I not too long ago joined Forrester as an analyst on the Safety and Danger (S&R) analysis staff. My focus areas shall be Community Evaluation and Visibility (NAV), Zero Belief, and the Zero Belief domains of Evaluation and Visibility and Automation and Orchestration.
Earlier than Forrester, I used to be a part of the US Banks Operational Danger (2LOD) Cyber Danger staff at Morgan Stanley, reporting on to the International Head of Cyber Danger. Previous to Morgan Stanley, I spent most of my profession in consulting, engaged on the Cyber Protection Workforce at Assist AG (a serious cybersecurity service supplier within the UAE, acquired by a regional telecom supplier) for the EMEA area, and within the cyber technique area at The Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
Throughout my undergraduate years, I usually ventured past the common coursework to discover varied areas of pc science that weren’t absolutely coated in my undergrad program. One such enterprise led me into the world of networking by way of the CCNA certification. It was right here that the “safety” element sparked my curiosity, pulling me down the fascinating rabbit gap of cybersecurity. This early curiosity set off a sequence response: as I pursued the CompTIA Safety+ and CEH content material, which collectively constructed a stable basis for my cyber journey. Altogether, this helped me safe my first internship within the area. From there, one alternative seamlessly led to a different, opening doorways to significant experiences, unimaginable mentorship, and lifelong friendships — every step deepening my ardour and increasing my publicity throughout the cyber area.
The one factor that didn’t fairly “click on” for me was my try to look at the TV sequence “Mr. Robotic” as I naively assumed that my ardour for cybersecurity would naturally translate into an obsession with hacking-themed TV exhibits. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
You may view my full bio right here.
What introduced me to Forrester?
For me, analysis has all the time been the spine of innovation, and Forrester’s dedication to delivering actionable insights for purchasers instantly resonated with me. At its core, Forrester seeks to bridge the hole between idea and actuality for its prospects — a mission I’m thrilled to contribute to.
One other compelling draw is Zero Belief, which is, in-fact, considered one of my protection areas as an analyst.
Forrester’s pioneering work on this cybersecurity mannequin — developed and popularized by former Forrester analyst John Kindervag (with whom I not too long ago had the privilege of talking) — captured my consideration.
A few of you who won’t be acquainted with Zero Belief or suppose it’s only a advertising and marketing time period could also be questioning, “What precisely is Zero Belief?” Whereas formal definitions usually boil right down to “By no means belief, all the time confirm,” let me simplify it with an analogy: Zero Belief is like swiping proper on a relationship app however insisting on assembly in a well-lit espresso store with a background test first. Simply because they appear good doesn’t imply they’re not a crimson flag.
At present, Forrester continues to publish impactful and prescriptive analysis in areas like Zero Belief and past, and I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and contribute to this physique of labor. I’ll even be main the protection for Community Evaluation and Visibility (NAV)—a site that sits on the coronary heart of contemporary safety architectures. Nonetheless, because the trade evolves, so will my protection areas. So, in the event you’re inquisitive about my newest analysis & protection areas, try my bio web page — it’s the place I’ll be portray my good cyber world.
Becoming a member of on the proper time? You may say I received fortunate.
Simply three weeks into my function, I had the privilege of attending the annual S&R Summit 2024 in particular person — a really perfect state of affairs for a brand new analyst. This summit wasn’t simply an occasion; it was a launchpad that allowed me to hit the bottom working. Over these three days, I:
Accompanied my fellow analysts as they engaged in insightful 1:1s with Forrester purchasers
Mapped out the broader S&R staff’s protection areas, figuring out overlaps and alternatives
Took deep dives by way of analyst-led classes into key focus areas like: SecOps, API Safety, Safety Management, Zero Belief, and extra
Loved casual meet-and-greets with trade leaders and former Forrester analysts—moments that really enriched my perspective
Attending the summit was nothing in need of phenomenal. In three days, I gained insights and connections that may have in any other case taken me months to perform.
What’s subsequent?
As we hurtle into the age of AI, the trade will expertise exponential adjustments now greater than ever earlier than. We’ll must navigate the expertise’s new capabilities (because it turns into extra human-like) together with its influence, historic context, moral dilemmas, trade-offs, and most significantly – SECURITY!
I’m actually excited to work alongside the sensible minds linked with Forrester to navigate this ever-shifting area. Right here’s to a future the place curiosity meets motion, safety meets innovation, and no crimson flag goes unchecked!
Forrester purchasers, please be at liberty to schedule a steering session or inquiry to additional discover my analysis matters and protection areas.
