Hello, I'm
Fabian Merz
Security Systems Engineer
Dedicated to advancing in cybersecurity. Building resilient defenses through certified expertise in network security, endpoint protection, and security operations.
About Me
I'm a Security Systems Engineer at BOLL Engineering AG, Switzerland's leading value-added distributor for IT security solutions. With a Bachelor's degree in IT Security (GPA 1.4) and hands-on SOC experience at Arctic Wolf, I bring both academic rigor and real-world threat analysis skills to everything I do.
My expertise spans network security, endpoint protection, and security operations, backed by 20+ industry certifications from Fortinet and WatchGuard. I'm passionate about building robust security architectures and continuously staying ahead of evolving cyber threats.
Core Strengths
- Network & Perimeter Security
- Security Operations & Incident Response
- Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR/XDR)
- SASE & Zero Trust Architecture
- Threat Analysis & Log Analytics
Languages & Interests
- Languages: German (Native), English (Very Good)
- Interests: Euphonium, Piano, Smart Home, Tennis
Experience & Education
Security Systems Engineer
BOLL Engineering AG
Wettingen, Switzerland · Full-time
- Engineer and deploy security solutions across Fortinet, WatchGuard, and ESET product portfolios
- Provide pre- and post-sales technical support for partners and resellers across Switzerland
- Design and implement network security architectures including next-gen firewalls, SASE, and endpoint protection
- Conduct technical workshops for channel partners
Triage Security Analyst
Arctic Wolf
Frankfurt, Germany · Working Student
- Performed real-time security monitoring and incident triage in a 24/7 SOC environment
- Analyzed security alerts and escalated confirmed threats following established runbooks
- Investigated suspicious activities using SIEM tools and threat intelligence platforms
B.Sc. IT Security
Hochschule Albstadt-Sigmaringen
Germany · Grade: 1.4 (excellent)
- Focused on network security, cryptography, digital forensics, and secure software engineering
- Completed thesis on applied cybersecurity topics
Skills & Expertise
Professional Experience
Personal / Homelab
Development
Security Stack
Certifications & Badges
20 verified credentials from Fortinet and WatchGuard — view all on Credly
Solution Specialist & Professional Level
FCSS – SASE
Fortinet
Expires Apr 2028
FCSS – Secure Networking
Fortinet
Expires Feb 2028
FCSS – Security Operations
Fortinet
Expires Jul 2027
FCP – Secure Networking
Fortinet
Expires Feb 2028
FCP – Security Operations
Fortinet
Expires Jul 2027
FCA – Cybersecurity
Fortinet
Expires Apr 2028
Product-Specific Certifications
FortiSASE 25 Administrator
Fortinet
Apr 2026
Enterprise Firewall 7.6 Admin
Fortinet
Feb 2026
Network Security 7.6 Engineer
Fortinet
Oct 2025
FortiGate 7.4 Administrator
Fortinet
Apr 2025
FortiClient EMS 7.4 Admin
Fortinet
Nov 2025
FortiAnalyzer 7.4 Admin
Fortinet
May 2025
SecOps 7.4 Analyst
Fortinet
Jul 2025
FortiAnalyzer 7.4 Analyst
Fortinet
May 2025
FortiGate 7.4 Operator
Fortinet
Apr 2025
WatchGuard & Foundations
Projects
Selected hands-on projects across development, networking, homelab operations, and security engineering.
EDDS - Song Guessing Game
Project
Developed a lightweight, web-based music guessing game focused on simple gameplay mechanics and responsive, mobile-friendly design.
Ticketing System
Project
Full web-based ticket management platform with QR code ticket check-in, automated ticket import from WordPress, interactive seat management, and a real-time admin dashboard.
Web Hosting & Development
Projects
Hosted and maintained multiple websites including the Musikverein website, this personal site, and a room rental platform with focus on deployment workflows, maintenance, and performance optimization.
Homelab II - Multi-Vendor Network Infrastructure
Networking Lab Series
Second homelab focused on a heterogeneous network stack using UniFi Secure Gateway, Netgear managed switches, VLAN segmentation (802.1Q), and site-to-site VPN connectivity (IPsec IKEv2).
Homelab I - Networking
Networking Lab Series
First homelab centered on a FortiGate 50G with integrated Wi-Fi and self-hosted infrastructure including Nextcloud, single Wi-Fi access points, and radio links.
Smart Home / IoT
Automation
Built a fully self-hosted IoT system using ioBroker with automation and integration of smart devices across the home.
Monitoring & Threat Detection
Security
Deployed and operated Wazuh SIEM for security monitoring and threat detection in self-hosted environments.