Dr. Mohd Saqib
Assistant Professor, ICS, KFUPM

Dr. Mohd Saqib

AI and Cybersecurity Researcher

Researcher working at the intersection of malware analysis, explainable AI, digital forensics, and applied deep learning.

Contact Information

Office Address
22-321
Phone
+966-013-860-3120
Extension
3120
Email
mohd.saqib@kfupm.edu.sa

About

Dr. Saqib is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Information and Computer Science (ICS) Department at KFUPM, and associated with the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Intelligent Secure Systems (IRC-ISS). He is an AI and cybersecurity researcher whose work focuses on explainable AI, malware analysis, and applied deep learning. He received his PhD from McGill University, Canada, his M.Tech in Data Analytics from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, India, and his earlier academics from Aligarh Muslim University, India. His research has appeared in leading venues, including ACM Computing Surveys, IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems, IEEE ICDE, and ECML PKDD. He is a recipient of the FRQNT scholarship and has been listed in the Stanford–Elsevier Global Top 2% Scientists ranking. His broader research interests include trustworthy AI, digital forensics, and software security.

Research Areas

Malware Analysis

Research on malware understanding, detection, and security-focused analytical methods.

Explainable AI

Developing interpretable machine learning approaches that make model decisions more transparent.

Digital Forensics

Studying forensic methods for cyber investigations, evidence analysis, and trustworthy interpretation.

Applied Deep Learning

Designing deep learning systems for practical problems in cybersecurity and intelligent data analysis.

Education

PhD, School of Information Studies

McGill University, Canada

Research focused on explainable AI for malware analysis.

M.Tech in Data Analytics

Indian Institute of Technology, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, India

Graduate study in data analytics with strong emphasis on machine learning and intelligent systems.

Master of Computer Application

Aligarh Muslim University, India

Advanced academic training in computer science and software systems.

B.Sc. in Computer Application

Aligarh Muslim University, India

Foundation in computing, programming, and applied software development.

Projects

Hybrid Analysis-based Zero-Day Ransomware Detection

Türkiye, Jan 2026 – Present

Research project hosted at Yıldız Technical University and funded by TÜBİTAK 1001, focused on advanced ransomware detection and intelligent security analysis.

Defending our Cyberspace: AI-powered Search Engine for CTI

Canada, Jan 2022 – Jun 2025

Research work on cyber threat intelligence for predicting and counteracting cyber threats, supported by BlackBerry and Defence Research and Development Canada.

Seismic Prediction using AI

India, Dec 2020 – Apr 2024

Time series and AI-driven research for seismic prediction carried out through international collaboration and supported by SERB and DST in India.

Smart Electric Vehicle Charging through Cloud Monitoring and Management

India, Jul 2016 – May 2017

Cloud-based software solution for hybrid vehicle charging under a government-funded project focused on smart energy systems.

Experience

Assistant Professor

ICS, KFUPM

Current faculty position in intelligent and secure systems, teaching and research in AI and cybersecurity.

Teaching Assistant

McGill University, Montreal, Canada | Jan 2022 – Present

Supported graduate teaching in information security, cryptography, software exploitation and defence, and network and endpoint security.

Visiting Scholar

Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, UAE | Dec 2023 – Feb 2024

Worked on explainable AI for digital forensics and malware-related cyber forensic research.

Software Engineer

Think Mobile, New Delhi, India | Aug 2018 – Jul 2019

Led development of web-based community software solutions using modern web technologies and cloud tools.

Patents and Publications

Patents

Complete list

Open patents page

Publications

Complete list

Open publications page

Awards & Recognition

Stanford–Elsevier Top 2% Scientist

2024, 2025

Recognized among the global top 2% scientists in Information and Communication Technologies.

FRQNT Scholarship

2023 – 2027

Recipient of the Quebec provincial doctoral scholarship.

Graduate Excellence Award

McGill University

Received for strong academic and research performance.

Dorothy Carruthers Prize

McGill University

Recognition for publishing in an A* conference venue.

Volunteer Work

Secretary

Advances in Geomatics | 2023 – Present

Supporting journal-related academic coordination and activities.

PhD Students Representative

McGill University | 2023 – 2024

Represented doctoral students and supported communication across the school community.

Media

FRQNT Scholarship Awarded

2023

Featured in news related to receiving the FRQNT scholarship.

Times of India Coverage

2016

Media coverage related to debate participation and public discussion.

help4blood.com

2015

Featured for developing a search platform for blood donor support.