**CTG is seeking to fill a Network Specialist opening for our client in New York.** **Location:** Remote **Duration:** 6 months **Duties:** • Review and optimize Palo Alto firewall rules to eliminate default allow outbound policies and reduce overly permissive rules. • Audit existing firewall configurations and prioritize subnets using provided subnet listings. • Focus on securing servers, desktops, and critical subnets within the infrastructure. • Collaborate with internal teams to apply edge-based controls and validate system requirements. • Identify and block unused outbound ports while ensuring essential services (DNS, ICMP, NTP, HTTP/HTTPS) remain available. • Assess and manage usage of protocols such as SSH, FTP, and others that may enable bulk data transfers. • Work with stakeholders to confirm business requirements for specific traffic and implement changes with minimal disruption using a “fix what breaks” approach. **Skills:** • Expertise in firewall configuration and network security. • Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, network segmentation, and common protocols. • Proven ability to manage and optimize Palo Alto firewalls. • Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills. • Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities. **Experience:** • Hands-on experience with firewall policy management and optimization. • Extensive background in network security, particularly with Palo Alto products. • Demonstrated success in reducing attack surfaces and strengthening network controls. **Education:** • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field preferred. • Equivalent work experience will also be considered. Excellent verbal and written English communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group are required. CTG does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee based recruitment services for this role. **To Apply:** To be considered, please apply directly to this requisition using the link provided. For additional information, please contact **Tana Stilloe at** **Tana.Stilloe@ctg.com** **.** Kindly forward this to any other interested parties. Thank you! The expected base salary for this position ranges from $60.00 to $75.00/hour. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, market factors, and where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. In addition to salary, a competitive benefit package is also offered. **About CTG** CTG, a Cegeka company, is at the forefront of digital transformation, providing IT and business solutions that accelerate project momentum and deliver desired value. Over nearly 60 years, we have earned a reputation as a faster and more reliable, results-driven partner. Our vision is to be an indispensable partner to our clients and the preferred career destination for digital and technology experts. CTG leverages the expertise of over 9,000 team members in 19 countries to provide innovative solutions. Together, we operate across the Americas, Europe, and India, working in close cooperation with over 3,000 clients in many of today's highest-growth industries. For more information, visit www.ctg.com . Our culture is a direct result of the people who work at CTG, the values we hold, and the actions we take. In other words, our people define our culture. It's a living, breathing thing that is renewed every day through the ways we engage with each other, our clients, and our communities. Part of our mission is to cultivate a workplace that attracts and develops the best people, reflected by our recognition as a Great Place to Work Certified™ company across many of our global operations. CTG will consider for employment all qualified applicants including those with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable local, state, and federal laws. CTG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CTG will assure equal opportunity and consideration to all applicants and employees in recruitment, selection, placement, training, benefits, compensation, promotion, transfer, and release of individuals without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, disability, marital or veteran status, citizenship status, or any other discriminatory factors as required by law. CTG is fully committed to promoting employment opportunities for members of protected classes.