Can you describe your current role, and what responsibilities do you undertake?
Currently I am CTO for a group of fintech companies, which includes MIS Pay (BNPL) and MIS Connect (open banking) in Saudi Arabia. Currently, I have a team of engineering directors, product directors, and IT managers across the group who are directly reporting to me. In addition, I have another software cell in Berlin, which included developers and DevOp Engineers building the apps on multiple stores and open banking services.
How will you describe your journey in the cybersecurity industry?
My journey was not limited/restricted to cybersecurity in particular, but I have enough expertise in building enterprise resource solutions (ERP) and CRM for fintech, retail (FMCG), real estate, and engineering. I started my career with a role as system engineer at STC (ISP) where I achieved some special technical skills and hands-on expertise with servers and other security appliances like firewalls and routers. Life has its own plans, and I shifted to Pune and started working with MNC, and then a BIG offer arrived and I shifted to Saudi Arabia (which is my next home away from home) for the past 18 years and started growing the grace of Allah. Life gave me the opportunity to work with multiple giants of Saudi Arabia from the retail sector, fintech, proptech, and engineering firms owned by Royal Decrees, and today I am here with MIS, who is a leading system integrator in the market with a legacy spanning 47 years and who started a new venture in Fintech Domain.
If you could make one recommendation to the next generation of cybersecurity leaders, what would it be?
Make sure you are aligned with the market offering, and such offerings are very well versed in matching your business requirements. Keep your skills and expertise updated with the latest trends.
How do you stay current with the latest security threats and technologies?
Well, personally, I usually discuss the ongoing things related to technology and cyber security within my network and hear from folks what is happening across the globe and what new challenges and new product offerings are available from other corners of the world. It keeps you updated with the cyber and other tech offerings in the market. I usually visit events and summits and join panels to hear from peers and colleagues on a common platform to grasp the current updates.
Can you discuss a time when you had to handle a security incident and what steps you took to resolve it?
Oh, every single day is a new day, and you learn from every single step you take. However, when you are abreast of the latest technology and cyber threats you hear, we make sure to minimize the incidents during the tenure.
