Owen Govender

Independent Consultant | IT, Security, Operations & Performance

+27 62 086 1590 owengovender1@gmail.com LinkedIn Profile Cape Town, South Africa
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Professional Summary

I specialise in resolving complex, high-impact problems across technology, security, operations, automotive performance, and real-world environments. My work focuses on clarity, control, and execution — stepping in when systems fail, risks escalate, or decisions stall.

With a cross-disciplinary background and a decisive, structured approach, I deliver solutions that restore stability, safety, and performance. I work with individuals, organisations, and communities where accountability and outcomes matter.

Top Skills & Expertise

Security Architecture Design Compliance Regulations R&D Operations Red Teaming / Penetration Testing Vulnerability Assessment Fortinet & Checkpoint Firewalls Business Process Automation Entrepreneurship

Professional Experience

Information Security Analyst (Red Teamer)

Jan 2023 - Nov 2025

TFG (The Foschini Group) | Western Cape

  • Led and executed full-scope penetration testing engagements (web, mobile, network).
  • Developed red team playbooks for OSINT, phishing, and physical access bypass.
  • Simulated real-world APT scenarios including lateral movement and privilege escalation.
  • Conducted regular security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities and risks.
  • Presented business cases to senior management outlining risks and mitigation roadmaps.

--- Entrepreneurial Ventures ---

Founder & CEO | Boost Beast Tuning

Sep 2020 - Dec 2022

Founded a dynamic automotive tuning company specializing in high-quality tuning, expert cleaning, and bespoke vehicle enhancements. Built the business from the ground up with a focus on performance and aesthetics.

Founder & CEO | Angelique's Functions

Aug 2020 - Dec 2022

Steered the vision for future event management, leveraging technology and community engagement to address key challenges in the industry.

Founder & CEO | Home and Office Security

Apr 2017 - Dec 2022

Built a robust security ecosystem for SMEs and residential properties. Secured partnerships with Sophos, Fortinet, and Rectron. Implemented end-to-end security package solutions and digital marketing strategies.

Information Security Consultant

Mar 2020 - Mar 2022

Fullstream Business Services (FBS)

  • Tier 2 and Tier 3 Consultant responsible for protecting client data from cyber-attacks.
  • Designed healthy security architectures for IT projects and categorized integration issues.
  • Implemented vulnerability testing, threat analyses, and security validation procedures.
  • Provided professional supervision and guidance to security teams.

Senior Security Consultant

Dec 2018 - Dec 2019

InfoGuardian

  • Monitored IBM Qradar SIEM environments and Bluecoat proxies.
  • Implemented Checkpoint Firewall R77.30 virtual environments.
  • Created custom reports per customer requirements and managed IMSVA Mail Gateways.

Security Consultant (Africa Projects)

Sep 2017 - Nov 2018

Computer Security & Forensic Solutions

  • Managed Cyber Security Network Assessments against SANS 20 for mining clients in Zambia and Congo.
  • Aligned clients to the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) core (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover).
  • Implemented Nessus, SIEM, WSUS, SCCM, and Kali Linux tools for audits.

Early Career History (1997 - 2017)

Dimension Data
IT Security Team Leader
Apr 2017 - May 2017
Managed Checkpoint, McAfee ePO, Qualys, ZScaler.
Silica Financial Solutions
Info Security Specialist
Apr 2016 - Feb 2017
Administered Checkpoint, Cisco Nexus, F5 Big IP.
Performanta
Security Analyst
July 2014 - Mar 2015
Firewall health checks, IPS intrusion analysis.
Avax IT / Mweb Business
Senior Security Engineer
Jan 2014 - Mar 2014
Checkpoint Multi-Domain Firewall management.
DRS
Security Engineer
Feb 2013 - Dec 2013
McAfee, BlueCoat ProxySG, Juniper, Checkpoint.
Conekt Business Group
Senior Field Engineer
Jan 2012 - Oct 2012
Kaspersky, Exchange 2003, Active Directory.
SuperGroup
Senior Systems Engineer
Nov 2010 - Jan 2012
VMWare ESXi, CAB Change Control, Blackberry BES.
Pre-2010 Roles
  • Conekt (Sasol): IT Contractor (2009-2010)
  • Foneworx: IT Security Specialist (2009)
  • Fujitsu / Standard Bank: Checkpoint Admin (2009)
  • QuickCut: Senior Sec Specialist (2008-2009)
  • Faritec: Security Administrator (2007-2008)
  • Tyco Trucks: Jr Technician (2006-2007)
  • Berco Express: IT Support (2004-2006)
  • Edenvale Computers: Jr Technician (2004)
  • Sun Couriers: System Analyst (2000-2001)
  • Info Tech Services: Network Tech (1999-2000)
  • Investec: Support Tech (1998)
  • ICC Computers: Learner Tech (1997)

Education

Damelin

Diploma, PC Engineering

Jan 1997 - Dec 1997

Damelin

Bachelor of Audio Engineering

Effingham Secondary School

Matric (Senior Certificate)

Jan 1991 - Dec 1996

ONG Assistantx