FERAS ALAWAID
Riyadh,Saudi Arabia
Summary
Experienced cybersecurity leader with a diverse background spanning technical support, vulnerability management, penetration testing, cybersecurity architecture, and assurance. Adept at driving security initiatives across multiple domains including cloud, web, mobile, and infrastructure. Proven ability to lead teams, implement comprehensive security frameworks, and enhance organizational resilience. Committed to continuous learning and applying innovative strategies to protect critical assets and ensure compliance with evolving regulatory standards.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Manager, Cybersecurity Architecture & Assurance
ROSHN
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2024.07 - Current
- Lead cybersecurity architecture and assurance initiatives aligned with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee vulnerability management programs and penetration testing across web, mobile, and infrastructure environments.
- Provide strategic guidance on security frameworks, risk mitigation, and assurance processes.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate cybersecurity into business operations and technology projects.
Key Achievements:
- Successfully implemented and closed all NCA cybersecurity requirements, including:
ECC (Essential Cybersecurity Controls)
CCC (Cloud Cybersecurity Controls)
OSMACC (Organizations’ Social Media Accounts Cybersecurity Controls) - Elevated ROSHN’s cybersecurity maturity and compliance posture.
Senior Specialist, Cybersecurity Architecture & Assurance
ROSHN
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2023.12 - 2024.07
- Conducted vulnerability assessments and penetration testing on critical systems, applications, and networks.
- Supported development and implementation of security controls, policies, and assurance frameworks.
- Assisted in security reviews of new technologies to ensure compliance with best practices and standards.
- Developed comprehensive reports with detailed analysis of key performance indicators.
Himam Leadership Program – Cybersecurity
ROSHN
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2022.12 - 2023.12
- Rotated through multiple cybersecurity functions to gain hands-on experience in operations, architecture, and assurance. Contributed to projects enhancing security governance and risk management.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Technical Support Specialist
Barry University
Miami, USA
2021.08 - 2021.12
- Provided technical support to students, faculty, and staff; resolved hardware/software issues. Repaired and restored laptops, installed OS, removed malware, and configured peripherals. Imaged workstations and trained users on new hardware/software usage.
- Conducted regular system checks to prevent potential issues.
- Tested new hardware and software systems prior to full-scale implementation for smooth roll-out process.
- Enhanced team productivity with the development of instructional manuals and guides.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Information Science, Cybersecurity
Barry University
Miami, Florida 2018.01 - 2022.01
Skills
- Vulnerability Management
- Penetration Testing (Web, Mobile, Infrastructure)
- Cloud & Endpoint Security
- Risk & Compliance
- Technical Support
- Virus & Malware Prevention
- MS Office Suite
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Multitasking & Adaptability
- Effective Communication
- User Training & Cybersecurity AwarenessVulnerability Management
- Penetration Testing (Web, Mobile, Infrastructure)
- Cloud & Endpoint Security
- Risk & Compliance
- Technical Support
- Virus & Malware Prevention
- MS Office Suite
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Multitasking & Adaptability
- Effective Communication
- User Training & Cybersecurity Awareness
Certification
Cybersecurity & Technical Certifications
- SANS SEC560: Network Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking
- SANS SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking
- SANS SEC588: Cloud Penetration Testing
- Tenable Training Courses
- Boston University: Leading Business into the Future
- MBSC Leadership Program: Certificate in Business Excellence
- Advanced Microsoft Excel & Data Visualization (Boots)
- FranklinCovey Programs:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People®
The 6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team
The 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity®
Project Management Essentials for the Unofficial Project Manager®
The 5 Choices – Choice 5: Fuel Your Fire, Don’t Burn Out
LANGUAGES
Arabic
Native
English
Advanced
Accomplishments
- Enhanced Security Visibility: Implemented vulnerability dashboards and reporting for real-time risk tracking.
- Penetration Testing Execution: Conducted multiple tests (web, mobile, infrastructure), remediating critical vulnerabilities.
- Risk Reduction: Closed high-priority vulnerabilities, ensured timely patching across servers and endpoints.
- Process & Policy Development: Standardized PT and VM processes, improving efficiency and governance.
- Server Hardening & Provisioning: Applied secure configurations aligned with best practices.
Timeline
Manager, Cybersecurity Architecture & Assurance
ROSHN
2024.07 - Current
Senior Specialist, Cybersecurity Architecture & Assurance
ROSHN
2023.12 - 2024.07
Himam Leadership Program – Cybersecurity
ROSHN
2022.12 - 2023.12
Technical Support Specialist
Barry University
2021.08 - 2021.12
Bachelor of Science - Computer Information Science, Cybersecurity
Barry University
2018.01 - 2022.01