I recently joined Forrester as an analyst on the Security and Risk (S&R) research team. My focus areas will be Network Analysis and Visibility (NAV), Zero Trust, and the Zero Trust domains of Analysis and Visibility and Automation and Orchestration.
Before Forrester, I was part of the US Banks Operational Risk (2LOD) Cyber Risk team at Morgan Stanley, reporting directly to the Global Head of Cyber Risk. Prior to Morgan Stanley, I spent most of my career in consulting, working on the Cyber Defense Team at Help AG (a major cybersecurity service provider in the UAE, acquired by a regional telecom provider) for the EMEA region, and in the cyber strategy space at The Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
During my undergraduate years, I often ventured beyond the regular coursework to explore various areas of computer science that weren’t fully covered in my undergrad program. One such venture led me into the world of networking through the CCNA certification. It was here that the “security” component sparked my curiosity, pulling me down the fascinating rabbit hole of cybersecurity. This early interest set off a chain reaction: as I pursued the CompTIA Security+ and CEH content, which together built a solid foundation for my cyber journey. Altogether, this helped me secure my first internship in the field. From there, one opportunity seamlessly led to another, opening doors to meaningful experiences, incredible mentorship, and lifelong friendships — each step deepening my passion and expanding my exposure across the cyber domain.
The only thing that didn’t quite “click” for me was my attempt to watch the TV series “Mr. Robot” as I naively assumed that my passion for cybersecurity would naturally translate into an obsession with hacking-themed TV shows. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
You can view my full bio here.
What brought me to Forrester?
For me, research has always been the backbone of innovation, and Forrester’s commitment to delivering actionable insights for clients immediately resonated with me. At its core, Forrester seeks to bridge the gap between theory and reality for its customers — a mission I’m thrilled to contribute to.
Another compelling draw is Zero Trust, which is, in-fact, one of my coverage areas as an analyst.
Forrester’s pioneering work on this cybersecurity model — developed and popularized by former Forrester analyst John Kindervag (with whom I recently had the privilege of speaking) — captured my attention.
Some of you who might not be familiar with Zero Trust or think it’s just a marketing term may be wondering, “What exactly is Zero Trust?” While formal definitions often boil down to “Never trust, always verify,” let me simplify it with an analogy: Zero Trust is like swiping right on a dating app but insisting on meeting in a well-lit coffee shop with a background check first. Just because they look good doesn’t mean they’re not a red flag.
Today, Forrester continues to publish impactful and prescriptive research in areas like Zero Trust and beyond, and I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and contribute to this body of work. I’ll also be leading the coverage for Network Analysis and Visibility (NAV)—a domain that sits at the heart of modern security architectures. However, as the industry evolves, so will my coverage areas. So, if you’re curious about my latest research & coverage areas, check out my bio page — it’s where I’ll be painting my perfect cyber world.
Joining at the right time? You could say I got lucky.
Just three weeks into my role, I had the privilege of attending the annual S&R Summit 2024 in person — an ideal scenario for a new analyst. This summit wasn’t just an event; it was a launchpad that allowed me to hit the ground running. Over these three days, I:
- Accompanied my fellow analysts as they engaged in insightful 1:1s with Forrester clients
- Mapped out the broader S&R team’s coverage areas, identifying overlaps and opportunities
- Took deep dives via analyst-led sessions into key focus areas like: SecOps, API Security, Security Leadership, Zero Trust, and more
- Enjoyed informal meet-and-greets with industry leaders and former Forrester analysts—moments that truly enriched my perspective
Attending the summit was nothing short of phenomenal. In three days, I gained insights and connections that would have otherwise taken me months to accomplish.
What’s next?
As we hurtle into the age of AI, the industry will experience exponential changes now more than ever before. We’ll have to navigate the technology’s new capabilities (as it becomes more human-like) along with its impact, historical context, ethical dilemmas, trade-offs, and most importantly – SECURITY!
I’m truly excited to work alongside the brilliant minds connected with Forrester to navigate this ever-shifting domain. Here’s to a future where curiosity meets action, security meets innovation, and no red flag goes unchecked!
Forrester clients, please feel free to schedule a guidance session or inquiry to further explore my research topics and coverage areas.
