In the span of a mere decade, the landscape of technology has undergone a profound metamorphosis. Its influence has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, seamlessly interweaving elements that once remained untethered from the digital realm – refrigerators, phones, cameras – now all have online capabilities. This is just one example of how technology has evolved, and while its evolution brings great value, it also creates new challenges. Cybersecurity previously revolved around prevention of malware installation and online hackers, but it’s much more complex today. In fact, in the US alone, the cost of cyber-attacks is expected to hit $10.5 trillion by 2025.
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Given the escalating threats of cyber-attacks and the evolving landscape of technological utilization, it is imperative for professionals and businesses to turn to seasoned experts. Afan Rauf, a Senior Network Operations Engineer at General Electric, has shaped his career around secure systems and the safe implementation of new technologies. He is at the forefront of technical advancements, ensuring that humanity does not step into any new landscapes without the proper foundation and security measures in place. Now, the world is more “plugged-in” than ever, raising new challenges for Afan to tackle.
No one could have predicted everything that would exist in the ecosystem of technology, yet early enthusiasts not only grasped the potential of digitalization but also served as the pioneers for advancements used today. Wielding his degree in computer science, Afan launched his career in 2005 as one of these professionals when the digital age took off. Afan has served in many different capacities throughout his career for big names like Cybernet, Motorola, IBM, GE, and an early pivotal role at Nokia Siemens in Pakistan.
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He was appointed as one of the few experts who traveled around the world serving as a subject matter expert and implementing 3G and 4G IP Core Infrastructure for major corporations, which at the time, was truly revolutionary. Influenced by some of the brightest minds in the space, Afan became an expert himself. He learned how to deliver customized solutions based on customer needs, understanding from end-to-end what the solutions would require, and bringing them to life while considering necessary cybersecurity measures.
Infrastructure serves as the backbone of any technology; if it does not work well, then the entire application or system is at risk of collapse. Afan is detail-oriented while still being a big-picture thinker, making him the perfect resource to design and implement infrastructures that are safe and secure, but that can also grow and change as the demands of technology grow and change.
Afan Rauf is a standout in the industry and his expertise is supported not only by his professional accolades but his prestigious academic pursuits including a master’s in computer information systems from Boston University, completion of MIT’s 60-hour Digital Transformation course, and current enrollment in Stanford’s extensive Advanced Cybersecurity Program. Furthermore, he has been requested to evaluate projects for respected organizations like Brandon Hall Group, the International Business Excellence Awards, and the Globee Awards.
Since 2017, Afan has been at General Electric in Dubai. As one of the senior engineers, he enjoys being able to call on all of his technical and leadership skills while GE prepares to form into three companies in AeroSpace, HealthCare, and Energy (Vernova). GE is a 131 year old and this segmentation is a significant strategic move aimed at unlocking value and streamlining operations. Afan Rauf is playing pivotal role in facilitating smooth transition of technology systems and infrastructure while ensuring minimal disruption during the separation and providing valuable insights into technology decision and investment for each entity, contributing to their competitive advantage. Certainly, Afan Rauf is a name to remember as he pilots the large-scale network separation, maintaining robust cybersecurity measures, and cloud computing infrastructure development for GE’s next groundbreaking venture.
