Sara Jacob, CISSP, PMP
Sara Jacob, CISSP, PMP, is an accomplished cybersecurity leader with over 17 years of experience spanning government, defense, and private sectors. Currently serving as a Cyber Regional Lead at the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, she combines technical expertise with strategic insight to protect global operations and advance mission-critical objectives. A former FBI linguist and counterterrorism intelligence specialist, Sara’s work has been instrumental in identifying and disrupting international cyber threats. Her strong foundation in computer science, coupled with fluency in multiple languages—including native Arabic—enables her to bridge communication, culture, and technology across diverse environments.
Before joining DSCA, Sara held senior roles with Booz Allen Hamilton and HyperLearning Technologies, where she developed and delivered cybersecurity training programs and supported threat intelligence operations for federal agencies. Her contributions have been recognized with multiple honors, including the Public Service Award from the U.S. Attorney’s Office (2017) for outstanding law enforcement service and a Civil Servant Award from the U.S. General for her work in protecting communities and supporting Operation New Dawn. A published author and lifelong learner, Sara holds a Master’s in Computer Science, numerous industry certifications—including CISSP and PMP—and is currently pursuing her PhD in Leadership and AI Implementation, focusing on how artificial intelligence can strengthen human decision-making in cybersecurity.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sara is deeply committed to mentorship and community service. She actively volunteers with ForKids, a Virginia-based nonprofit supporting families in crisis, and contributes to CISSP’s product evaluation initiatives to help shape the next generation of cybersecurity tools. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in integrity, empathy, and service—values that reflect both her professional discipline and her personal mission to empower others. Whether leading cyber operations or mentoring future leaders, Sara Jacob continues to champion innovation with purpose and humanity.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional
• University of Technology – Iraq - Bachelor of Science - BS, Computer Science
• Old Dominion University - Master of Science - MS, Computer Science
• Civil Servant Award from the U.S. General
• Active volunteer with CISSP
• ForKids
• CISSP
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, curiosity, and a deep sense of purpose. Working across government, defense, and private sectors has taught me that technology is only as strong as the people behind it. My faith in continuous learning, my ability to adapt, and my commitment to leading with integrity have allowed me to build not just systems—but trust. I also credit my success to the mentors and teams who have challenged me to grow and to the values instilled by my family that keep me grounded and mission-driven.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received was, “Lead with people, not processes.” In cybersecurity, it’s easy to focus on systems and tools, but lasting success comes from empowering the individuals who manage and protect those systems. That advice reshaped how I lead—reminding me that technology serves people, not the other way around.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To young women entering cybersecurity, I’d say: don’t be intimidated by the technical side—learn it, master it, but never lose sight of your humanity. This field needs your empathy, your voice, and your ability to think critically under pressure. Seek mentors, stay curious, and remember that diversity in thought and perspective is one of cybersecurity’s greatest strengths.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The greatest challenge—and opportunity—in cybersecurity today is the integration of artificial intelligence. We’re at a pivotal moment where technology can either replace human judgment or enhance it. My research focuses on the latter—ensuring AI strengthens, not overrides, human decision-making. Balancing automation with ethical responsibility is our next frontier.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, accountability, and compassion guide everything I do. Whether I’m leading a team, mentoring others, or building cyber systems, I believe that doing right by people always leads to stronger results. Outside of work, I value balance—gardening, cooking, paddle boarding, and spending time in nature remind me that success isn’t just about achievement; it’s about alignment with what matters most.