As security operations manager at Pearl Technology, Nikki Sewall oversees the day-to-day operations of the Security Operations Center (SOC). Utilizing continuous monitoring and threat management services that position your organization in a proactive and protective posture, the SOC staff offer security awareness training, risk assessments, vulnerability reports, penetration testing, and much more.
How She Serves
Nikki’s primary objective is to assure the SOC runs smoothly by implementing innovative security tools to provide continuous defense for our clients. In addition, she works with the team to provide Defense in Depth (DiD) services starting at the human element, with security awareness training and phishing tests, multi-factor authentication and password vaults, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and anti-virus protections; network monitoring and alerting via the LogRhythm security information and event management (SIEM) platform; and incident response with digital forensics and a penetration testing team. Nikki also performs security risk assessments and gap analysis for clients.
A network and security operations chief for more than 11 years, Nikki brings experience in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) to her position. She is a talented cybersecurity professional, who has performed risk-based analysis for both the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. Nikki has served as a strategic leader in the military and is able to emphasize the importance of cybersecurity for clients. She also has expertise in developing cybersecurity policy and procedures.
Prior to joining the team at Pearl Technology in 2021, Nikki served in the U.S. Navy from 2001–2009 and worked as a Navy aviation electrician for eight years. She also worked for the Navy in cybersecurity for three years and for the Air Force Special Operations Command for nine years. Nikki also taught cybersecurity at Okaloosa Technical College in Florida. She holds several professional certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) for penetration testing, Project Management Professional® (PMP), and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for overall security practices.
What Motivates Her
Nikki loves using different security technologies and is excited about the opportunities for growth at Pearl Technology. She loves the team and enjoys learning about new security technologies on the market.
“I was lucky to inherit a talented security team,” she said. “I feel that we will be able to grow alongside the company and perform more in-depth pen tests and other security operations as we grow. Every day is a learning experience, and it’s an amazing environment!”
Nikki also plans to innovate security solutions that deliver the greatest return on investment for customers of all sizes.
“I just love my job and teammates,” she added. “Pearl Technology gives me the opportunity to learn and grow every day. And I learn something new from our team every day, too. It’s a wonderful environment, with great people who challenge me to bring the most innovative cybersecurity tools to our clients. It’s great to work with a team like this.”
What Sustains Her
Nikki works remotely from her home in the Florida Panhandle but has office ties to the headquarters in Peoria Heights and spends one week in Central Illinois every month. She also manages five employees and travels as needed to meet with them. Two live in Michigan and three are in Illinois.
In addition to gaming (Call of Duty), Nikki loves running and going on adventures with her dogs. “I have three dogs—Roxy is my little girl (a Pomeranian), Merlin Joe is my youngest boy (German Spitz), and Laddie is my three-legged, middle-aged boy (King Cavalier/Sheltie mix).”
Nikki is an avid runner and has participated in the Las Vegas Rock ‘N Roll Half Marathon (2017), the Marine Corps Marathon (2018), the virtual NYC Marathon (2019), and the NYC 50th Anniversary Marathon (2021).
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