Hi, I’m Vanessa.

I am a Cybersecurity Analyst, Ethical Hacker, and Artist based in NY.

Download my Resume
Vanessa Profile

About Me

I am a Cybersecurity Analyst currently working on the Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing team at Bank of New York Mellon. I graduated from New York University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and a minor in Studio Art.

My professional focus lies in web application penetration testing, security automation, and vulnerability assessment.

Beyond traditional cybersecurity, I have a strong interest in the emerging field of quantum technologies. I am interested in exploring how quantum computing and quantum security can be integrated into cybersecurity practices.

Here are some tools and technologies I have been working with recently:

  • Burp Suite
  • Nmap
  • Nginx & Certbot
  • Metasploit
  • Splunk
  • Kali Linux
  • Docker
  • Git
  • JavaScript
  • Python
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • Node.js
  • Express.js
  • Bash
  • MongoDB

Education & Certifications

New York University

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, Minor in Studio Art — Graduated May 2024

Key Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Computer Systems Organization, Operating Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Internet Technology, Computer Security and Cryptography, Computer Graphics, Software Engineering

Certifications:

  • CompTIA Security+
  • SANS SEC542: Web App Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking™ — Expected September 2025
Graduation photo

Experience

Cybersecurity Analyst – Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Team @ Bank of New York Mellon

August 2024 – Present

  • Conduct web application penetration tests using Kali Linux, Burp Suite, manual testing, and OWASP methodologies.
  • Develop Python and Bash scripts to automate vulnerability scanning and reporting processes to improve team efficiency.
  • Collaborate with application teams to review findings, recommend remediations, and strengthen overall security posture.

Security Analyst Rotational Intern @ Pride One - Bank of New York Mellon

June 2023 – September 2023

  • Participated in a rotational program across teams within the Information Security Division, including Digital Asset Custody, Adversary Hunt, Cyber Analytics, Application Security, Vulnerability Management, and Ethical Hacking/Penetration Testing.
  • Assisted with web application security testing as part of the Ethical Hack/Pen Testing team and utilized Splunk to query security logs with the Adversary Hunt Team.
  • Gained hands-on experience building and implementing security measures for digital asset custody and integrating new tools within the bank’s infrastructure.

IT Help Desk Assistant @ NYU Stern IT

September 2022 – December 2023

  • Provided technical support for software and hardware across student and faculty devices, building strong interpersonal communication and advanced troubleshooting skills.

Projects

Portfolio Website

Designed and deployed a self-hosted personal portfolio website. Hosted securely on a cloud server using nginx and custom firewall rules. Conducted ethical hacking against the website to validate its security posture.

Tools: Node.js, JavaScript, Particle.js, HTML, CSS, nginx

Everyday Toolkit

Developed a suite of Bash and Python scripts to automate common reconnaissance and networking tasks, including nmap scanning, ping sweeps, and DNS lookups. Built a password strength checker and strong password generator to enhance security practices.

Tools: Python, Bash, Nmap

Home Lab

Built a home lab environment using Parallels to run Kali Linux and Windows virtual machines on macOS. Deployed internal web servers using nginx for penetration testing practice in an isolated environment.

Tools: macOS, Kali Linux, Windows, nginx, Parallels

Art

I also create digital and traditional art.

View My Portfolio