About the Authors

Mohamed Atef is a seasoned Cyber Security Specialist with over 20 years of extensive experience in security governance, compliance, and operations across diverse sectors including government, financial, healthcare, and private industries. His expertise encompasses the implementation of international standards such as ISO 27001, GDPR, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA, as well as regional standards including ISR and NESA in the UAE, and ECC and SAMA in KSA.

As a pivotal member of the award-winning security team at Dubai Municipality, Mohamed contributed to the team’s recognition as the Best Security Team across the Dubai Government in 2017. He played a significant role in achieving 100% compliance with the 13 DESC KPIs in 2022, demonstrating his proficiency in implementing and maintaining robust security frameworks.

Throughout his career, Mohamed has successfully managed and executed comprehensive disaster recovery plans, ensuring business continuity under various scenarios and aligning with best practices and regulatory requirements. His technical background includes system administration for both Linux and Windows environments, along with hands-on experience in SIEM, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing.

Mohamed has also designed and conducted role-based information security awareness campaigns, significantly enhancing organizational compliance and security posture. He has implemented enterprise-wide data protection strategies, including data classification frameworks and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) systems, effectively securing sensitive information.

In addition to his practical expertise, Mohamed is an accomplished author with five published books on cybersecurity and a frequent public speaker, dedicated to fostering a culture of security awareness and education. His certifications, including CISSP, CEH, and PMP, complement his extensive experience and commitment to the field of cybersecurity.