Revolutionizing Cyber Security with Diligence and Determination
Mohammed ALFayez is a game changer in Information Technology and Security. Armed with over 15 years of experience, he has transformed this sector with his expertise which he manages with due diligence and sincerity. He has a treasure trove of knowledge and is the Head of Cyber Security, Infrastructure and Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) in the financial sector. His inspirational work and positive attitude have made him a true leader whose goal is to share his knowledge for the betterment of others.
Mohammed completed his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh and has many technical certificates. He has training from Microsoft and other profound vendors with various certificates in leadership development. He has several leadership training and certificates, including the Leadership Development Programme from Cranfield University & Human Resources Development Fund – HRDF and Security Strategic Planning, Policy, and Leadership from SANS™ Institute. He also has certificates in Cyber Security as Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®) from ISACA and Digital Innovation And Transformation Program from American Consulting Experts – Riyadh.
He is currently working as the Head of Cyber Security and Infrastructure at Arab National Bank in Riyadh. He has more than 15 years of experience, having meticulously and diligently worked with several renowned organisations. He also specialises in managing Security Infrastructure, Security incident investigations, and Security operations. He is also instrumental in leading, maintaining and improving operations across the security department.
Regarding his work, he says, “Thorough knowledge of advanced security systems, automation and digital transformation as moving services to digital comes with its digital security risks that need to be attended and addressed and need continuous monitoring.”
Mohammed states that his passion stems from sharing knowledge and training leaders, which he feels creates positive ripples in the world. He says, “The joy of seeing someone succeed after receiving training and guidance is immeasurable. It is a fulfilling experience to watch leaders grow in confidence and competence, knowing you played a part in their success. It is a calling that requires dedication, patience, and a genuine desire to help others reach their full potential.”
His glorious and successful career can see its trajectory filled with numerous victories, including participation in the successful implementation of a core banking application in 2011 and the Award of Appreciation for the remarkable effort in achieving PCI-DSS Certification 2021. His achievements go beyond any awards as he has been a beacon of leadership for his staff, who he has been coaching towards success.
He remarks, “I have reviewed current security technologies existing to consolidate, fine tunning or even replace with new and more effective products to help and support enhance organisation security posture for new emerging threats. Involving Cyber Security in all organisation’s new initiatives and projects in all phases will ensure security existence and reduce risks and threats to the organisation.”
Drawing inspiration from the visionary founder of Apple, Steve Jobs, who was a pioneer in the tech industry. Mohammed was inspired by his ability to think outside of the box, which was ahead of the time. Like Steve, he wants to inspire, influence and motivate people, not just be a manager and instructor. He wants to lead by example and show that teamwork and a go-getter attitude can move mountains.
According to Mohammed, leadership is the essence with which people can set out towards their desired path. This channel involves a clear vision, transparency and good communication, which can aid as a motivating factor towards a glorious future. He states, “A good leader can build trust and respect among their team members, delegate tasks effectively, and provide support and guidance when needed. They also possess strong decision-making skills, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and a willingness to take risks.”
Giving an insight into his mind, Mohammed shares that success is a subjective term that can differ for different people. This can, for most people, be achieved by having a clear goal and persistently working towards them. It is crucial to first identify one’s strengths and weaknesses so that the journey for betterment can begin with clarity. Also, Mohammed feels that a positive attitude and resilience towards change can take a person to the highest levels of success.
He further says, “In overall life, success can be achieved by maintaining a healthy work-life balance, nurturing relationships with family and friends, pursuing hobbies and interests outside of work, and practising self-care. It is also important to set realistic expectations for oneself and celebrate small victories along the way. Ultimately, achieving success requires dedication, hard work, resilience, and a willingness to learn from failures.”
