Alice Fakir
Senior Partner & Vice President, Cybersecurity Services, US Federal Market for IBM Consulting
Alice Fakir leads IBM’s efforts to help federal agencies use the latest AI-powered security tools to streamline operations, protect sensitive data and keep critical work moving without interruption — while ensuring they quickly see results from these advanced cybersecurity solutions.
Fakir points out that AI tools help teams move faster by enabling the analysis of large amounts of data to identify patterns that could signal cyber risk. These tools save time and allow teams to focus on more complex, strategic work.
Still, establishing a framework for governance, risk management and compliance can sound overwhelming at first.
“But it’s like practicing good habits for staying healthy — doing the right things early leads to healthier outcomes,” Fakir said. “Whether you’re deploying a new system or improving an existing one, identifying and addressing cybersecurity gaps and compliance needs early helps reduce risk and improve overall preparedness.”
Why Watch
Recently promoted to senior partner, Fakir is focused on how AI can make federal cybersecurity operations more efficient, and how the right tools — paired with strong processes — can improve resilience and build trust across entire agencies.
Fakir led the development of one of the first agentic AI solutions in cybersecurity: IBM CyberAgent. This tool helps cybersecurity teams take preventive action and respond quickly to threats, putting control back in the hands of security operators.
She also helped launch IBM’s state-of-the-art cyber response training facility in Washington, D.C. The facility offers agency cybersecurity teams the opportunity to experience realistic cybersecurity attack scenarios, helping to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and build a stronger agencywide security culture.
“As cyber threats become more complex, Alice’s focus on AI-powered cybersecurity solutions — designed to automate threat detection and strengthen how federal agencies respond — matches the urgent need to defend government systems across the board,” said Susan Wedge, managing partner of U.S. federal market for IBM Consulting.
Fun Fact: In the early days of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Fakir led a Defense Department contractor team that tackled supply chain vulnerabilities. Their work helped shape the governance, risk and compliance framework still used across DOD today. That experience later guided her work with major financial institutions, including Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase & Co., before she returned to federal leadership roles.