Asim A. Karim

Chief Information Security Officer @ MTN Sudan

About

A strategic cybersecurity leader with 20+ years of experience across MENA & SEA regions, specializing in Cybersecurity Strategy, Risk Management, and Digital Transformation within the telecommunications sector. Currently serving as CISO at MTN, overseeing enterprise-wide security initiatives that safeguard critical infrastructure and millions of customers. Expert in governance, risk & compliance (GRC), cloud security, threat intelligence, and Zero Trust Architecture, with a strong track record of: ✔ Building & Leading High-Performance Security Teams ✔ Developing & Implementing Enterprise-Wide Security Strategies ✔ Enhancing Cyber Resilience Through AI-Driven & Zero Trust Models ✔ Aligning Cybersecurity With Business Objectives & Regulatory Standards Passionate about strengthening digital trust and driving cybersecurity innovation, ensuring organizations stay ahead of evolving threats.

Country

United Arab Emirates

City

Dubai

Industry

Telecommunications

Skill

Digital Security, System Monitoring, Written Communication, Crisis Management, Security Management, Strategic Leadership, Security Operations Center, Data Interpretation, Telco, Penetration Testing, Change Impact Analysis, Technical Specialists, Team Effectiveness, Incident Response, Business Continuity, Incident Management, Network Architecture, Risk Management, Security Metrics, Cyber Security Risk

Experience

Chief Information Security Officer

MTN Sudan

2020-11 - Present · 5 yrs 11 mos

Sudan

Leading MTN Sudan’s cybersecurity strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory compliance. Spearheading Zero Trust adoption, AI-driven security, and risk governance to protect millions of users. Key achievements: ✔ Developed & implemented a company-wide cybersecurity framework, enhancing risk management & compliance. ✔ Strengthened cyber resilience by modernizing incident response & SOC capabilities. ✔ Led the restoration of security operations in post-crisis scenarios, ensuring business continuity. ✔ Drove regulatory compliance with ISO 27001, GDPR, and telecom security standards.

Infrastructure Operations Senior Manager / Lead Information Security Officer

MTN Sudan Telecommunication Company

2009-1 - 2020-10 · 11 yrs 10 mos

Managed network security, IT infrastructure, and cybersecurity governance. Key contributions: ✔ Designed & implemented cybersecurity policies, reducing security risks. ✔ Led a team of security & network engineers to enhance IT resilience. ✔ Integrated threat intelligence & security analytics, improving detection & response times.

Network Infrastructure & Security Manager

MTN Sudan Telecommunication Company

2006-3 - 2008-12 · 2 yrs 10 mos

✔ Modernized network security architecture, strengthening protection against cyber threats. ✔ Led IT infrastructure projects, improving efficiency and uptime.