In the SecureWorld Spotlight Series, we learn about the speakers and Advisory Council members that make our events a success. In Q&A format, they share about their professional journeys, unique experiences, and hopes for the future of cybersecurity—along with some personal anecdotes.
Imran Ahmad is a lawyer practicing in the areas of cybersecurity, privacy, and technology law at the international law firm Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, in their Toronto and Montreal offices. Originally from Montreal, he worked at the Federal Court of Canada for Justice Edmond Blanchard, where he was exposed to national security mandates. The year prior, he worked for Senator Lt. General Roméo Dallaire in Ottawa, advising him on humanitarian mandates he worked on.
Imran serves on the Advisory Council for SecureWorld Toronto and will be presenting at our upcoming conference on April 3, 2024.
Get to know Imran Ahmad
Q: Why did you decide to pursue cybersecurity as a career path?
A: It was entirely by accident. I happened to "pick" cybersecurity as an area of specialization based on a conversation with my wife in 2010 while driving from Toronto to Montreal. At the time, cybersecurity was not a standalone practice and only one other lawyer in Canada practiced in the area (who is a pioneer in the field, by the way—Alex Cameron). Truly, my career has been an example of being at the right place at the right time.
Q: When and why did you join your current organization (employer)?
A: I joined Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP (Norton Rose) a little over three years ago, the primary reasons being: cybersecurity has no borders and Norton Rose's international platform was exactly what clients needed; and the firm's laser like focus to support the largest companies in their need for best-in-class cybersecurity needs. This has allowed us to build the largest and most experienced cybersecurity team in Canada.
Q: How would you describe your feelings about cybersecurity in one sentence?
A: Move and counter-move. Cyber risk is dynamic and ever changing.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment thus far working in cybersecurity?
A: Working with law enforcement to arrest and bring to justice an affiliate of a large ransomware group.
Q: If you had to choose, what's the one cybersecurity practice people can adopt that would have the greatest impact?
A: Conduct tabletop exercises (i.e., cyber simulation exercises). Nothing contributes more to a successful outcome than having muscle memory resulting in a methodical and quick response.
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the cybersecurity profession?
A: The desperate need for professionals who can assist at every level, ranging from analysts, investigators, compliance, and obviously, legal.
Q: What are the biggest opportunities facing the profession?
A: Cybersecurity is still a "young" practice and there's a huge opportunity for young professionals to make their name and shape the profession.
Q: When you tell people what you do for a living, what do you say?
A: People often think of hackers as individuals in a dark room with a hoodie trying to attack companies. Although that may happen, it's organized crime and state-sponsored threat actors behind most attacks. My job is to help organizations manage cyber risk by investing in the right places and responding effectively if they are a victim of a cybersecurity incident.
Q: What advice do you have for someone considering cybersecurity as a career and/or someone new to the field who is looking to move up the career ladder?
A: Stay at the bleeding edge of threat actor tactics. The bad actors are constantly thinking of new ways to attack, and we need to at least catch up or be one step ahead (which is hard!).
Q: In honor of our 2024 conference theme, Legacies Untold: Revealing Cybersecurity's Hidden Figures, who is someone that you consider to be a Cyber Hero?
A: I consider Alex Cameron at Fasken to be Cyber Hero—one of the pioneers in this space.
Q: Lastly, what are you most looking forward to at your regional SecureWorld 2024 conference?
A: I'm looking forward to the insights from the speakers and, in particular, what do they see as being the new trends in cyber in 2024 and beyond.
To connect with Imran Ahmad and other cybersecurity leaders in Canada, attend the 2nd annual SecureWorld Toronto conference on April 3, 2024. Imran will be presenting on two panel sessions, Harmony in the Digital Age: Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Technology Unveiled and Here to Help: Law Enforcement Is a Vital Partner for CISOs.
Continue to follow our Spotlight Series for more interviews of industry experts.
