Ashraf Abbas, icon redefining cybersecurity in Nigeria

Ashraf Abbas, a cybersecurity expert, was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, into a middle-class Yoruba family. His father, a professor, instilled a strong academic influence that fueled Abbas’ curiosity when he introduced him to technology with a second-hand Acer computer. This early exposure laid the foundation for his technical skills, sparking a lifelong passion for tech and cybersecurity.

Abbas began his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University of Ilorin. During his studies, he pursued professional development, earning his first Cisco Networking certification, which proved invaluable during his internship at Huawei Technologies. He later advanced his education with a Master’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University of Ibadan, specialising in Security and privacy. His dedication to cybersecurity earned him the Grand Prize in the Cloud Track of the Annual Huawei Global ICT competition and three research publications in international peer-reviewed journals.

His professional journey began in 2016 as an IT Technical Support Officer at Raymond-field Global Resources Limited, where he managed hardware, software, and operating systems while training users on new systems. In 2019, Abbas joined Cybersoc Africa, one of the leading Managed security service providers (MSSP) as a SOC analyst and was quickly promoted to Tier 1 and Tier 2 Cybersecurity Analyst in the space of six months. Here, he demonstrated his expertise in investigating network security threats, incident response, and automating security solutions using Python and RegEx.

In 2021, Abbas transitioned to the banking sector, leading Access Bank’s Security Operations and Control (SOC) team. He spearheaded the $1,000,000 Next-Gen Security Operations Centre Project across 14 African countries and the UK, where he designed and deployed Securonix SIEM, created policies and playbooks, and centralised SOC operations. These efforts significantly enhanced the bank’s security posture and saved the organisation approximately $400,000 annually.

After two impactful years at Access Bank, Abbas joined Cyberdome Limited as a Senior Cybersecurity Specialist, providing consultation services in IT risk assessments, security architecture design, and strategic implementations in hybrid environments. His expertise spans key areas of cybersecurity, including network security, threat intelligence, incident response, DevOps, and cloud security. Abbas also holds globally recognised certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH) and AWS Security Specialty, and is a member of professional bodies such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Cloud Security Alliance and ISC². In 2022, he graduated from the McKinsey Forward Programme, honing his leadership, business, and digital skills.

Abbas is deeply committed to giving back to society by sharing his expertise and fostering growth in the tech community. He has contributed insightful columns on cybersecurity and its impact on Nigeria’s online banking system in prominent media outlets. Beyond his writing, Abbas actively mentors aspiring tech professionals through the Women4Cyber Mentorship Programme (PushFar) and ADP List platforms, which aim to make mentorship accessible and inclusive for all.

With over five years of experience in cybersecurity, Abbas has become a respected figure in the industry, known for his technical expertise, leadership, and mentorship. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, relentless hard work, and unwavering dedication. From his early curiosity sparked by a second-hand computer to leading multi-million-dollar cyber security projects and mentoring the next generation of tech professionals, Abbas has consistently demonstrated grit and resilience. His commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and innovation has not only defined his career but also positioned him as a leading figure in the cybersecurity industry. Today, Abbas stands as a shining example of how perseverance and a clear vision can transform ambition into remarkable success.