Article posted on August 6, 2024

As a security analyst at Pearl Technology, Yvonne Murphy helps safeguard clients’ information systems. By investigating potential incidents, she documents proactive actions to help prevent incidents from occurring to protect their systems.

How She Serves

Yvonne has worked in her cybersecurity role at Pearl Technology in Peoria Heights for about a year.

“My primary responsibility is safeguarding our clients’ information systems,” she said. “On any given day, you’ll find me analyzing logs and alerts to detect potential security incidents and then prioritizing and investigating them based on severity and impact.”

Yvonne looks for signs of potential threats and then seeks to determine the root cause. By collaborating with the teams in the data centers and IT solutions, she helps create the best plan to prevent future occurrences.

“Staying current with the latest cybersecurity news is vital to my role,” Yvonne added. “Pearl Technology provides the necessary tools to help keep employees informed of the latest developments through industry publications, cybersecurity blogs, and newsletters.”

Pearl Technology’s forward-thinking approach to cybersecurity—along with the emphasis on innovation and collaboration—is important to Yvonne.

“As an intern, I had the opportunity to work with Anthony Mini on a project that explored the growing integration of operational technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, as well as the introduction of cloud technology and the convergence of non-traditional network devices. The experience solidified my passion for cybersecurity and highlighted the importance of working in an environment that values innovation and teamwork.”

Yvonne’s favorite thing about working at Pearl Tech is the people. “Our team is a group of talented, driven, and incredibly supportive individuals. Since day one, they have welcomed me with open arms. The camaraderie not only makes my daily work routine enjoyable, but it also enhances our effectiveness as a team.”

Yvonne also enjoys working with a variety of clients from different sectors. “The diversity keeps the job dynamic and exciting as each client presents unique challenges and opportunities. Ultimately, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see the positive impact of our work on clients’ businesses. Whether it’s enhancing their operational efficiency, improving their cybersecurity posture, or enabling them to leverage new technologies, knowing that our solutions contribute to their success is deeply rewarding.”

What Her Experience Means

Before joining the staff at Pearl Technology in 2023, Yvonne served as an associate IT consultant, where she was involved in addressing a diverse range of clients’ IT challenges and providing custom solutions.

“This included troubleshooting technical issues, optimizing system performance, and implementing strategic IT initiatives to meet clients’ specific needs.”

Yvonne graduated from Bradley University with bachelor’s degrees in Cybersecurity and Management Information Systems, with a concentration in Business Analytics. She is pursuing her MBA at Bradley University while serving as a Graduate Assistant for the Center for Cybersecurity. Yvonne also actively engages in training sessions and pursues certifications to enhance her knowledge in the constantly evolving field of cybersecurity. She’s committed to continuous learning.

“In previous roles, I have particularly enjoyed communicating with customers. I found satisfaction in helping them navigate their technical issues. It was rewarding to provide clear, understandable solutions to their complex problems and see the immediate, positive impact of my assistance. I have also worked as a tech support agent and a business-security consultant, where I approached problems with a holistic perspective, providing effective and efficient solutions for each client’s unique needs.”

What Sustains Her

Originally from Ireland, Yvonne now lives in Peoria. Her philosophy is, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

“This philosophy drives everything we do at Pearl Tech,” she said. “Everything here emphasizes the power of collaboration and teamwork, and that collaborative spirit extends beyond our internal team to our client relationships.”

Yvonne grew up on a dairy farm and has three sisters. “I have a horse and four dogs in Ireland,” she said. “I love animals, and my host family has a dog named Bella. I enjoy taking her on walks. Currently, I’m a Resident Advisor at Bradley University living on campus.”

What brought her to the US? “In 2019, my sisters and I played Irish music for the Erin Feis in Peoria. I received a tour of Bradley at that time and was encouraged by my host family and friends to apply. I am really enjoying my time in the US, and I have met a lot of great people.”

In her free time, Yvonne enjoys singing classical music and plays the violin and guitar. She played Irish music in a band with her sisters in Ireland. Yvonne also sings at her church and recently traveled to Washington D.C. to sing at the CS Music Convention.

Does your business need help with IT solutions, cybersecurity, data centers, or audiovisual integration? Contact us to see what technology solutions might work best for you.