User:IamCashifSyleem/sandbox
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Dr. Aftab Rizvi is an internationally recognised cybersecurity expert, certification leader, and technology entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience across information security, governance, risk, and compliance. He is the founder and CEO of multiple global enterprises operating in cyber assurance, including Risk Associates and Gaming Associates. His pioneering work has significantly shaped the cybersecurity and compliance ecosystem in Pakistan and broader Asia-Pacific regions.
Early Life and Education
[edit]Dr. Rizvi completed his higher education in Australia, where he also began his career in information security. He holds a Ph.D. in Information Assurance and maintains several internationally respected certifications, including:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
- Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)
- ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor
- Payment Card Industry – Qualified Security Assessor (PCI-QSA)
Career
[edit]In the early 1990s, Dr. Rizvi established the Associates Group in Australia. Under his leadership, the group expanded into a globally active network providing cybersecurity audits, compliance certification, and offensive testing services. Today, he holds the following leadership roles:
- Chief Executive Officer, Risk Associates – Founded in 2015, Risk Associates is a leading ISO/IEC 27001-accredited certification body and PCI QSA company with active operations in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. It serves major banks, government agencies, and digital businesses.
- Chief Executive Officer, Gaming Associates – A security and certification firm supporting the iGaming and digital entertainment sector. Gaming Associates is approved by several global gaming regulators, offering penetration testing, RNG audits, and cybersecurity services.
- Advisory Board Member, GuardWare Australia – As of 2025, Dr. Rizvi joined the GuardWare advisory board to support the company's mission in advancing AI-powered threat detection and zero-trust security frameworks.
He is one of the first cybersecurity leaders in Pakistan to promote and deliver globally recognised credentials such as CISSP and PCI DSS to regional banks and government agencies. His early work laid the foundation for formalising cybersecurity regulations in the region.
Industry Contributions
[edit]Dr. Rizvi is widely respected for his contributions to capacity building in cybersecurity:
- Spearheaded training and certification campaigns for PCI DSS, helping financial institutions in the region meet international security benchmarks.
- Championed the introduction of the CISSP certification in Pakistan during its formative years, empowering a new generation of cybersecurity professionals.
- Built strong operational partnerships with global vendors and threat intelligence platforms such as Verimatrix, Cyble, and Microsoft 365 to deliver next-generation compliance solutions.
Conferences and Thought Leadership
[edit]He has spoken at some of the most influential cybersecurity and gaming compliance forums around the world:
- **SiGMA Europe 2024** – Shared insights on the intersection of cybersecurity and regulated gaming. [1]
- **Arab International Cybersecurity Summit (AICS) 2022** – Addressed quantum risk and evolving compliance frameworks. [2]
- **Regulating the Game Sydney 2025** – Delivered a keynote on how proactive compliance protects stakeholders across the gaming value chain. [3]
- **BiS SiGMA Americas 2025** – Commented on compliance challenges and market risks emerging from Latin America’s gaming sector. [4]
Awards and Recognition
[edit]- Received the **Information Security Leadership Award (ISLA)** from (ISC)² for his groundbreaking work in shaping regional cybersecurity strategy and training programs.
- Recognised for advancing compliance maturity in emerging markets through Risk Associates' assessment capabilities in PCI DSS, SOC 2, and ISO/IEC 27001.
Publications and Media
[edit]- Featured in **SiGMA World News** discussing the future of cybersecurity in regulated industries. [5]
- Interviewed by global media on the role of cyber resilience in protecting national infrastructures and regulated gaming platforms.
- Regular contributor to industry whitepapers on risk management, including topics on ISO 27001 certification, AI-powered SOCs, and zero-trust architecture.
Current Focus
[edit]Dr. Rizvi currently oversees enterprise certification programs through Risk Associates, while also advising government regulators and enterprise CISOs on compliance alignment. His current focus includes:
- Expanding Essential Eight maturity assessments across APAC
- Promoting cybersecurity readiness among Middle Eastern fintechs
- Advising on AI-integrated audit frameworks and automated GRC tooling