Abdul Karim
Director IT Security & CISO
Unity Health Toronto
Abdul Karim is an experienced professional in IT security, privacy, risk management, and governance, boasting over 15 years of experience in various enterprise environments. His background spans multiple sectors, including healthcare, finance, hospitality, and not-for-profits.
In leadership roles, Abdul has successfully established the enterprise’s security posture. His impact is reflected in the development of policies, controls, architecture, and training processes, as well as in the selection of suitable security solutions.
A fun fact about Abdul, he speaks six languages and is still learning!
Learn more about the Toronto CISO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I launched my career as a coder and swiftly advanced through various technical roles, ultimately taking on the position of business analyst. My experience in IT administration solidified my ambition to transition into IT audit, where I recognized immense opportunities.
With the growing need for cybersecurity, I effectively harnessed my technical skills from IT and comprehensive knowledge of IT audits, establishing myself as a strong contender in this vital field.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Invest in your team, for they are your most valuable asset. By guiding, coaching, and empowering them, you unlock their potential to achieve incredible results.
What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
In today's rapidly changing landscape of C-level leadership, staying ahead of emerging threats is not just a challenge – it's a necessity.
As organizations depend more heavily on cloud services, remote work, and digital transformation, they face an unrelenting tide of cyber threats, such as ransomware, advanced persistent threats (APTs), and supply chain vulnerabilities.
Proactively managing these risks across an expanding attack surface is crucial to safeguarding assets and ensuring long-term success.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
To thrive in cybersecurity, it is essential to have a balance of technical expertise and business acumen. Without a solid understanding of the business landscape, you won’t be able to identify critical assets that require protection.
Furthermore, effective communication is key; if you can’t clearly articulate complex cybersecurity issues, you’ll find it challenging to place cybersecurity at the forefront of business decision-making. Embrace both skills to drive security initiatives that truly benefit your organization.
How do you measure success as a leader?
My definition of success lies in the lasting impact I create, especially in empowering my staff. Success is achieved when the systems and controls I implement continue to function effectively, even after my departure, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.
What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?
Becoming a part of the community is a fantastic opportunity for CISOs! You'll enjoy great networking, share valuable insights, and enhance your leadership skills alongside like-minded professionals. It’s all about connecting and growing together!
Gartner C-level Communities Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.
By CISOs, For CISOs®
Join the conversation with peers in your local CISO community.