Mo Farid Shawara, MBA

Mohamed (Mo) is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with a diverse background that spans over a decade in the industry. His journey began at Network International, an international payment processor under VISA Card, where he served as an it and security manager for 10 years. In this role, Mo was instrumental in building, maintaining, and executing the company’s cybersecurity strategy. He took the lead in implementing and auditing PCI DSS and ISO 27001 standards across several banks and subsidiaries in Africa.

Following his tenure at Network International, he transitioned into a role as a Security Architect and trusted security advisor with a leading service integrator in the Middle East. There, Mo managed the security business in Qatar, liaising extensively with government, banking, military, and oil and gas sectors. His responsibilities included vendor management, where he positioned a range of security solutions—from anti-virus and digital forensics to Next-Generation firewalls and SIEM platforms—to clients in Qatar and Kuwait.

His professional journey also includes a stint on the vendor side, having contributed to Dell and RSA Security. This experience gave him a 360-degree view of cybersecurity challenges and solutions, enriching his skill set and enabling him to serve as a liaison between various internal and external stakeholders. His diplomatic skills have often been called upon to align differing requirements and viewpoints, ensuring smooth cybersecurity operations and project deliveries.

Educationally, he has fortified his practical experience with a robust academic foundation. He holds multiple prestigious certifications in the field of cybersecurity, including but not limited to CISSP, CISA, GIAC, and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor and Implementer. These credentials not only validate his expertise but also keep him abreast of the latest trends and threats in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.