Welcome to the Dubai Cyber Show & Podcast Series, where we bring together global cybersecurity leaders to explore the evolving role of security in shaping business and society. In our 5th episode, recorded during the 100 CISO Summit in Dubai on August 19, 2025, host Ouaissou DEMBELE sits down with Asim A. Karim, Chief Information Security Officer at MTN Sudan, for a powerful conversation on the strategic role of CISOs in modern enterprises.
Ouaissou DEMBELE is a seasoned cybersecurity expert with over 12 years of experience in purple teaming, GRC, and strategic advisory. As Co-founder & Group CEO of Sainttly Group, and Editor-in-Chief of Cybercory.com, he leads cybersecurity innovation across the UAE and MEA region.
Asim A. Karim brings a unique perspective shaped by crisis leadership. When war broke out in Sudan in April 2023, Asim led MTN Sudan’s cybersecurity recovery efforts under extreme conditions-restoring SOC visibility, securing infrastructure, and rebuilding digital trust. His leadership extended beyond technical recovery, embedding cybersecurity into business continuity, transformation, and resilience. Today, Asim continues to guide MTN’s security strategy, aligning with ISO27001:2022 and preparing for emerging threats like AI-driven fraud and autonomous agents.
The Talk Questions Recap
This episode explores ten critical questions that reflect the evolving expectations of CISOs:
- Should CISOs sit on the board?
- How do you align security with business goals?
- Is cybersecurity a cost or an investment?
- How do you explain risk to executives?
- Should CISOs own digital transformation?
These questions go beyond technical leadership, they challenge CISOs to become strategic partners, risk communicators, and transformation enablers.
Global Context Summary
The role of the CISO is undergoing a seismic shift. No longer confined to technical oversight, CISOs are now expected to:
- Influence board-level decisions
- Drive digital transformation
- Balance innovation with compliance
- Manage data privacy and AI governance
In today’s threat landscape-marked by geopolitical instability, AI-driven attacks, and regulatory complexity-CISOs must be both defenders and strategists. The questions raised in this episode reflect a global concern: How do we empower CISOs to lead not just security, but business resilience and innovation?
10 Key Takeaways & Advice for CISOs in Business Strategy
- CISOs must speak the language of business.
Translate technical risks into strategic impact. - Cybersecurity is a business enabler.
Position it as a driver of trust, continuity, and innovation. - Board visibility is essential.
Advocate for CISO representation at the executive level. - Risk communication must be clear and contextual.
Use real-world scenarios to explain threats and trade-offs. - Digital transformation needs secure foundations.
CISOs should co-lead transformation initiatives. - Compliance should not stifle innovation.
Build flexible frameworks that support agility and growth. - Data privacy is a strategic asset.
Treat privacy governance as part of the CISO’s mandate. - Metrics matter.
Measure and report the business impact of security programs. - Resilience is built through collaboration.
Work across departments to embed security into culture. - Tomorrow’s CISOs need adaptive leadership.
Develop skills in crisis management, AI ethics, and strategic foresight.
Conclusion
This episode with Asim A. Karim is a testament to the evolving power and responsibility of CISOs. From war-time recovery to boardroom strategy, Asim’s journey highlights what it truly means to lead cybersecurity with purpose, resilience, and vision.
We thank Asim A. Karim for sharing his remarkable story and insights.
Watch the full episode to explore these questions in depth.
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