Azhar Ghafoor is a cybersecurity specialist with a proven trajectory of integrating advanced research, operational security engineering, and AI-driven innovation to combat evolving cyber threats. Equipped with a Master of Science in Information Security from COMSATS University Islamabad—renowned for its #1 national ranking in Computer Science—and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Quaid-i-Azam University, his expertise is anchored in adversarial threat analysis, attack surface management, and secure system design. His research, published in venues such as IPSI Transactions on Internet Research, IEEE Access and the IET Digital Library, advances automated threat-hunting methodologies, 5G/IoT vulnerability mitigation, and machine learning models for predictive threat intelligence.

In professional practice, Azhar has engineered high-impact solutions at Govt. Pakistan, including a one-click document sanitation system to neutralize malicious payloads and a RAG-integrated generative AI platform for offline, context-aware policy enforcement. His leadership in deploying adaptive cyber-deception frameworks (e.g., Project SARAB) reduced adversarial network penetration by 70%, while ML-driven phishing detection systems minimized credential theft incidents by over 80%. As a Cyber Security Lecturer at Air University, he cultivated expertise in penetration testing, secure coding, and digital forensics, while training national security analysts in OSINT tactics for the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).

His contributions to R&D include architecting a NIA Policy 2.0-aligned compliance tool that elevated SME adherence by 80% and pioneering NextGen Attack Surface Management (RACID) solutions to preemptively identify and remediate vulnerabilities. Noteworthy technical achievements span SIEM/IDS/IPS integrations (QRadar, Splunk, Wazuh), cutting incident detection times by 60%, and breach-and-attack simulation (BAS) frameworks to harden web application firewalls.

Currently, Azhar focuses on operationalizing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and large language models (LLMs) to refine anomaly detection, automate MITRE ATT&CK mapping, and optimize threat-hunting workflows. His research explores AI-augmented deception tactics, real-time log analysis for zero-day threat identification, and compliance automation against NIST/ISO 27001 benchmarks. By merging academic rigor with tactical engineering, he aims to redefine proactive cyber defense paradigms for critical infrastructure and global enterprises.

Empowering Users to Secure Their Online Presence

I am currently spearheading a vital Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) project aimed at revolutionizing data collection and bolstering online security. In this undertaking, I am solely responsible for developing a system that will empower users to search for records linked to their email addresses, usernames, or phone numbers, enabling them to identify potential compromises of their passwords and accounts, which may be exploited by attackers. This project holds paramount importance as it addresses the pressing need for enhanced online security in a world where personal information is a prime target for cybercriminals, ultimately equipping users with a pivotal tool to safeguard their digital identities and privacy. Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking system’s journey to fortify online defenses.

Free time

• 🗺️ Travelling (especially to Northern Areas of Pakistan).
• 💻 Coding (github).
• 📖 Reading (goodreads).
• ⚽ Sports (sports club).
• 🎸 Music (youtube.com). I usually like to listen to islamic lectures, naats, and recitations.
• 📺 Films and tv series (imdb, trakt). Somebody likes tv, surprise! 😬