National University of Sciences and Technology, Pakistan
Profile
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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Muahammad Sharjeel Zareen began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical (Telecommunication) Engineering from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan, in 2002. Demonstrating a deep-rooted interest in digital security, he later earned a Master’s degree in Information Security from the same institution in 2014. His exceptional academic performance earned him the President’s Gold Medal, a prestigious recognition awarded for securing the top position in his graduate program. His MS thesis, titled “Provision of Validated Toolset of Freeware Computer Forensics Tools (CFTs),” reflected his early commitment to advancing the reliability and validation of cyber forensic methodologies.
💼 Professional Endeavors
Professionally, Sharjeel Zareen has amassed significant experience in the field of cyber security and telecommunications. He has been instrumental in conducting 1st, 2nd, and 3rd party cybersecurity audits of IP networks deployed at the national level in Pakistan. His responsibilities extended to working closely with telecom stakeholders to design and implement security controls for a private Greenfield 4G LTE mobile network during its planning and deployment stages. These experiences underscore his applied expertise in both strategic planning and operational security of critical infrastructure.
🔍 Contributions and Research Focus
Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in Information Security at NUST, where his research is focused on IoT Forensics—a rapidly evolving area that investigates forensic techniques for the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems. His work is contributing to establishing standards and methodologies to collect and analyze digital evidence from smart devices. Additionally, Sharjeel played a pivotal role in drafting Pakistan’s first-ever “Security Standards for Cryptographic & IT Security Devices,” an initiative undertaken by the Cabinet Division of the Government of Pakistan, signifying his contribution to shaping national-level cybersecurity policy and standards.
🌐 Impact and Influence
Sharjeel's influence extends beyond academia and research. As a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI) accredited by EC-Council, and as an ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, he has been a part of major national cybersecurity efforts. His contributions are not only technically sound but also instrumental in building the cyber resilience framework for Pakistan. His involvement in regulatory and auditing domains has made him a respected expert in cyber forensics and risk compliance.
📚 Academic Citations
While detailed citation metrics are not provided here, Sharjeel's ongoing doctoral work and his validated MS thesis form a solid foundation for academic referencing in fields related to digital forensics, cybersecurity audit frameworks, and national security standards. His future publications are anticipated to further enhance his citation index and influence within the global cybersecurity research community.
🛠️ Technical Skills
Sharjeel brings a robust technical toolkit to his roles. He is proficient in various aspects of information security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, network audit, penetration testing, and ISO-compliant security assessments. His familiarity with freeware forensic tools, validated through his master's thesis, showcases his commitment to cost-effective, scalable solutions in cybersecurity.
👨🏫 Teaching Experience
Though explicit teaching assignments are not mentioned, Sharjeel’s role as a Ph.D. scholar at NUST, combined with his professional stature, suggests likely involvement in academic mentorship, research supervision, or adjunct instruction in cybersecurity and forensics courses. His practical knowledge and certifications make him a valuable resource for students and junior professionals in the information security domain.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
Muahammad Sharjeel Zareen is positioned to make long-lasting contributions to the field of cybersecurity in Pakistan and beyond. His active participation in policy formulation, national-level deployments, and ongoing academic research reflect a career marked by vision, innovation, and service. With IoT Forensics gaining global traction, his current Ph.D. work is expected to address critical gaps in digital investigations involving smart technologies, paving the way for standardized global frameworks.
📚 Selected Publications
Title: Digital Forensics: Latest Challenges and Response
Authors: M.S. Zareen, A. Waqar, B. Aslam
Conference: 2nd National Conference on Information Assurance (NCIA), pp. 21–29
Year: 2013
Title: Cyber Security Challenges And Wayforward For Developing Countries
Authors: M.S. Zareen, M. Akhlaq, M. Tariq, U. Khalid
Conference: 2nd National Conference on Information Assurance (NCIA), pp. 7–14
Year: 2013
Title: Internet of Things (IoT): The Next Paradigm Shift but What's the Delay?
Authors: M.S. Zareen, M. Tariq
Conference: 17th IEEE International Multi Topic Conference, pp. 143–148
Year: 2014
Title: $LogFile of NTFS: A Blueprint of Activities
Authors: M.S. Zareen, B. Aslam
Conference: 17th IEEE International Multi Topic Conference, pp. 305–310
Year: 2014
Title: Criteria for Validating Secure Wiping Tools
Authors: M.S. Zareen, B. Aslam, M. Akhlaq
Conference: Advances in Digital Forensics XI, 11th IFIP WG 11.9 International Conference, Orlando, FL, USA
Year: 2015