Zeina Haggag champions purpose and inclusion in a field often defined by complexity and challenge. Her journey reflects how women are reshaping the future of cybersecurity through intelligence, empathy, and innovation.
With over 14 years of experience spanning the cybersecurity, technology, and industrial sectors, Zeina Haggag, Senior Regional Marketing Manager at OPSWAT, has built her career on a clear sense of purpose — protecting people, organisations, and nations from ever-evolving digital threats. Since joining OPSWAT, she has played a pivotal role in establishing the company’s regional marketing presence across the Middle East, transforming it from the ground up into a dynamic, results-driven function that has driven 30% year-on-year growth in the marketing pipeline.
Zeina’s leadership philosophy is rooted in bridging the gap between technical excellence and business relevance. By aligning OPSWAT’s critical infrastructure protection and zero-trust access capabilities with the strategic priorities of governments and enterprises, she has positioned the brand as a trusted cybersecurity advisor in a highly regulated market.
Beyond metrics, Zeina is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity and continues to champion mentorship, visibility, and empowerment for women aspiring to shape the future of digital security.
Zeina reflects on her professional journey in this interview and shares insights into the strategies behind OPSWAT’s regional success, and offers advice to women seeking to build impactful careers in cybersecurity.
Interview Excerpts:
You’ve worked across cybersecurity, technology, and industrial sectors for more than 14 years—what initially drew you into cybersecurity, and how has your journey evolved over time?
What initially drew me into cybersecurity was the sense of purpose — the idea that our work directly protects people, organisations, and even nations from constantly evolving digital threats. Early in my career, working in technology and industrial environments, I saw how vulnerable critical infrastructure could be to cyber risks. That realisation inspired me to shift my focus toward cybersecurity, where the stakes are high and the impact is tangible. Over time, my journey evolved from understanding the technical side of security to building strategies that connect technology with business outcomes.
“Today, my passion lies in translating complex cybersecurity concepts into value-driven narratives that resonate with executives, governments, and industry leaders. It’s been a journey of growth, collaboration, and continuous learning — one that keeps me deeply motivated every single day.”
Since joining OPSWAT, you’ve built the regional marketing function from scratch. What were the key steps in this transformation, and which achievements stand out most for you?
When I joined OPSWAT, the goal was clear — to build a strong regional presence from the ground up and position OPSWAT as a trusted cybersecurity leader across the Middle East. The first step was laying the foundation: building the right team, establishing localised marketing strategies aligned with global goals, and creating operational processes that could scale quickly. But beyond structure, what truly drove our success was OPSWAT’s unique product and platform — our focus on Critical Infrastructure Protection and deep expertise in threat prevention, zero-trust access, and data security. These differentiated solutions allowed us to craft authentic, high-impact stories that resonated with customers and partners across the region. What stands out most is how, in a short time, we transformed OPSWAT’s visibility — from being relatively new in the region to becoming a recognised cybersecurity brand trusted by enterprises and governments alike. Watching the marketing function grow from scratch into a high-performing, results-driven operation has been one of my proudest achievements.
OPSWAT has achieved a 30% year-over-year increase in marketing pipeline under your leadership. What strategies or campaigns were most effective in driving this growth?
Our success came from being intentional and data driven. We focused on account-based marketing (ABM) and regionalised demand-generation strategies that directly addressed the cybersecurity priorities of governments and enterprises. Partner alignment was also key — we built strong collaborations with distributors and system integrators to amplify our reach and impact. One of the most successful initiatives was our Critical Infrastructure Protection campaign, which combined thought leadership, customer education, and high-touch engagement through regional events. We positioned OPSWAT not just as a vendor, but as a trusted advisor helping organisations strengthen national and sectoral resilience.
“By continuously analysing campaign data, refining messaging, and aligning closely with sales, we were able to drive sustainable growth and significantly expand our qualified marketing pipeline year over year.”
Marketing in highly regulated environments such as cybersecurity can be complex. How do you align technical value with business priorities to ensure your campaigns resonate?
It’s all about bridging the gap between technology and business impact. In cybersecurity, messages that focus only on features don’t resonate — decision-makers need to understand how solutions translate into reduced risk, operational continuity, and compliance. To achieve that alignment, I work closely with our technical and sales teams to translate OPSWAT’s core strengths — like advanced malware analysis, data sanitisation, and network security for OT environments — into outcomes that matter to executives and policymakers. Every campaign is designed to educate, inspire confidence, and enable informed decision-making. That’s how we ensure our marketing not only builds awareness but also drives meaningful engagement and trust.
As a woman in cybersecurity, what challenges have you encountered, and how have you navigated them to achieve leadership success?
When I joined OPSWAT, I was the only woman representing the region — and that came with its challenges. At first, it was not easy to navigate the dynamics of collaboration and team alignment in a predominantly male environment. But I saw it as an opportunity to lead by example, build credibility through results, and foster relationships built on respect and shared goals. Over time, what began as a challenge became a strength. Through collaboration, empathy, and consistent delivery, I built strong connections that have been fundamental to our regional success. More broadly, being a woman in cybersecurity has meant continuously proving that leadership is defined by competence, vision, and integrity — not gender.
“Each challenge I faced helped me grow stronger, more resilient, and more determined to create space for other women to succeed in this industry.”
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to build careers in cybersecurity, particularly in regions like META and CIS?
My advice would be simple: believe that you belong here. Cybersecurity is one of the most impactful and rapidly evolving fields — and women have a vital role to play in shaping its future. Don’t hesitate to take on technical roles or leadership responsibilities. Your perspective brings unique value to the table. Stay curious and keep learning. The cybersecurity landscape changes fast, and those who adapt quickly thrive. Seek mentors, invest in skill development, and build your network — not just for career growth, but for support and inspiration. And most importantly, be visible. Share your knowledge, speak at events, and make your voice heard. The META and CIS regions are full of opportunity for women ready to step forward with confidence, passion, and purpose.
Looking ahead, how do you envision the role of women shaping the future of cybersecurity in the Middle East and beyond?
I believe women will play a transformative role in the next era of cybersecurity. As the Middle East continues its journey toward digital transformation and national cyber resilience, diversity in leadership and perspective will become even more critical. Women bring a collaborative mindset and a unique balance of strategic thinking and empathy — qualities that are essential for tackling complex, evolving cyber challenges. By leading teams, influencing policy, and driving innovation, women are already reshaping the regional cybersecurity landscape. The future of cybersecurity in the Middle East will be more inclusive, resilient, and visionary, and women will be right at the heart of that evolution — leading with intelligence, compassion, and strength.