Abir Khidr, Head of Cybersecurity at the National Bank of Egypt (NBE), has been named to ACN’s 2025 list of Top IT Leaders in the Middle East, cementing her reputation as a pioneering female figure in financial cybersecurity.
With over a decade steering NBE’s cybersecurity strategy, Khidr crafted a multi-layered defense architecture and championed digital awareness initiatives—most notably the hashtag campaign #Don’tDropYourData—that educate customers on phishing and identity fraud . Her efforts align with global standards: the bank secured ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 certifications for data protection—making it the first bank in Africa and the Middle East to do so .
At cybersecurity-focused events like CDIS 2024, Khidr emphasized the crucial role of human awareness—highlighting that 81% of breaches result from user error—and promoted the notion that informed customers are the sector’s strongest defense .
Strategic Leadership
Abir Khidr’s recognition by ACN underscores her pivotal role in establishing the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) as a benchmark for cybersecurity excellence in the region. By seamlessly integrating robust technical defenses with proactive customer education, she has strengthened the bank’s resilience against digital threats
Regulatory Compliance
Under Khidr’s guidance, NBE has achieved and renewed its ISO 27001 certification—including the updated 2022 standard—positioning it as the first African bank to do so . This commitment to internationally-recognized information security standards demonstrates leadership amid evolving global regulatory pressures.
Public Trust
Initiatives such as the #Don’tDropYourData campaign reinforce digital confidence, encouraging financial inclusion among underserved groups like women and SMEs. These efforts translate cybersecurity into a driver of trust and growth .
