Navigating the Ever-Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape: Insights Mr. Zakir Hussain, CEO, BD Software Distribution Pvt. Ltd.

In an era of rapid technological evolution, the digital landscape is constantly witnessing groundbreaking advancements. However, as technologies progress, so do the challenges posed by cyber threats. Amidst this ever-changing cybersecurity landscape, the launch of 5G technology holds tremendous potential for the Indian market. To gain valuable perspectives on this intersection of 5G and cybersecurity, SmartStateIndia had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Zakir Hussain, the CEO of BD Software Distribution Pvt. Ltd. With their exclusive partnership with global cybersecurity leader Bitdefender and a strong foothold in the Indian market, BD Software Distribution Pvt. Ltd. is at the forefront of providing robust security solutions. Mr. Hussain talked about the opportunities brought forth by 5G, the evolving role of AI Chatbots in ensuring customer security, a review of the cybersecurity industry in the wake of the union budget 2023, and BD Software Distribution Pvt. Ltd.’s strategic plans to further expand their presence. Join us as we delve into the invaluable insights shared by Mr. Zakir Hussain, shedding light on the perpetual cat-and-mouse game between ever-evolving cyber threats and the advancement of technology.

Here’s an excerpt from the interaction:

Can you provide an overview of BD Software and its exclusive strategic tie-up with Bitdefender?

Bitdefender has been growing consistently over the last 6-7 years in India. The products & solutions are well accepted and used across the world and they have received numerous awards from testing bodies and other awards. We can say that more than 10 lakh users have used Bitdefender in India and we are growing our user base in consumer and corporate & SMB sectors. Our government business is also growing. The reason for the growth has been consistent and user-friendly support to the users & partners, continuous partner policies and aggressive marketing. We look forward to continuing our growth in this financial year and we have a certain aggressive target in mind to achieve the same.

How has BD Software’s journey been in the Indian market so far? What milestones have been achieved?

BD Software Distribution Pvt. Ltd. (BD Software) is one of the leading IT security distributors offering industry-leading consumer, SMB & enterprise-level solutions in the Indian market. The company has been delivering services in cyber security, safety & support since 2016. In the past few years, BD Software has successfully established itself as a prominent Value-Added Distributor of IT security solutions. As of now, BD supports more than 2000+ partner networks spread across the country servicing consumers, SMBs to large Enterprises & Governments.

With the implementation of 5G technology, how do you foresee it impacting the cybersecurity industry in India? Are there any specific opportunities, or even threats, that you anticipate?

5G technology represents the next generation standard of wireless communication, connecting devices, machines, businesses, and people. 5G ability to deliver higher multi-Gbps data speed, massive bandwidth and network capacity, better availability and more reliability compared to any other mobile network. The growth of smart networks will allow the development of smart homes and cities, which will increase the dependency on 5G technology enormously. This will result in increased threat potential of cyber threats. Cybercriminals may try to install into the core network to allow data to be intercepted and redirected. Improper deployment, configuration or management could also make the network vulnerable to disruption and manipulation. As a prevention measure one must upgrade DNS security and URL filtering. Ensure that multifactor authentication and encryption are in place across all devices. Use end-to-end protection solutions to identify and block vulnerability exploitation, malicious content, and suspicious behaviour. The expected launch of 5G we might witness the ability to change the dynamics of industries in preventing risks making it a reliable source to carry out safe and secure work.

Ransomware has been a significant concern for the IT industry globally. In your opinion, is it still a major threat for the Indian IT industry? How is BD Software actively working to combat the threat of ransomware for its customers?

Ransomware continues to be a major threat globally, and the Indian IT industry is not immune to this risk. Ransomware attacks can target organizations of any size and across various sectors, including in India. It is important for businesses to stay vigilant and implement robust security measures to protect against this threat. To combat the threat of ransomware, we BD Software typically employ multiple strategies. Develop security solutions that include real-time scanning, behavior analysis, and machine learning algorithms to identify and block ransomware threats before they can cause harm. Provide educational resources and awareness campaigns to help customers understand the risks of ransomware and adopt security best practices, such as regular backups, strong passwords, and cautious email and internet browsing habits. Release regular updates to their software, ensuring that customers have the latest protection against emerging ransomware strains and techniques. It’s important to note that the cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, and new ransomware variants and attack techniques emerge regularly. Therefore, it’s crucial for organizations to stay up to date with the latest security solutions and practices to protect against ransomware threats.

Could you share your insights on the cyber security industry review from the union budget 2023? How do you think it will shape the industry in India?

Cybersecurity is a major concern for individuals, businesses, and governments alike. With the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks, it is essential for organizations to invest in cybersecurity measures. The Union Budget 2023 has allocated funds for strengthening the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure. This move signals the government’s commitment to protecting citizens from cyber threats and ensuring that their data remains secure. It also indicates that the government is serious about tackling cybercrime and preventing future attacks. The budget allocation will go a long way in helping organizations protect themselves from malicious actors and ensure that their data remains safe.

What are BD Software’s plans and strategies to further penetrate the Indian market? Are there any new initiatives or partnerships in the pipeline?

BD Soft has steadily and remarkably reinforced its position as one of the leading IT security distributors offering industry-leading consumer, SMB & enterprise-level solutions in India. The brand is now looking forward to expanding its reach and developing an expansion strategy to contribute to development in areas with a strong security market. BD Soft have already established a significant presence in Tier 1 markets. As part of the next stage of expansion, BD Soft will concentrate on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India. The intent is to be present in over 100 cities by the end of 2023. to bring the plans together, we plan to further expand our Team by bringing on skilled individuals, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The SMB and SME market in India is rapidly expanding, as are the cybersecurity challenges they face. BD Soft hope to assist them in resolving their cyber security concerns and providing solutions that are best suited to their environment.

How does BD Software support its partner networks across the country? What types of organizations do you cater to, ranging from consumers to large enterprises and government entities?

BD Software Distribution Pvt. Ltd. has etched its name as an eminent Value-Added Distributor (VAD) of Cyber Security solutions in India, offering industry-leading SMB and Enterprise-level security solutions in the Indian market. With a strong background, technical strength and partner network across the country, BD Software provides the best-in-class IT services and products. Besides, BD Software provides the required training, certifications, & marketing materials to their channel partners to succeed. It also empowers them with POC and presales to effectively showcase the solutions to their customers. We cater to all types of organizations, ranging from individual consumers to large enterprises and government entities. Our solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each customer, whether they are looking for a basic solution or a more comprehensive one. We understand that every organization is different and has its own set of requirements and goals. That’s why we strive to provide the best possible cybersecurity solutions that are tailored to their specific needs.

BD Software has witnessed growth over the past five years. Could you elaborate on the key factors that have contributed to this growth?

Over the past five years, BD Software has seen remarkable growth due to a combination of factors. The development of innovative products and services, the expansion of their customer base, and the implementation of new strategies have all played an important role in this success. With a focus on customer satisfaction and creating value for their clients, BD Software has been able to achieve impressive results in the space of cybersecurity.