Shehab Najjar
Manager Cyber Security Operations Center in United Arab Emirates
Shehab Najjar
Manager Cyber Security Operations Center in United Arab Emirates
About Me
Hey there, thanks for stopping by.
I currently lead a Cyber Security Operations Center serving clients across the Middle East and Africa. Getting here has been one hell of a ride, and I'm grateful for every twist and turn along the way.
The Journey So Far
My career has taken me through some fascinating spaces. I spent 9 years in cyber security with a government agency. Those were formative years that shaped how I think about threats and defense. From there, I transitioned into the private sector, working with a cybersecurity distributor where I learned the business side of security.
A stint with one of the Big Four consulting firms followed, which opened my eyes to how enterprises approach cybersecurity challenges. For the past 5 years, I've been immersed in the cyber intelligence world, and honestly, it feels like I've found my calling.
I also had the privilege of co-founding a business and strategic intelligence company. That entrepreneurial chapter taught me invaluable lessons about building solutions from the ground up and understanding what organizations truly need when their security and intelligence requirements are critical.
What I Do
My focus these days centers on open and closed source intelligence, combined with Security Operations Center management. A SOC is essentially the command center for cyber defense. It's where we monitor networks around the clock, detect threats as they emerge, and respond before they can cause real damage.
The intelligence work spans multiple disciplines: OSINT (Open Source Intelligence), CYBINT (Cyber Intelligence), GEOINT (Geospatial Intelligence), and deep dive due diligence investigations. Each brings a different lens to understanding threats and risks.
I approach intelligence work at three distinct levels. Strategic intelligence provides the big picture view needed for long term planning and risk assessment. Tactical intelligence gets specific about threats, helping us understand adversary techniques and capabilities. Operational intelligence supports real time decision making, keeping clients protected day to day.
Milestones Worth Sharing
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to contribute to some meaningful work. I've trained over 740 law enforcement officers. This work always felt rewarding because you're directly empowering the people on the front lines. Teaching more than 52,000 students through online courses still amazes me when I think about the reach and impact.
I've also collaborated with government agencies on OSINT projects and counterterrorism initiatives. It's serious, often intense work, but it's the kind that reminds you why this field matters.
What Drives Me
There are a few things that genuinely excite me about this work. Reverse engineering malware to understand how it operates. Building threat intelligence frameworks from the ground up. Diving into the hidden corners of the internet to uncover threats before they surface. It's detective work meets technical analysis, and yes, I'll admit I'm a bit obsessive about it.
But what really captivates me is the intersection of geopolitics and cyber threats. Watching global events unfold and then tracing how they manifest in cyberspace, connecting those dots between political developments and what appears in our security operations. That's where I find my flow. It's a constantly evolving puzzle that combines current affairs, technology, and strategic thinking.
Let's Connect
If you're facing cybersecurity challenges, need guidance on cyber intelligence or OSINT capabilities, or simply want to discuss ideas (whether for your organization or your professional development), I'm always happy to have a conversation.
Feel free to reach out. I'd love to connect.