learning | Web Engineering | Artificial Intelligence | Digital Image Processing