Faisal Ilahie

Faisal Ilahie, the Vice President of Operations and Technical Account Management at Difenda, brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic vision to the forefront of cybersecurity innovation. Faisal’s journey in cybersecurity began after a successful tenure in IT Networking, where his expertise with Cisco products and an array of certifications like CCNA, CCNP, and CCVP laid a strong foundation for his career shift. His pivot to cybersecurity was driven by a desire for a fast-paced and constantly evolving field, leading him to roles such as Senior Director of Customer Success, before joining the Difenda team. 

With an academic background in IT Networking & Security from UOIT and a pursuit of the esteemed CISSP certification, Faisal is deeply committed to advancing cybersecurity defenses. His vision is to harness automation and AI technologies, streamline incident detection and response processes, and empower professionals with advanced analytics for a more effective defence mechanism against cyber threats. 

Faisal’s leadership is guided by key principles such as collaborative problem-solving, adaptability, flexibility, and a strong commitment to continuous training and skill development. These principles not only shape his approach to tackling the sophistication of cyber threats, the skills shortage, and rapid technological advancements but also underline his strategy for fostering innovation within his team. 

By advocating for the integration of innovative technologies like AI and automation, coupled with increased collaboration and awareness efforts, Faisal aims to address the pressing challenges in cybersecurity effectively.  

Faisal Ilahie is not just a leader in cybersecurity; he is a visionary who is shaping the future of cyber defence at Difenda. His strategic approach, coupled with a relentless pursuit of excellence, positions him as a key asset to the company and the cybersecurity community at large.