Ali Shahidi, MSc. IT-ISSE, SEP, BEng.C, ITIL, PMP, CCSP, CISSP
Ali is a senior thought leader in cybersecurity and privacy domains with over 23 years of experience in information security, information technology, computer forensics and privacy domains in both the public and private sectors. Ali is recognized as a trusted partner among CEOs and CIOs, providing thought leadership for identifying and minimizing cyber risks specific to an organization’s operations and providing guidance on establishing effective and fit-for-purpose controls against emerging threats. At Ontario Health as Director of Information Security Office, Ali led numerous strategic cyber security and privacy initiatives that contribute to the implementation and improvement of the architecture and defense posture of the health care sector in Ontario in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery (MPBSD), and other significant stakeholders, including hospitals.
Before Ontario Health, Ali held senior leadership roles with IBM and PwC, where he was responsible for the development and enhancement of cyber security competencies, leading cyber threat intelligence and cyber analytics practices, including the development of the first cyber security reference architecture concept for IBM Canada and leading the cyber security capability enhancement program for the protection of public transit’s IT and OT operations in collaboration with PwC for the Government of Ontario.
Ali holds a Master of Science in Information Security Engineering and Digital Forensics from the University of Liverpool, UK, in addition to multiple industry designations. He is a passionate educator who has developed and taught new and advanced disciplines, including information security and digital investigation, which were first among Ontario colleges at the time. Ali has also been mentoring professional learners across the law enforcement, justice, and IT fields throughout his career.