Shafaque Shahid Qureshi
Shafaque Qureshi is a dedicated Network Security and SOC Analyst based in Houston, Texas, with over six years of hands-on experience in network operations, security engineering, and enterprise security monitoring. She began her career as a network engineer, gaining practical experience with LAN/WAN infrastructure, SD-WAN technologies, and Cisco devices before transitioning into cybersecurity. Her approach is rooted in real-world operational experience, allowing her to bring a practical defender’s mindset to incident investigation, vulnerability management, and infrastructure security. Shafaque has successfully implemented firewall rules, access controls, and encryption standards, improving system availability and reducing incident response times without disrupting business operations.
Currently, Shafaque works as an Information Security Analyst for a U.S.-based startup, where she has had the unique opportunity to build security capabilities from the ground up. She researches tools, identifies security gaps, and implements protective measures, combining her technical expertise with strategic thinking. Her work has directly resulted in a 35% reduction in confirmed security incidents and a 40% improvement in system uptime. Beyond her professional duties, she actively mentors undergraduate students through the WiCyS Aspiring Professional Mentorship program and shares her insights through blogs, helping to guide the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Shafaque holds a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of Houston, along with a previous Master’s in Information Technology, and has earned multiple certifications including Security+, CEH, and CCNA. She has been recognized for her contributions to the cybersecurity community, including features in Women in CyberSecurity publications and active participation in professional mentoring programs. As an international professional who navigated the challenges of building a career in the U.S., Shafaque values practical experience, continuous learning, and giving back to the community, making her a trusted and inspiring figure in the field of network security.
• Pre Security Certificate
• Telstra - Cybersecurity Job Simulation
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Ethical Hacker
• (ISC)² Candidate
• MTA: Security Fundamentals - Certified 2017
• Ethical Hacking: Enumeration
• Ethical Hacking: Scanning Networks
• Ethical Hacking: Footprinting and Reconnaissance
• Ethical Hacking: Introduction to Ethical Hacking
• Cybersecurity Foundations
• SD-WAN Mastery Collection - Managing the Application Experience
• SD-WAN Mastery Collection - Getting Started
• Silver Peak SDWAN Professional
• Communication Foundations
• Fortinet Network Security Expert Level 3: Certified Associate
• Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing and Switching
• University of Houston- Master's
• Usha Pravin Gandhi College of Arts, Commerce and Science- Master's
• Rizvi College of Arts Science and Commerce- Bachelor's
• Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS)
• International Society of Automation (ISA)
• CYBR.SEC.CON.
• HOU.SEC.CON.
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say I just had enough trust and confidence in myself that I could do it. My parents were also my greatest support. They were always there for me, telling me they trust in me and know I am capable. That foundation of confidence they instilled in me from an early age has been crucial. Since I was in high school, I've always been interested in and curious about computers and technology. This is what led me to choose this career path. Even though I came to America alone as an international student without my family, that self-belief and the support system my parents provided kept me going through the difficult phases.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was from one of my professors during my master's degree. He told me he saw good potential in me and said I should just not stop, to trust in myself, and go ahead and do whatever I want. That encouragement to believe in myself and keep pushing forward has stayed with me throughout my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to just believe in yourself and see what you have passion for. Always choose a career that you find challenging and that you enjoy, because when you do work that you enjoy, it doesn't seem like work—it's like a passionate hobby. Cybersecurity is such a vast field, and it can be confusing at first. I was confused too when I started, but slowly as I learned more about it, I discovered I was more interested in network security and the technical aspects, like configuring firewalls. So my advice is to follow the path and discover what you find challenging and what excites you. I also tell the undergraduate students I mentor that unless you actually work in the field, you will never understand how things really work in cybersecurity—theoretical and practical things are two different things. I know how much of a difference it made to have someone guide me, which is why I now mentor students myself. Don't underestimate the impact one conversation with the right person can have on your career direction.
And don't be afraid to reach out for guidance and mentorship along the way
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in cybersecurity right now is that people don't understand the full scope of what it really is. Many think you just need to understand the theoretical aspects and then go for interviews. But it's not like that; cybersecurity is much more about the practical part. Unless you actually work in the field, you will never understand how things really work. Because of this misunderstanding, so many people are not getting good opportunities. However, the flip side is that cybersecurity has millions of unfilled positions globally. The demand far outweighs the supply, so if you have the right practical skills and experience, employers are desperate for good talent. The gap exists not because people aren't interested, but because not enough people have the real-world skills to fill those roles. I also believe diversity is one of the biggest untapped opportunities in this field. Cybersecurity problems are ultimately human problems; they involve behavior, psychology, and communication. Diverse teams are stronger and more creative in how they approach threats, and women and underrepresented groups entering the field today have a real chance to not just participate in cybersecurity but to help shape and redefine it.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is the most important value to me in both my personal and professional life. In cybersecurity, especially, integrity takes on a deeper meaning; we are trusted with sensitive data and critical systems that organizations and people rely on. Every decision and action has to come from a place of integrity because the consequences of a lapse in this field can be devastating for real people and real organizations. I also value dedication tremendously. Once I'm into something, I have to get it done. And I greatly value motivation from my seniors and leaders, as it pushes me to continuously grow. Beyond this, I'm deeply committed to giving back. I mentor undergraduate students through WiCyS and make myself available to students who reach out on LinkedIn, helping them figure out what certifications to pursue and what path to take. For me, it's about paying it forward, because I was once in that position too, confused and without guidance, and I want to help others avoid that struggle