Conversations with IAM Cyberheroes - Mohammad Shah Beikian

Date: 2024-08-20
Author: Versasec

Our next guest blogger is Mohammad Shah Beikian. He is Sales Engineering Manager at Thales Group with 20 years of experience in the software and cybersecurity space.

What do you enjoy the most about working in cybersecurity?

The dynamic nature of cybersecurity is what keeps me engaged. It’s like solving a complex puzzle every day. The satisfaction of identifying and mitigating threats, protecting sensitive data, and ultimately safeguarding digital assets is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, the opportunity to stay ahead of cybercriminals by developing innovative solutions like PKI certificate management is truly exciting.

What are you most concerned about when you hear news about cyber attacks?

The increasing sophistication of cyber attacks is a major concern. We’re seeing attacks become more targeted, with attackers using advanced techniques to bypass traditional security measures. The impact on individuals and businesses can be devastating, leading to financial loss, reputational damage, and even data breaches. It’s crucial to stay informed about the latest threats and invest in robust security solutions like PKI or FIDO to protect against these attacks.

Do you think phishing attacks could ever be eliminated?

Completely eliminating phishing attacks is a challenging goal, as human error remains a significant factor. However, by implementing comprehensive security awareness training, utilizing advanced email filtering technologies, and deploying solutions like multi-factor authentication (MFA) with PKI tokens or FIDO security keys, we can significantly reduce the success rate of phishing attacks. A multi-layered approach is essential to combat this persistent threat.

On a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest, where do you think enterprises are when it comes to adopting modern MFA?

While there has been significant progress in MFA adoption, I would estimate enterprises are at around a 7 on the scale. Many organizations recognize the importance of MFA and have implemented basic forms, but there’s still room for improvement. Adopting more advanced MFA methods, such as those leveraging PKI or FIDO tokens, can provide enhanced security and user experience. There’s a clear opportunity for enterprises to strengthen their security posture by investing in robust MFA solutions.

In your everyday work, do you or your team members feel like superheroes against cybercrime?

While we don’t wear capes, cybersecurity professionals do feel a sense of responsibility to protect organisations and individuals from cyber threats. It’s fulfilling to contribute to a safer digital world by developing and implementing solutions like PKI certificate management or even more user-friendly and phishing-resistant authentication like FIDO. However, it’s important to remember that cybersecurity is a collaborative effort, and it requires a combination of technology, processes, and human awareness to be truly effective.

About our Guest

With a proven track record spanning 20 years, Mohammad Shah Beikian is currently Sales Engineering Manager for Thales Group in the APAC region. He is adept at driving complex identity and access management (IAM) solutions. Possessing a deep understanding of the evolving cybersecurity landscape, he excels in bridging the gap between technical complexities and customer needs. He has a strong history of building and leading high-performing sales engineering teams, delivering exceptional results and fostering long-lasting customer relationships.

Disclaimer: 

Mohammad Shah Beikian’s opinions on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of his employer.