About me

Hi, I'm Atharva Khanvilkar, a recent AI & Data Science graduate with a strong interest in cybersecurity and a CompTIA Security+ certification. I've worked on web and API security testing at Raise Financial Services and handled IT support and troubleshooting at UpGrad, which helped me build a solid foundation in systems and networking. I regularly practice on HackTheBox and TryHackMe and also maintain a Docker-based home lab where I experiment with networking, self-hosting, and security setups. I'm currently looking for a cybersecurity role where I can apply my skills in a practical environment.

Experience

Graduate Engineer Trainee (NOC)

Oct 2025 - Present

African Industries

Monitor critical network devices, servers, and data-center systems for uptime, performance, and real-time alerts. Support incident logging, basic troubleshooting, and coordination during preventive maintenance and system updates.

IT Intern

Sept 2025 - Oct 2025

UpGrad

Supported employees with technical issues, laptop setup, and troubleshooting. Managed helpdesk tickets and coordinated with IT teams for timely resolutions.

Engineering Intern (Cyber Security)

June 2025 - July 2025

Raise Financial Services

Conducted web application security testing and API security testing to identify and report vulnerabilities using industry-standard tools and OWASP methodologies. Assisted with AWS cloud security operations by contributing to the setup of automated data backup and disaster recovery mechanisms.

Courses & Certifications

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)

Certificate ↗

CompTIA

Built knowledge in security fundamentals, risk management, network security, and incident response.

Google Cybersecurity Specialization

Certificate ↗

Google

Gained hands-on experience in Cybersecurity fundamentals, Network security, SIEM tools, Linux, and SQL.

TryHackMe Jr. Penetration Tester

Certificate ↗

TryHackMe

Acquired practical skills in Vulnerability assessment, Exploitation techniques, Network enumeration, and using industry-standard tools like Nmap, Burp Suite, and Metasploit.

Projects

Home Lab

Set up a Home Lab on Ubuntu Linux to explore self-hosting capabilities, including deploying Dockerized services like Immich for photo backup, Jellyfin for media streaming, and Radarr.

Implemented secure remote access to the server using Tailscale, enhancing network security and accessibility.

More info →

Relay | In Progress

Building a secure communication platform to replace unsafe credential exchange over email or chat with end-to-end encrypted communication using Public Key Cryptography.

Implemented JWT authentication with token revocation, secure key management, and APIs for encrypted message exchange and user presence tracking.

Enabled

Enabled is a community platform app specially designed for People With Disabilities (PWDs).

Project Link ↗

Technical Skills

Vulnerability Assessment Penetration Testing Burp Suite Metasploit Nmap OWASP Top 10 Ethical Hacking API Security Python (Security) Bash Scripting SQL Linux Admin Network Security TCP/IP Wireshark Cloud Security (AWS) Incident Response SIEM Tools Active Directory Docker IAM Firewalls / VPN OSINT Disaster Recovery Troubleshooting