CV

Mashal Buhamad
Cybersecurity Consultant | Strategic Advisor | AI & Infrastructure Security Expert
Email: [email protected] | Phone: –
Website: www.mbuhamad.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mashal-buhamad-7b6774275/
Nationality: Kuwaiti

Professional Summary
Experienced cybersecurity consultant with a robust background in both public and private sectors, including over a decade of leadership at the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy (MEWRE) in Kuwait. Proven expertise in critical infrastructure protection, threat intelligence, vulnerability management, and incident response. Passionate about emerging technologies, with hands-on experience integrating AI, cloud security, and operational technology (OT) frameworks into national strategies. Recognized contributor to regional and international cybersecurity collaboration efforts.

Core Competencies
– Threat Detection & Response (SIEM, EDR, NDR)
– OT/ICS Cybersecurity Strategy
– Vulnerability & Risk Management
– Incident Response & Digital Forensics
– Cloud & Network Security Architecture
– Red Teaming & Penetration Testing
– Cybersecurity Governance & Policy
– Team Leadership & Capacity Building
– AI in Security Operations & Defense Systems
– Public-Private & International Cyber Coordination

Education
– B.S. in Computer Engineering, University of the Pacific, California, USA – Dec 1999
  Focus: Microprocessor Design, Telematics

– Master of Business Administration (MBA), Maastricht Business School, Kuwait – Mar 2008
  Thesis: The Effect of Tariffs on Fixed-line Communication in Kuwait
  Relevant Coursework: Strategic Planning, IT Management, Risk Management

Certifications
– PMP – Project Management Professional, PMI
– Certified Computer Engineer – Order of Engineers, California, USA
– Certified Alcatel ADSL Installation Engineer – Paris, France
– Certified SDH Installation & Commissioning Engineer – Genoa, Italy

Continuing Education
– NATO Network Security Course – NATO-ICI Regional Centre, Kuwait
– Cybersecurity Coordination & Capacity Building – US Embassy, Kuwait
– Advanced Malware Analysis (Remote)
– Ongoing AI & LLM Infrastructure Experimentation (Private Research)

Professional Experience
Ministry of Electricity, Water & Renewable Energy (MEWRE), Kuwait
Head of Cybersecurity Committee – JDCC Control Center | Jul 2014 – Jan 2025
– Designed and led MEWRE’s cybersecurity transformation, reducing incidents by 15% in the first year.
– Formed and managed the cybersecurity team, mentoring five engineers in threat detection and response.
– Oversaw deployment of advanced tools (DLP, EDR, NDR) and developed custom red-teaming simulations.
– Drafted and executed the MEWRE Incident Response Plan and OT security roadmap.
– Spearheaded secure cloud migration strategies to ensure resilience and scalability.
– Contributed to the drafting of Kuwait’s first national cybersecurity policy.
– Actively led the defense and mitigation of ten advanced persistent threats within operational systems.

Easa Hussain Al-Yousifi & Sons Co.
General Manager – Business Solutions & Services | SAP Project Manager | Jun 2007 – Jun 2014
– Oversaw enterprise SAP implementations, ensuring cross-functional system alignment.
– Managed business continuity strategies and IT risk assessments.
– Aligned IT investments with corporate strategy and process modernization goals.

Qualitynet
Project Manager | Red Team Analyst | Mar 2000 – Jun 2007
– Managed high-impact networking projects and conducted vulnerability assessments.
– Operated as a one-man red team to identify and exploit systemic weaknesses, enhancing overall resilience.

Professional Affiliations
– Atlantic Council (Workshop II) – Contributor on AI strategy and governance
– GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) – Former member of the Cybersecurity Group

Personal Attributes
– Visionary leader with deep technical expertise and policy insight
– Skilled in navigating high-stakes cybersecurity environments and critical infrastructure
– Strong communication and mentoring abilities
– Committed to knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and ethical innovation