As India’s digital landscape expands, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have become central to cybersecurity, enabling organizations to combat increasingly sophisticated threats. In this exclusive interview with SmartStateIndia, Sandeep Agarwal, MD & Global CTO of Visionet, shares how AI and ML are reshaping cybersecurity strategies, addressing the skills gap, and preparing organizations for future challenges. Agarwal also highlights Visionet’s initiatives to integrate advanced AI-driven security measures, underscoring the critical need for collaboration, training, and diversity to build a resilient digital ecosystem in India.
As India rapidly progresses on its digital trajectory, cybersecurity is becoming a critical concern. Could you elaborate on the role of AI and machine learning in enhancing cybersecurity measures for Indian organizations?
AI and machine learning (ML) are shaking things up in the cybersecurity landscape for Indian organizations. There’s a growing interest in technologies like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs), and Cloud-native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPP). Additionally, you can’t overlook the importance of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), Threat Intelligence Services, and comprehensive Security Audits and Assessments.
But it’s pertinent to recognize that generative AI is a double-edged sword. While threat actors use it for deepfake generation, AI-driven phishing emails, and sophisticated malware attacks, defenders are harnessing its power for detecting anomalies, phishing attempts, and malware and in User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA). For Indian organizations, implementing these advanced technologies isn’t just about staying secure; it’s also about strengthening their assets and gaining a competitive edge.
Visionet has a global footprint in technology solutions. What strategies or initiatives is Visionet employing to bolster cybersecurity, particularly through AI integration?
Visionet is at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, leveraging a dynamic and multipronged strategy that integrates AI to enhance resilience and adaptability across its global technology solutions. By focusing on areas such as Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC), Cloud Security, Application Security, and modern Security Operations Center (SOC) services, Visionet prioritizes proactive security measures.
Imagine a cybersecurity landscape where real-time threat monitoring is powered by advanced AI and machine learning. Visionet’s SOC is designed to detect anomalies and correlate events from multiple data sources seamlessly. This AI-driven automation actively seeks out and neutralizes threats, significantly reducing the need for human intervention in high-stakes situations. As a result, operational efficiency is enhanced, allowing teams to focus on strategic decision-making rather than getting bogged down by routine tasks.
Furthermore, with a unified view across global sites, Visionet’s SOC services provide centralized visibility and standardized security practices. This ensures that no matter where a threat arises, it can be swiftly addressed with a consistent and effective response. By embracing these cutting-edge technologies and strategies, Visionet is not just bolstering cybersecurity; it’s pioneering a future where businesses can operate confidently in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
The shortage of AI-skilled cybersecurity professionals is a significant challenge in India. How do you think AI can help bridge this skills gap, and what steps can organizations take to upskill their existing workforce in this area?
AI can indeed be transformative in addressing the cybersecurity skills gap in India by automating high-stakes tasks and amplifying the effectiveness of existing teams. Imagine AI as a skilled co-pilot: it handles repetitive tasks—such as log analysis, threat detection, and alert prioritization—freeing cybersecurity teams to focus on complex threats that require human judgment and strategic insight. With machine learning models capable of identifying low-level threats in real time, AI reduces the need for constant monitoring, allowing skilled professionals to step in, only when necessary.
To narrow the skills gap, organizations can actively empower their teams through continuous learning initiatives. Collaborating with educational platforms and institutions to offer courses in AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity can set a solid foundation. Encouraging hands-on experience with AI-driven tools, running simulated cybersecurity exercises, and fostering collaboration between AI and cybersecurity teams will build a workforce capable of leveraging AI tools effectively. This multi-layered approach not only improves their technical skills but also instills an adaptable mindset—vital for the dynamic world of cybersecurity.
What role do you think educational institutions should play in integrating cybersecurity and AI courses into their curricula?
Primarily, institutions should develop interdisciplinary programs that blend cybersecurity and AI, fostering a keen understanding of both fields. This approach not only gears students for the technical challenges of today but also equips them with the analytical skills needed to counteract novel cyber threats. By offering hands-on experiences through labs and simulations, students can engage with real-world scenarios, enhancing their problem-solving capabilities and making them industry ready.
Additionally, partnerships with industry leaders can bridge the gap between academia and real-world scenarios. Guest lectures, internships, and collaborative projects with tech companies allow students to learn from experts while gaining exposure to current challenges and innovative solutions.
Moreover, educational institutions should prioritize continuous learning by offering certifications and specialized courses that align with industry demands.
Ultimately, by embedding cybersecurity and AI into their educational frameworks, institutions can create a pipeline of skilled professionals who are prepared to protect and innovate in our increasingly digital world. This proactive approach not only benefits students but also strengthens the overall security landscape, fostering a safer and more resilient future for everyone.
With the rise in generative AI adoption for cybersecurity, what risks and benefits should organizations be aware of when leveraging these technologies for threat detection and response?
The rise of generative AI in cybersecurity brings both intriguing opportunities and mammoth challenges that organizations must maneuver tactfully. Generative AI can analyze bulk data at lightning speed, identifying patterns and anomalies that might go unnoticed by traditional methods. This capability helps organizations to detect sophisticated threats more effectively, including zero-day vulnerabilities and advanced persistent threats (APTs). The duration between detection and mitigation is greatly reduced with GenAI. It can simulate potential attack scenarios, permitting organizations to brace for future threats. As threats evolve, AI is a step ahead with its ability to learn continuously and enhance its algorithms. Despite significant benefits, the downsides cannot be ignored. GenAI can produce false positives and flag benign activities as threats. Compliance with data privacy regulations and sensitive data protection should be the top-most prerogative. Over-reliance on GenAI can create complacency in the cybersecurity teams, human oversight is important.
Attracting and retaining top cybersecurity talent is a major concern for many companies. What strategies would you suggest for organizations to make cybersecurity roles more appealing, especially for AI-skilled professionals
A strategic approach is essential to attract and retain top cybersecurity talent. Competitive remuneration, benefits, and professional development opportunities can go a long way in retaining talent. Additionally, upskilling of existing employees through continuous learning opportunities in the form of robust training programs, certifications, mentorship programs and workshops can help imbibe a culture of innovation. Emphasize the critical role cybersecurity plays in protecting organizations and individuals. Communicate how employees’ contributions directly impact the safety and security of systems and data and foster cross-functional collaboration to create an engaged workforce.
Looking ahead, what emerging trends or technologies do you see playing a pivotal role in the future of cybersecurity, and how is Visionet preparing to stay ahead of these developments?
As we gaze into the future, several emerging trends and technologies are poised to revolutionize the cybersecurity landscape. Visionet is keenly aware of these developments and is actively preparing to leverage them for enhanced security solutions. AI/ML technologies, zero trust architecture, extended detection and response (XDR), and cloud security innovations, will have a groundbreaking impact. Through strategic investments in AI, a commitment to zero trust principles, and a focus on integrated security solutions, Visionet is prepared to navigate the evolving threat landscape and protect its clients more effectively. This proactive approach ensures that Visionet remains adaptable and resilient in the dynamic digital environment.
