In a remarkable recognition of her global leadership in the field of digital security, Abeer Khedr, Group Head of Cybersecurity at the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) and Chair of the Cybersecurity Committee at the Federation of Egyptian Banks (FEB), has been named among the Top 20 Cybersecurity Women of the World 2025 by the prestigious Cybersecurity Woman of the World (CSWW) Awards.
This marks the second consecutive year that Khedr has received the honor, positioning her as one of the most influential cybersecurity leaders not just in the MENA region, but on the global stage.
“Humbled and proud to have been selected,” Khedr shared in a heartfelt post, reflecting on her journey and the global recognition. “I dedicate this recognition to my beloved Egypt, my family, my mentors, my colleagues, and my team.”
Honoring Global Cybersecurity Leadership
Hosted by the United Cybersecurity Alliance, the CSWW Awards celebrate excellence and leadership among women shaping the future of digital safety across continents. This year’s winners hail from regions as diverse as the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Asia — each contributing significant advancements in cybersecurity practices, innovation, and resilience.
Khedr’s selection underscores her pioneering role in modernizing Egypt’s banking cybersecurity infrastructure and her sustained advocacy for women’s representation in tech leadership.
Champion for Women in Tech in the Middle East
Beyond her executive role at NBE, Khedr is a co-founder of Women in Cyber Security Middle East (WiCSME) — a network that has empowered and connected hundreds of women professionals in the cybersecurity field across the Arab world.
She extended special congratulations to her fellow WiCSME co-founders and members, including Dr. Reem Faraj AlShammari, Basma Ahmadush, Priyanka Chatterjee, Dr. Khoula Al Harthy, Prof. Fatemah Alharbi, Afra Mohammed AlMansoori, Btissam L., and Heba Farahat — the latter of whom accepted the award on Khedr’s behalf during the ceremony in Lake Como, Italy.
While she was unable to attend due to visa delays related to her travel commitments, Khedr humorously reflected on standing by the River Nile, “much older and more lively than Lake Como,” to celebrate the honor from home.
Egypt’s Cybersecurity Rise
Khedr’s global recognition reflects the increasing prominence of Egyptian talent in digital infrastructure and security — especially as the nation continues its accelerated digital transformation agenda under Egypt Vision 2030. With the rise of cyber threats globally, Egyptian institutions have made significant investments in secure digital banking, fintech, and public-private cybersecurity cooperation.
As the chair of the Federation of Egyptian Banks’ cybersecurity committee, Khedr plays a strategic role in building collaborative defense models across Egypt’s financial ecosystem.
Further, Khedr thanked Carmen Marsh, the United Cybersecurity Alliance, and the CSWW judging panel for their inclusive approach in acknowledging cybersecurity excellence beyond traditional tech powerhouses.
