Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Trainingandworkshop
Affiliations
Timeline
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Abbas Ali

Abbas Ali

Strategic Cybersecurity Advisor & Architect
Dubai

Summary

Recognized Expert in GRC Consultancy, IS Auditing, VA & Pen Test, Risk Analysis & Cyber Security Policy. Giving a broad perspective on today’s global security challenges, tomorrow’s threats, and a proven track record of innovative, effective solutions to government and private sector entities. Also give support for personnel security, industrial security, program security, physical security & IS awareness training program.

Highly skilled and experienced IT professional with over +24 years in managing IT operations, strategic planning, and project management. Proven track record in leading IT teams, implementing innovative solutions, and driving technological advancements to support business objectives. Adept at fostering a collaborative environment and delivering results that enhance operational efficiency and productivity.

Overview

2025
2025
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
18
18
Certifications

Work History

Cybersecurity Architect/Head of IT

ASHAL TECHNOLOGIES
9 2016 - Current

• Develop and execute comprehensive security strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and vulnerability testing to identify and mitigate potential threats.

  • Applied creative problem-solving skills to address unique challenges in the architectural design process.
  • Analyzed and applied new technologies to improve functionality of designs.
  • Maintained strong communication with clients throughout the design process to ensure alignment between their vision and the final product.

Sr. GRC Consultant

IT Butler e-Services F.Z
08.2014 - 09.2016
  • Streamlined compliance processes for improved efficiency through continuous monitoring and evaluation of controls.
  • Established strong relationships with stakeholders to support successful execution of GRC initiatives.
  • Developed tailored GRC solutions for client organizations, resulting in increased security and reduced exposure to risks.
  • Conducted gap analysis exercises for clients, identifying areas requiring attention in order to achieve complete adherence to requisite standards.
  • Enhanced GRC program effectiveness by conducting comprehensive risk assessments and recommending mitigation strategies.

Systems/InfoSec Specialist (Project Coordinator)

Dockland Technologies, LLC
12.2012 - 07.2014
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
  • Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
  • Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
  • Championed the adoption of new software tools that streamlined workflows across multiple departments.
  • Implemented new training programs for staff, leading to higher employee retention rates and better overall performance.

Information Security Manager

Adamjee Insurance
03.2012 - 12.2012
  • Supported business continuity efforts by ensuring appropriate backup solutions were in place for key systems.
  • Managed risk assessments to evaluate the organization''s exposure to information security threats.
  • Protected sensitive data by establishing access controls, data encryption measures, and secure network architectures.
  • Ensured compliance with industry standards such as ISO 27001 and GDPR through diligent policy enforcement and audits.
  • Actively participated in cross-functional meetings to provide expert guidance on information security matters during project development phases.

Information Security Officer

HTECH Solution
12.2011 - 03.2012
  • Developed a strong disaster recovery plan to minimize downtime and data loss during unforeseen events such as natural disasters or cyberattacks.
  • Served as the organization''s point of contact for all matters related to information security, liaising with external partners and law enforcement agencies as necessary.
  • Developed comprehensive information security policies for the organization, ensuring compliance with industry best practices.
  • Evaluated emerging technologies for their potential impact on the organization''s security posture, recommending appropriate solutions as needed.
  • Tailored employee performance metrics specifically designed to measure adherence to information security policies, promoting accountability among staff members.

Assistant Vice President – IT

Summit Bank
06.2006 - 09.2011
  • Established a high-performance culture within the team by setting clear expectations and providing regular feedback on individual performance contributions.
  • Optimized resource allocation by analyzing operational needs, reallocating resources as needed to maximize efficiency across all functions.
  • Increased efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new software tools for the team.
  • Fostered strong relationships with key clients, leading to repeat business and a significant increase in customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Led cross-functional teams to deliver successful projects on time and within budget, enhancing company reputation in the industry.
  • Enhanced communication between departments by developing effective reporting structures and information-sharing platforms.
  • Managed risk effectively by implementing robust compliance procedures and conducting regular audits of internal controls.
  • Attended weekly meetings and special sessions of Leadership and Executive Leadership Teams and contributed to major administrative initiatives, policies and decisions.

Analyst Programmer

Shahnawaz Pvt. Ltd. Mercedes-Benz
09.1998 - 06.2006
  • Tested and deployed scalable and highly available software products.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive successful project completion and client satisfaction.
  • Continuously updated programming skills through self-directed learning opportunities, staying current with industry trends and best practices.
  • Supported business growth by researching and implementing cutting-edge technologies into existing systems.
  • Mentored junior programmers, sharing knowledge and best practices to elevate team performance overall.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Pre-Engineering

Karachi University
Pakistan
01.1994 - 12.1996

Skills

IT Strategy and Planning

Certification

SABSA Foundation SCF, The SABSA Institute

Trainingandworkshop

  • TOGAF, In Progress
  • SABSA SCF Training, Bahrain, 02/01/23
  • Solaris Administration, Pakistan, 03/01/08
  • CMMI Level 2, Pakistan, 09/01/04
  • Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0, Pakistan, 10/01/02
  • Redhat Linux Administration, Pakistan, 07/01/01

Affiliations

  • ISACA, Professional Member, 1391589
  • CQI | IRCA, Principal Auditor, 6110519

Timeline

SABSA Foundation SCF, The SABSA Institute

12-2023

Certified Business Continuity Management System, LA – IRCA

01-2018

Certified Security Leadership Officer

08-2017

Certified Information Systems Security Auditor

08-2017
Certified Disaster Recovery Engineer, 06/01/17, 694900
08-2017

Certified Penetration Testing Consultant

06-2017

Certified Vulnerability Assessor

05-2017

Certified Information Security Management System, LA – IRCA

07-2016

Certified Penetration Testing Engineer

12-2015

Certified Ethical Hacker

07-2015

Certified Information Systems Security Manager

07-2015

Sr. GRC Consultant

IT Butler e-Services F.Z
08.2014 - 09.2016

Certified ISMS Lead Auditor

01-2014

Certified ISMS Lead Implementer

01-2014

Systems/InfoSec Specialist (Project Coordinator)

Dockland Technologies, LLC
12.2012 - 07.2014

Information Security Manager

Adamjee Insurance
03.2012 - 12.2012

Information Security Officer

HTECH Solution
12.2011 - 03.2012

Certified Information Systems Security Officer

07-2011

ISMS Master Implementer Certificate

01-2008

Assistant Vice President – IT

Summit Bank
06.2006 - 09.2011

Red Hat Certified Technician

01-2006

Diploma In Oracle

01-2003

Analyst Programmer

Shahnawaz Pvt. Ltd. Mercedes-Benz
09.1998 - 06.2006

Bachelor of Science - Pre-Engineering

Karachi University
01.1994 - 12.1996

Cybersecurity Architect/Head of IT

ASHAL TECHNOLOGIES
9 2016 - Current
Abbas AliStrategic Cybersecurity Advisor & Architect