Professor Dr. Shahbaz Pervez Chattha is a globally recognized cybersecurity leader whose 25-year career exemplifies excellence at the intersection of academia and industry. As Programme Leader and Distinguished Faculty Member at Whitecliffe New Zealand, he has pioneered innovative approaches to cybersecurity education while maintaining active engagement with industry challenges.
Professor Dr. Shahbaz Pervez Chattha is a globally recognized cybersecurity leader whose 25-year career exemplifies excellence at the intersection of academia and industry. As Programme Leader and Distinguished Faculty Member at Whitecliffe New Zealand, he has pioneered innovative approaches to cybersecurity education while maintaining active engagement with industry challenges.
His scholarly contributions include authoring 60+ peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals and conferences, establishing him as a thought leader in the field. Beyond research, Professor Chattha has successfully secured and led multiple funded projects, demonstrating his ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. His technical mastery spans the full spectrum of modern cybersecurity – from artificial intelligence and machine learning applications to network defense architectures, digital forensics methodologies, and comprehensive ICT governance frameworks.
Professor Chattha’s expertise is validated by an exceptional portfolio of 15+ elite certifications from leading organizations including ISO 27001/IEC Lead Auditor, Cisco (CCIE Security), ISACA (CISM), EC-Council (CEH), Sun Micro Systems (SCJP), Microsoft Inc (MCP), and CompTIA (Security+). His rare distinction as both a Cisco Certified Master Trainer and one of New Zealand’s select EC-Council certified instructors underscores his commitment to developing cybersecurity talent. These professional achievements are complemented by his standing as a registered engineer with the Pakistan Engineering Council, member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (UK), Chartered Member and Board Member of wellington Branch of ITP New Zealand. As a consultant, he has left an indelible mark on critical infrastructure projects, most notably in designing and implementing secure smart city ecosystems that meet rigorous international security standards. His advisory work bridges the gap between academic research and real-world cybersecurity implementation.
At the forefront of cybersecurity education, Professor Chattha has revolutionized curriculum development for graduate and postgraduate programs across international institutions. His frameworks align with the exacting standards of PEC, ABET, NCAAA, and NZQA, ensuring the next generation of professionals are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Beyond institutional work, he dedicates significant effort to mentoring emerging scholars, guiding Master’s and PhD candidates through complex research while advising industry professionals on cutting-edge technologies. This unique combination of academic leadership, industry consultation, and hands-on mentorship positions Professor Chattha as a transformative figure in cybersecurity – one who not only understands today’s digital challenges but is actively shaping tomorrow’s solutions through education, innovation, and strategic collaboration.