Sara Al Kindi has dedicated her career and professional development to cybersecurity. Recognized at the WiCSME (Women in Cybersecurity Middle East) as a “Women Cyber Defence Heroine” she has earned her stripes through years of hard work in cybersecurity. As a Global Mentor at the UN’s ITU Women in Cyber Mentorship Program 2023 Cohort, Al Kindi encourages women to take an active role within the fast-evolving cybersecurity domain. 

As the Cyber Défense Head at Petroleum Development Oman, Al Kindi oversees cyber threat intelligence, vulnerability management, application security, network security, endpoint security, and identity access management. A recipient of several awards, she participates in national, regional, and international forums to make meaningful contributions to the cybersecurity landscape.

In 2013, when she joined PDO, she recalls having just one male contractor resource and only one tool onboarded by the cyber defense lead, along with a few processes. Fast forward ten years, and she has grown the team with more than 30 resources, and more than 40 technologies and services.

In addition to volunteering at community events, she invests time in personal development and education. “Moving from technical roles to leadership goals. I’ve overcome this by having my own mentors and continually developing my leadership skills through strategic programs and courses,” she says.

In the future, she aspires to become the CEO of her own cybersecurity company offering AI-powered services. She hopes to continue to support, encourage, and inspire other women to succeed in the industry.