10 Influential Women in Cybersecurity in the Middle East: Their Stories and Achievements

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing industry, and women are leading the charge. In the Middle East, female cybersecurity professionals are making their mark in the field, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 10 influential women in cybersecurity in the Middle East, their stories, and achievements.

1. Dr. Amani Al-Shehri: Dr. Al-Shehri is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority. She has a Ph.D. in computer security from Royal Holloway, University of London, and is an expert in cybersecurity and digital forensics. In 2020, she was named one of the top 100 cybersecurity influencers in the Middle East.
2. Hala Al-Deeb: Hala Al-Deeb is the Information Security Manager at the Qatar Investment Authority. She has over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity and has worked with organizations such as the Qatar Central Bank and the Qatar Financial Markets Authority. She is also a member of the ISACA Qatar Chapter Board of Directors.
3. Hiba Khalid: Hiba Khalid is the Senior Manager of Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). She has over 14 years of experience in information security and has held various positions at DEWA, including Senior Cybersecurity Specialist and Cybersecurity Risk Analyst.
4. Dr. Muna Al Hashemi: Dr. Muna Al Hashemi is the Director of Information Security at Dubai Electronic Security Center. She has a Ph.D. in Information Security from the University of Surrey and has published numerous research papers on information security. She is also a member of the UAE National Cybersecurity Council.
5. Hanane Boujemi: Hanane Boujemi is the Senior Director of Cybersecurity Services at DarkMatter Group. She has over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity and has worked with organizations such as the Dubai Police and Etisalat. She has also been recognized as one of the top 100 Women in Cybersecurity in the Middle East.
6. Noor Al Shaker: Noor Al Shaker is the Founder and CEO of SecureMisr, an information security consulting firm based in Egypt. She has over 10 years of experience in cybersecurity and has worked with organizations such as the National Bank of Egypt and Vodafone Egypt. She is also a member of the Women in Cybersecurity Middle East (WiCSME) community.
7. Hala Bou Alwan: Hala Bou Alwan is the Chief Information Security Officer at National Bank of Kuwait. She has over 20 years of experience in information security and has held various positions at organizations such as Kuwait Finance House and Gulf Bank. She is also a member of the Kuwait Information Security Association.
8. Dr. Fatima AlShahrani: Dr. Fatima AlShahrani is the Director of the National Center for Cybersecurity Technology in Saudi Arabia. She has a Ph.D. in Cybersecurity from King Saud University and has published numerous research papers on cybersecurity. She is also a member of the Saudi Arabia Cybersecurity Federation.
9. Amal Al-Saqqaf: Amal Al-Saqqaf is the Founder and CEO of the cybersecurity consultancy company Authenticity. She has over 10 years of experience in cybersecurity and has worked with organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations. She is also a member of the Women in Cybersecurity Society in the Middle East.
10. Dania Al Mansour: Dania Al Mansour is the Head of Information Security and Compliance at Bouby.

Conclusion:

The 10 influential women in cybersecurity in the Middle East featured in this article have made tremendous strides in a field that is often dominated by men. They have broken barriers, shattered stereotypes, and served as role models for women who aspire to make their mark in the industry. These women have used their expertise, leadership skills, and determination to not only excel in their careers but also to make a positive impact in their communities. Their stories and achievements are a testament to the fact that gender should not be a barrier to success in any field. We can only hope that their stories inspire more women to pursue careers in cybersecurity and other male-dominated industries. As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age, it is crucial that we have diverse perspectives and experiences represented in the field of cybersecurity. We need more women like these 10 remarkable individuals to help us stay ahead of the threats we face and to build a more secure future for all.